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How To Prepare For A Successful US Visa Interview (F-1 And J-1 Visas)
Kings5 years ago
~9.5 mins read
1. Be Honest (Always give correct answers)
Fill the DS-160 form honestly and, likewise, tell the truth during the interview. If you follow this trick, there is a (high) chance that you will get a visa. Lie once, and you will probably be banned from the USA for life.
All data while applying for the visa and details of the answers given in
your interview are computerized and maintained. If your visa is rejected once, you cannot be changing your
details the next time you go for an interview.
2. You need a good reason to get a Visa
Non-immigrant visa examples
Admission to a US university, Attending a meeting, Traveling to visit your family etc.
Immigrant visa examples (Fewer options)
You won a DV visa lottery, If you have some extra-ordinary accomplishments etc
3. You must have good undoubtable ties to your home country
Under United States law, all applicants for non-immigrant visas are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must therefore be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States.
"Ties" to your home country are the things that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence (i.e., job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc).
If you are a prospective student, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-long range plans, and career prospects in your home country. Each person's situation is different, of course, and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter, which can guarantee visa issuance.
4. Develop a good command of English language (Preferably the American English)
Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview.
Often times you might not understand what the interviewing officer is saying because of his/her American
accent and/or the microphone system. If you do not understand one of their sentences do not feel afraid to
say, “Beg your pardon; I did not understand you.” If he/she repeats the question, and you still do not
understand, that is not a problem; do not panic. Calmly and confidently say, “Sorry, sir/madam. I still did not understand you. Could you kindly repeat what you said?”
If you are coming to the United States solely to study intensive English, be prepared to explain how English will be useful for you in your home country.
5. Be Independent and Confident
Be confident in your answers and independent of family and guardians.
Do not bring parents or family members with you to your interview. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf. If you are a minor applying for a high school program and need your parents there in case there are questions, for example, about funding, they should wait in the waiting room.
6. Have Proper Knowledge of your program (For Students)
How does your program fit into your career plans?
If you are not able to articulate the reasons you will study in a particular program in the United States, you may not succeed in convincing the consular officer that you are indeed planning to study, rather than to immigrate. You should also be able to explain how studying in the United States relates to your future professional career in your home country.
7.
Whatever you say. Make short, clear, and to-the-point replies, in a loud and clear voice.
Do not tell anything that is irrelevant or not asked. By mistake, you could give some
unnecessary information that may lead to your rejection.
Because of the volume of applications that are received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point.
Do not unnecessarily elaborate your responses as this may not work in your favor.
8. Present only needed documents
For every question asked, when you are saying your answer, you should be prepared to simultaneously put forth a document supporting your answer and refer to the document in your answer.
E.g. If the interviewer asks you what are your ties in your home country, for which you will return to your
home country after your visit, and if one of the components for your answer is that your only grandchild is in
the home country, then you should simultaneously present photographs of your grandchild and your family
to the interviewer to strengthen your answer.
It should be clear at a glance to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they signify. Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you're lucky.
9.
Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students have remained in the United States as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from those countries are more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after their study in the United States.
10. Be cautious with questions pertaining to employments
Your main purpose of coming to the United States should be to study, not for the chance to work before or after graduation. While many students do work off-campus during their studies, such employment is incidental to their main purpose of completing their US education.
You must be able to clearly articulate your plan to return home at the end of your program. If your spouse is also applying for an accompanying F-2 visa, be aware that F-2 dependents cannot, under any circumstances, be employed in the United States. If asked, be prepared to address what your spouse intends to do with his or her time while in the United States. Volunteer work and attending school part-time are permitted activities.
11. Families at home and Dependents
If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be an especially tricky area if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the consular officer gains the impression that your family members will need you to remit money from the United States in order to support themselves, your student visa application will almost certainly be denied. If your family does decide to join you at a later time, it is helpful to have them apply at the same post where you applied for your visa
12. Remain confident and Positive
Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.
13.
i. Social media question on the visa application
Be aware of the "social media" question on Form DS-160, the standard online application used by individuals to apply for a nonimmigrant visa. The item requires applicants to indicate the social media platforms that they have used during the five years preceding their visa application, and to provide any identifiers or handles they used on those platforms. DOS also added a similar item to the Form DS-260 immigrant visa application. See NAFSA's page on the DS-160 social media question for additional information.
ii. Administrative processing delays
Some students may experience delays in obtaining a visa because of "administrative processing." This commonly occurs if your name is similar to another individual and the consulate needs to check with other government agencies about your status or background.
iii. Past visits to the United States
You may be asked to explain past visits and stays in the United States and/or any prior visa statuses held by you or your family members. Also, students who formerly held an employment-based immigration status or had Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT might also need to explain the reasons for additional study in the United States instead of working at home.
