Most of the students think that obtaining an American student visa from a U.S. Embassy is a herculean task. This may be due to the reason that most of the times, despite having all the required documents and having met all the criteria, visa applications get refused.  

The visa interview is essentially conducted to determine whether the sole purpose of your travel is to pursue a program of study, your ability and intention to be a full-time student and to know your financial status to determine your education funding. The interviewer also wants to assure that you return to your own country once you have finished pursuing the program.

Below are a few pointers that could help you prepare for your student visa interview:

Know the process in detail:

Visit the US Embassy website in your country and get the right information regarding the visa application process. This will help you prepare yourself with the required documents, what to expect and other specifics. Keep in mind that visa should be applied for no more than 90 days prior to the expected date of arrival at the University as listed on the I-20.

Be prepared:

Prior preparation for the visa interview is a must for all those who are applying for the visa. First and foremost, identify your long term goals and its importance and relevance. Prepare for most commonly asked questions. Reach the consulate a little early. Ask for an interpreter if you are not confident or conversant in English. Keep your documents in place. Remember to know the details mentioned in your application. Learn about the university, course, people and your funding options. Keep yourself prim and proper for the interview as image is often as important as content.

Documents Preparation:

Bring the following to the visa interview: the I-20 form, all school documents, test scores, acceptance letter from the University, evidence of funding, bank statements, real estate holdings evidence, father’s position at home, business card if you work, letters of recommendation for your educational plan, letters from future employers in your home country, and any documents that you feel would help you prove your ties to your home country and intent to return home. Be completely familiar with all information on the I-20 form, especially the finance information.

Remember to fill in the applications /forms neatly and completely. If you are getting the copies of your documents, ensure that the copies are readable. Organize your documents in proper logical order. A well organized and orderly set of documents will make it easier for you to find the right documents quickly during the interview, so you will not get nervous.

Answer to the point and truthfully:

Know your personal plan and avoid any prepared speech or script. Your sincerity and the reasonableness or plausibility of your plan will be most persuasive. They are looking for evidence that you have given serious thought to your plans. Provide to-the-point, clear, and concise answers. Do not provide any information that is not relevant or is not asked. Make sure to give honest answers. Do not lie or exaggerate. If you are caught lying by the visa officer, your chances of getting the student visa will be ruined. Communicate clearly. Do not hesitate to politely ask to repeat or rephrase the question if you don't understand the question.

Sample questions usually asked to the applicants:

• Have you been to the US before?
• How did you know about the university or college?
• Why this particular university?
• How many universities or colleges have you applied (even rejected)
• Why Study in USA and not India?
• Scope of the chosen course and its relevance to you
• Is this course available in India? If yes, why not study in India
• Who is funding your education?
• What is your family income?
• Are you being sponsored by someone? If yes, what is the relationship you hold with your sponsor?
• Why do you think the university has offered you a scholarship? (If any)
• Have you taken GRE, GMAT etc? If not why?
• Do you want to work in the U.S.?
• What will you do after you go back to your home country?
• Do you have any friends or relatives in the US?

Like mentioned before prior preparation for a visa interview is a must. Keep in mind your dream to study in the US depends on your Visa. You will receive your visa only after you clear the visa interview. Make sure you are prepared thoroughly.

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