Did you get your i20? You now have one more challenge ahead of you. The final step in obtaining an F-1 student visa is the VISA interview. You should try to schedule an early interview. Appointments should only be booked 120 days before your classes start. Try to book your interview as soon as you can because there are usually only a few dates available. But, avoid visiting CGI Federal page (the website where dates can be booked) multiple times, it can freeze your CGI Federal account. If you don't keep this in mind, it could prevent you from visiting for at least three days. So, try to avoid going to the site regularly and instead join some of the social media groups where you can find out about available slots and check the site at certain intervals. Prepare for your interview after scheduling a time for your appointment.
A visa interview is only a conversation between a visa officer and a student. The main purpose of the visa interview is to determine if the student is eligible to study in the United States. The visa officer may inquire about your intentions in the United States, your true desire to study in the United States, and your financial status. The visa interview might last anywhere from one to three minutes, and it could even last longer (depending on the situation). During this interview, the student must attempt to convince the visa officer that they are qualified and deserving of the opportunity to study in the United States.
1. Don’t forget your essential documents (passport, DS 160, SEVIS fees, I20, and so on).
2. Try to be calm and confident.
3. Try keeping your answers short and get to the point.
4. Clearly explain your financial situation and sponsors (this factors a lot).
5. Maintain a positive attitude.
6. Don't be afraid to reply to the cross-questioning (if asked).
Learn about all of the colleges and universities you applied to and the differences you found between them before deciding which one to attend. Try learning about the faculty and the department of your major. You can also learn about the professors involved in the university's ongoing research projects.
The visa officers will inquire about the student's financial situation. As a result, they will require the student to present valid bank documents with an amount that is greater than the COA (Cost of Attendance) listed on the I-20. This demonstrates whether you can cover all of your costs, making it crucial. So, try to learn as much as you can about your family business and the money they've saved.
Look for opportunities in your home nation where you will be active once you graduate. Make sure you return to your home country since the officer during the interview firmly believes that a student visa is strict to study abroad and they must return after finishing their education. So, be definite about your return plans, future aspirations, and employment available in your home country after graduation, otherwise, you may sound like an immigrant.
You should consider why you chose the United States for your study. You could have gone to college/university in your home country or anywhere else in the world. If the majors you applied for are also offered in your home country, you might have studied there before applying to the United States. So, make sure you prepare for the university programs and education system offered in your home country.
Make use of all of the information you've gathered and prepare well. The accent doesn't matter much during the interview; instead, work on improving your communication skills so that you can speak fluently. Use proper language and grammar. During the interview, nothing you say is right or wrong; rather, it should only convey the information requested by the visa officer. Try practicing with a friend, in front of a mirror, or with anyone else; the goal should be to build confidence with each conversation.
1. Why the United States?
2. If this major was available in your country, why didn’t you study there?
3. What made you choose this major?
4. How many universities did you apply to?
5. Why did you particularly apply to this university and how did you know about it?
6. What are your test scores?
7. What is your previous GPA?
8. Have you got any scholarships? Except that who will pay for your studies?
9. Have you planned to work during your study period?
10. How will you manage US cultural and educational differences?
11. What is the profession of your sponsors?
12. Do you have any relatives in the United States?
13. Do you have any siblings in your family?
14. Have you traveled to States before?
15. Do you have any relatives or family members in the United States?
16. What if you are offered a job in the United States?
17. What are your plans after your graduation?
18. Do you intend to study further even after your graduation?
19. Will you return to your home country after your graduation?
20. What job opportunities are offered in your country regarding your major?
The visa officers may ask a variety of questions, but these are only a few of them. however, they can sometimes ask a few cross questions regarding your response to the previous questions, so in that situation remain calm and try to answer some of them.
Student: Namaste (bowing down the head) good morning officer, how are you?
VO: I’m good. Pass me your I-20 and your passport.
Student: Here you go, sir.
VO: So, why do you want to visit the United States?
Student: To pursue my undergraduate studies in Computer Science at Southeastern Louisiana University which is located in Hammond, Louisiana.
VO: Why do you want to study Computer Science?
Student: It is because I want to become a software engineer. It was my general enjoyment of computing through the internet and games that inspired me to learn client-side programming languages such as HTML and CSS.
VO: When did you graduate?
Student: I graduated in 2019 sir.
VO: So, what have you done ever since?
Student: I progressed to learn server-side programming languages such as Java and C programming. Recently, I have been practicing Python language which is practically the most popular language used in software development.
VO: Can you tell me why you choose this university?
Student: Southeastern Louisiana University is located in Hammond, Louisiana. It is a liberal art college, so they believe in experimental learning. It has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio. There are less than 20 students in the class so that’s ideal for me. I also like the professors involved in some of the outstanding research projects.
VO: Can you talk more about your course?
Student: Computer Science is a 4-year ungraduated program, in which we learn about computers; computing, and theoretical and practical applications. We study data structures, computer and network design, web programming, and calculus in this curriculum. It’s a total of 120 credit-hour course. As I wanted to be a software engineer, it would be the best course for me.
VO: Can you tell me about your sponsors?
Student: Both my parents are my sponsors. My father is a sole proprietor of Video Studio and my mother is an advocate who has her law firm. Collectively, they earn 50K and has a saving of about 40K. We also have immovable assets worth around 100K, so there won’t be any problems to fund for my education.
VO: So, what are your plans after graduation?
Student: In the future, I aim to contribute my skill and knowledge to my country by starting my own tech company to improve software and applications, focusing on E-commerce, as well as conducting research for their advancement. I also hope to work with the government of Nepal to digitalize the payment system, increase security, and ease access to the services provided to the people.
VO: I have granted you VISA, good luck with your upcoming future.
Student: Thank you, sir, you made my day.
VO: Please collect your passport after a few days from the location mentioned in your DS 160.
Student: Sure sir, have a good day.
We have been able to assist numerous students with their visa applications and processing by either conducting mock interviews or providing advice and guidance regarding visa interviews. Abroad Institute is just a message away if you require assistance. Please inform us so that you can succeed in the interview.
Abroad Institute has over 25 years of expertise in helping students select programs based on students’ eligibility and the institution’s requirements. We have already helped thousands of students get into USA institutions with scholarships.
We review students’ transcripts, standardized tests, English Language Proficiency (ELP), essays, resume, and statement of purpose and recommend the program and institutions that best fit the students. Moreover, students can use our search and apply platform and choose the programs of their interest and eligibility for various US institutions.