If you stayed beyond your authorized stay in the United States or violated an immigration status in the past, be prepared to explain what happened and if available, provide supporting documentation regarding the circumstances. You should consider consulting an experienced immigration lawyer for guidance on whether the Overstay or Unlawful Presence provisions impact your eligibility to return to the United States. See NAFSA's page on Unlawful Presence.
iv. Third country nationals
If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the country in which you currently live or the country where you plan to apply for a visa (i.e., you are a "third country national), you may also wish to explain your intent to return to that country upon completion of your studies in the United States.
v. Arrests and convictions
Documentation should accompany any arrests or convictions within the U.S.
The interviewing officer will always be an American (the interpreter, if required, may be local). If possible, a man should wear a tie. Americans always appreciate formal attire, so they will not find you overdressed if you wear a tie.
2. Arrive early.
You don’t want to miss your interview just because you got stuck in traffic.
3. Again! Do not get nervous. Be confident.
You will be more confident if you have prepared thoroughly. Smile when you meet the visa officer for the first time. Do not show signs of nervousness, such as flickering eyes or trembling fingers, as that could go against you. Look into the eyes of the officer while speaking.
Mind your manners and refrain from unnecessary body movement.
4.
5. Be polite
Do not argue, and do not ask unnecessary or unrelated questions.
Demonstrate respect in your language even if you do not feel this is being reciprocated.
6. Consular officers are fond of asking “What if…” type questions
Some examples are:
What would you do if you won the jackpot in a Las Vegas casino?
What if someone offers you a job in the U.S. at a very high salary?
What if someone offers you a partnership in their business?
What if some beautiful woman proposes to you?
Consular officers may ask such questions to scrutinize the applicants. Do not give an answer immediately
without thinking through it. If the officer suspects that your intention may be to stay in the U.S. and/or work
there, your visa may be rejected.
If you give answers, such as I will buy a house in the U.S. and stay there after winning the jackpot, I will
accept the job offer or partnership and start working, or get married to the beautiful U.S. citizen girl and
settle there, your visa will be rejected. When you are applying for a tourist visa, you are just supposed to tour the country and not just stay in the U.S. forever because of one or another reason.
17. Your appearance should convey who you are.
If you are a student, you should look like a student. If you are an executive, you should look like an executive. Your body language should convey friendliness, but that
you are also serious about your goal...jpeg)
Fill the DS-160 form honestly and, likewise, tell the truth during the interview. If you follow this trick, there is a (high) chance that you will get a visa. Lie once, and you will probably be banned from the USA for life.
All data while applying for the visa and details of the answers given in
your interview are computerized and maintained. If your visa is rejected once, you cannot be changing your
details the next time you go for an interview.
2. You need a good reason to get a Visa
Non-immigrant visa examples
Admission to a US university, Attending a meeting, Traveling to visit your family etc.
Advertisement
Immigrant visa examples (Fewer options)
You won a DV visa lottery, If you have some extra-ordinary accomplishments etc
3. You must have good undoubtable ties to your home country
Under United States law, all applicants for non-immigrant visas are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must therefore be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States.
"Ties" to your home country are the things that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence (i.e., job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc).
If you are a prospective student, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-long range plans, and career prospects in your home country. Each person's situation is different, of course, and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter, which can guarantee visa issuance.
4. Develop a good command of English language (Preferably the American English)
Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview.
Advertisement
Often times you might not understand what the interviewing officer is saying because of his/her American
accent and/or the microphone system. If you do not understand one of their sentences do not feel afraid to
say, “Beg your pardon; I did not understand you.” If he/she repeats the question, and you still do not
understand, that is not a problem; do not panic. Calmly and confidently say, “Sorry, sir/madam. I still did not understand you. Could you kindly repeat what you said?”
If you are coming to the United States solely to study intensive English, be prepared to explain how English will be useful for you in your home country.
5. Be Independent and Confident
Be confident in your answers and independent of family and guardians.
Do not bring parents or family members with you to your interview. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf. If you are a minor applying for a high school program and need your parents there in case there are questions, for example, about funding, they should wait in the waiting room.
6. Have Proper Knowledge of your program (For Students)
How does your program fit into your career plans?
If you are not able to articulate the reasons you will study in a particular program in the United States, you may not succeed in convincing the consular officer that you are indeed planning to study, rather than to immigrate. You should also be able to explain how studying in the United States relates to your future professional career in your home country.
7.
Advertisement
Whatever you say. Make short, clear, and to-the-point replies, in a loud and clear voice.
Do not tell anything that is irrelevant or not asked. By mistake, you could give some
unnecessary information that may lead to your rejection.
Because of the volume of applications that are received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point.
Do not unnecessarily elaborate your responses as this may not work in your favor.
