Common Pitfalls Of The US Student Visa Interview

The answer is simple, very important! Every year, there are a number of candidates who get rejected not because of something they lack, but simply because they didn't turn up to the interview at all or they turned up late. Make sure this doesn't happen to you. Set alarms weeks in advance, inform your friends/family members to call you up prior to the day and inform, or leave notes on the refrigerator. If you are an especially forgetful person, make sure you leave no stone unturned in being ready for the D-day when it comes.

We all know what role first impressions play in determining whether you'll like the person standing in front of you or not. Simple cues like:

• Giving thought to what you're gonna wear during an interview
• Being hygienic & well-groomed
• Discarding clumsiness
• Maintaining proper eye contact with your interviewer
• Being polite and patient in your approach
• Being assertive without being argumentative

Keep a ready checklist of documents before you leave for your interview. You don't want to reach the venue and notice that you've forgotten to keep your class 12th certificate with you. It will only create unnecessary hassles for you and even if you manage to solve it, you may lose your confidence in all the hurriedness. So check and crosscheck well in advance, if you have all the mandatory original and xerox copies. Some of the important documents that you’d need during your interview are -

• Copy of your interview appointment letter
• DS-160 Confirmation printout
• Original Visa fee receipt (applicant’s copy)
• Original I-20
• SEVIS fee receipt
• Passport
• Birth certificate

Visa interviews can be pretty daunting. But that is still no excuse to lie during your interview. The consequences of lying could be permanent ineligibility for a US visa or a permanent record, which will influence your subsequent attempts to apply for the visa. So, make sure all the documents that you produce are completely unadulterated and true. Also, whatever claims you make in the interview should be completely true and not a work of fiction. Consular Officers are highly trained in their jobs and have years of experience. They will analyze and judge the way you walk, sit, interact with people while in the queue, and even the tiniest of facial expression.

Just like any other prestigious job interview of your life, merely holding potential and being a good candidate doesn't seal the deal. You most definitely need to put across your point and convince them why you should be approved. This will only be possible through brilliant communication skills. The confidence that exudes you, should reach them as well. Never look at your shoes or your watch while you are talking to a person. Look straight in their eyes, but not in an intimidating way. Always remember no matter what, you cannot start arguing with your interviewer. This will lead to disqualification, for sure.

Go through various sites online and cross-check whether you have a semi-candid answer for all those frequently asked questions that pop up. When we say semi-candid, it means that when you are actually conversing with the officer, it shouldn't come across as a mugged up answer. The interviewer should know these are your words, your thoughts, and not some answer you learned by rote.

However, at the same time, you should have an idea of what the questions might be like. Some of the most common questions are given below:

1. What are the names of the universities you have applied to?
2. What are the names of the universities you did get admitted into?
3. What is the exact purpose of your study in the USA?
4. Would you be able to tell me details of the University you're gonna be studying in, in the USA?
5. What has your GPA percentage been previously?
6. Have you ever paid a visit to the U.S. before?
7. What plans do you have for yourself after graduation?
8. Did you receive any scholarships for the study course you have enrolled into?
9. Who will finance your studies?
10. Do you have any relatives in the USA?  

The maximum number of student visas get rejected for one or all of the following reasons:

• If you do not have enough evidence to support your financial security and stability while you're living in the US.
• In case you express your intention to stay in the US permanently.
• In case your credentials look suspicious or the University degree you hold seems doubtful.
• In case you already have family members settled in the US. This makes point number 2 less tangible, and hence you may be disqualified.

Read more about: What to do if your Student Visa is Rejected?

Your answers should give complete information to the Visa officer. Avoid giving one-word answers and have a specific reason as to why you have chosen the particular university that you are keen to study in, or what are your future plans. Any ambiguity or miscalculation may prove to be fatal for your dreams at this stage.

If you have a bad score-card or a record of underperformance in your academic aspects, you may need to put in extra effort to get the approval of the interviewer. This is because they are constantly looking for proof that you are capable of pulling it off in the US and doing good there. If they don't find evidence or conviction on your part, they will reject you.

GyanDhan understands how intimidating visa interviews can be. The best way to acing your visa interview is to prepare for them with the experts. And that’s why we have partnered with experts and Ex-Visa counselors who can help you prepare for the same. They will help you with the interview, slot booking, and provide useful tips. We also know that visa counseling is an expensive deal and so, you can get a discounted price on applying for it via GyanDhan. Contact us to book a counseling session.