Gear up for the US F-1 student visa interview

Gear up for the US F-1 student visa interview

If you’re getting ready for your F1 student visa interview, first of all accept our hearty Congratulations! This means you’ve got admission in the college of your choice in the US. No mean task, indeed! But now you have a hurdle to cross— you have to get through your F1 Interview to get your student visa.

After you have filed your application and it’s accepted, you will be able to schedule your visa interview with the United States consulate or embassy in your country. This guide will help you prepare for your big day, and ace the interview!

Let’s first understand what the F-1 student visa is all about, and what sort of questions you are likely to encounter during the interview.

What is the F-1 student visa?

The coveted US F-1 is a non-immigrant visa for international students and is granted for a maximum of five years. Students who plan to study in US-based universities, language training programs, colleges, high schools, and other academic institutions must hold this visa.

What should you keep in mind?

Keep in mind:

• The Consulate must be sure of your intentions to return home once the study program is completed. If you talk about settling in there permanently, you could just get rejected.
• You’ll have to show proof that your application is accepted by your desired educational institution in the US. The offer letter from the Institute and any correspondence you have had with them in this regard will suffice.
• Any documents you possess that tie you to your home country i.e., family assets, bank accounts and other property records, will help to show that you will be returning to India. 

Documents for F-1 student visa interview

Your application and appointment letter are most important, and usually you will not have to show them anything else. But here’s a list of documents you’ll need to take with you: 

1. Personal Information

• Passport (current and old ones)
• Visa application fee receipt
• Appointment letter for visa interview
• DS-160 form confirmation showing the barcode
• SEVIS fee receipt
• One 2” x 2” photograph taken within the past 6 months

2. Academic papers

• 10^th and 12^th Std transcripts and mark sheets
• GRE/GMAT/ SAT test scores, if applicable
• Test scores of English language proficiency tests
• Mark sheet or provisional certificate for the last academic grade completed
• Any other academic certificates that are relevant

3. Work papers

• Salary slips for last 6 months, as applicable
• Joining letter
• Resignation acceptance letter

4. Financial documents

• Education loan approval letter
• Last 3 years’ bank statements
• FD certificates
• Tax returns
• Proof of property holding documents

Possible questions for F-1 student visa interview 

Never take the visa interview lightly! This interview can totally transform your future, and you should prepare well to answer any questions that you may be asked.

Here’s a list of probable questions. This is indicative only, and they can ask anything else based on your profile.

1. Which course and University are you going to join?
2. What are your reasons for picking this University in the US?
3. Why did you choose this course to study in the US?
4. (If you have changed your stream of study) Why have you chosen to move away from what you have studied at the Undergraduate level?
5. Who is sponsoring your education?
6. What is your sponsor’s professional background?
7. Once you complete the course, what are your career goals? (Note: Here, its best to say that you want to return to work in India)
8. Why have you chosen to study in the US over other countries?
9. Do you have a sibling or close relative who’s staying/studying in the US? (Note: It’s best to downplay this answer, as they might assume that you will settle down in the US with your relative)
10. Did you get any scholarships? Are you trying for one?
11. Was this course not available in your own country?
12. Why should we approve your visa?

Be prepared with answers to all these questions. Your responses should be clear and you should sound sure of yourself. Remember, they are not looking to trip you up or reject you, and if you are confident and make them believe you are not planning to settle down abroad, you will most likely sail through!

How should you dress for your F-1 student interview?

• Wear formal clothes, like a formal shirt and trousers, or a kurta or saree. Never wear jeans, T-shirts or casual skirts or shorts.
• Choose simple, low-key clothes. Avoid flashy colors or bold prints.
• Do not wear any flashy accessories or heavy jewelry.
• Make sure your clothes are fresh and not wrinkled.
• Avoid wearing strong perfumes. Use deodorant if you tend to perspire.
• If you need glasses, wear them. If you are wearing glasses in your passport picture, avoid wearing lenses.
• Sport a neat haircut, and tie up long hair in a ponytail or a braid.
• Wear formal shoes or sandals.
• Carry all the documents in a neat folder, and organize them in such a way that you can access the required document at once without having to fumble through the entire set.
• Remember, you will be standing in front of the Interviewer, who will be looking at you through a small window. Do not slouch or bend, and carry yourself well!
• Speak clearly and confidently, and be very polite. If you haven’t understood a question, don’t guess the answer. It’s fine to say, “Pardon me, could you repeat this please?”

Your F-1 student visa is your ticket to the US. If you are approved, then you can have a great educational experience abroad, can complete your post-secondary education as well as take up a part-time job in the US if you wish.

Have any questions? Your MWT Education Consultancy counselor will help you prepare for the interview, gain confidence, and arm yourself with all the right answers!