8. Present only needed documents
For every question asked, when you are saying your answer, you should be prepared to simultaneously put forth a document supporting your answer and refer to the document in your answer.
E.g. If the interviewer asks you what are your ties in your home country, for which you will return to your
home country after your visit, and if one of the components for your answer is that your only grandchild is in
the home country, then you should simultaneously present photographs of your grandchild and your family
to the interviewer to strengthen your answer.
It should be clear at a glance to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they signify. Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you're lucky.
9.
Advertisement
Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students have remained in the United States as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from those countries are more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after their study in the United States.
10. Be cautious with questions pertaining to employments
Your main purpose of coming to the United States should be to study, not for the chance to work before or after graduation. While many students do work off-campus during their studies, such employment is incidental to their main purpose of completing their US education.
You must be able to clearly articulate your plan to return home at the end of your program. If your spouse is also applying for an accompanying F-2 visa, be aware that F-2 dependents cannot, under any circumstances, be employed in the United States. If asked, be prepared to address what your spouse intends to do with his or her time while in the United States. Volunteer work and attending school part-time are permitted activities.
11. Families at home and Dependents
If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be an especially tricky area if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the consular officer gains the impression that your family members will need you to remit money from the United States in order to support themselves, your student visa application will almost certainly be denied. If your family does decide to join you at a later time, it is helpful to have them apply at the same post where you applied for your visa
12. Remain confident and Positive
Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.
13.
Advertisement
i. Social media question on the visa application
Be aware of the "social media" question on Form DS-160, the standard online application used by individuals to apply for a nonimmigrant visa. The item requires applicants to indicate the social media platforms that they have used during the five years preceding their visa application, and to provide any identifiers or handles they used on those platforms. DOS also added a similar item to the Form DS-260 immigrant visa application. See NAFSA's page on the DS-160 social media question for additional information.
ii. Administrative processing delays
Some students may experience delays in obtaining a visa because of "administrative processing." This commonly occurs if your name is similar to another individual and the consulate needs to check with other government agencies about your status or background.
Advertisement
iii. Past visits to the United States
You may be asked to explain past visits and stays in the United States and/or any prior visa statuses held by you or your family members. Also, students who formerly held an employment-based immigration status or had Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT might also need to explain the reasons for additional study in the United States instead of working at home.
If you stayed beyond your authorized stay in the United States or violated an immigration status in the past, be prepared to explain what happened and if available, provide supporting documentation regarding the circumstances. You should consider consulting an experienced immigration lawyer for guidance on whether the Overstay or Unlawful Presence provisions impact your eligibility to return to the United States. See NAFSA's page on Unlawful Presence.
iv. Third country nationals
If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the country in which you currently live or the country where you plan to apply for a visa (i.e., you are a "third country national), you may also wish to explain your intent to return to that country upon completion of your studies in the United States.
v. Arrests and convictions
Documentation should accompany any arrests or convictions within the U.S.
Advertisement
Some More tips to get your visa (Leaving no stone unturned)
1. Wear formal clothes as if for a formal business meeting.The interviewing officer will always be an American (the interpreter, if required, may be local). If possible, a man should wear a tie. Americans always appreciate formal attire, so they will not find you overdressed if you wear a tie.
2. Arrive early.
You don’t want to miss your interview just because you got stuck in traffic.
3. Again! Do not get nervous. Be confident.
You will be more confident if you have prepared thoroughly. Smile when you meet the visa officer for the first time. Do not show signs of nervousness, such as flickering eyes or trembling fingers, as that could go against you. Look into the eyes of the officer while speaking.
Mind your manners and refrain from unnecessary body movement.
4.
Advertisement
5. Be polite
Do not argue, and do not ask unnecessary or unrelated questions.
Demonstrate respect in your language even if you do not feel this is being reciprocated.
6. Consular officers are fond of asking “What if…” type questions
Some examples are:
What would you do if you won the jackpot in a Las Vegas casino?
What if someone offers you a job in the U.S. at a very high salary?
What if someone offers you a partnership in their business?
What if some beautiful woman proposes to you?
Consular officers may ask such questions to scrutinize the applicants. Do not give an answer immediately
without thinking through it. If the officer suspects that your intention may be to stay in the U.S. and/or work
there, your visa may be rejected.
If you give answers, such as I will buy a house in the U.S. and stay there after winning the jackpot, I will
accept the job offer or partnership and start working, or get married to the beautiful U.S. citizen girl and
settle there, your visa will be rejected. When you are applying for a tourist visa, you are just supposed to tour the country and not just stay in the U.S. forever because of one or another reason.
17. Your appearance should convey who you are.
Advertisement
If you are a student, you should look like a student. If you are an executive, you should look like an executive. Your body language should convey friendliness, but that
you are also serious about your goal..
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