Tips to prepare you for Student Visa Interview at the US Consulate, India
Attending the visa interview at the US Consulate is the final hurdle for prospective students aspiring to study in US Universities. It facilitates one's entry into the land of opportunities - The United States of America.
It is indeed an overwhelming experience and a source of mystery for many students, especially hearing to the numerous anecdotes, some true and some false, from other students and touts who call themselves "visa experts". Lot of doubts make their home in one's head. "What questions will the visa officer ask?", "Will the officer review all my documents?", "My friend was denied a visa, will I too face the same consequences?" , and many more.
But the facts remain, if you have been involved in the whole application and admission process and worked sincerely towards getting your I-20s from Universities that you have well researched, then you have won half the battle. The next half is taking your visa appointment on time and preparing your documents with precision, especially the financial documents; and demonstrate good communication skills in the English language, to interact with the visa officers during the interview.
The visa officers have very little time to conduct interview, and must assess very quickly whether the documents and the answers determine a student's eligibility to receive a student visa.
Some information on the financial documents:
Proof of funds (Sponsor’s)Preferred documentation · include 6 months of bank records, bank passbooks, chartered account
statements, Employment letter/Salary slip, IT Returns, Bank loan sanction letter, Fixed deposits, Post office savings, Provident Funds, documents pertaining to fixed assets(property, agricultural lands, Jewelry, Stocks/shares, etc) along with the valuator’s report. · Prospective students must present documentary evidence that sufficient funds are, or will be, available from a specifically identified and reliable financial source to defray all living and school expenses during the entire period of anticipated study in the U.S. Specifically, the applicant must present credible evidence of enough readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study and that, barring unforeseen circumstances, adequate funds will be available for each subsequent year of study. · Part 7 on the I-20 shows the amount of funding you must have available to cover the first year’s expenses. The total amount includes tuition and fees, living expenses, expenses of dependents (if applicable), and other expenses (as applicable). You must prove that you have immediate funds available to cover this amount. If you are going to a two-years Master’s program, then you must also show that funds are or will likely be available to cover the same amount for the second year.
What kind of information should a student possess?
A student should
be well prepared and well informed about the University, program of study, costs, on going research in the respective departments; sum up your educational objectives.be able to justify his/her choice of studying in the United States and how it would help in pursuing a career, back home in India.demonstrate strong economic, social and cultural ties with one's home country.be aware of the sponsors' ( preferably parents) vocation, income and nature of work.be well acquainted with one's educational qualifications, University, college and credentials from India.finally be able to demonstrate that he/she has sufficient funds currently available to pay the entire first year of study, and that funds will be available for all additional years until the course of study is to be completed.
What does the Visa officer look for in a student?
The visa officer is looking for students who are honest ( do not beat around the bush or cook up stories), well prepared ( no parroting ), motivated and confident (not over confident), Spontaneous ( spontaneity comes only when you are well prepared), articulate (does not mean you should speak in slang or put on an accent), clarity in communication, and projecting positive body language ( no nervous behaviour like fidgeting, yawning, chatting, etc). A student should be able to justify as to "why he/she deserves to secure a student visa".
What are the possible ( Very Common) questions a visa officer may ask?
Why did you select this particular University?How many Universities did you apply to?How many Universities accepted you?
Who are your sponsors?Why are you considering United States as your study destination?If I deny you a student visa, do you have an alternative educational plan?
What does your father or mother do?What is their annual income?Where are they employed and what is their nature of work?Do you have any siblings?What do they do?Are you in touch with any professor in this University?What is the specialization you intend to pursue in the university?How do you think it will help in pursuing a career, back home in India?Will you come back to India after your studies ?What do you intend to do after you complete your studies?Can you explain your strong ties with your home country?Did you get any financial aid from the university?Have you taken the TOEFL, GRE, GMAT or SAT?Do you have any family members or relatives living in the US?What project did you do in the final year of engineering?How many backlogs do you have? Why?
Do you have any work experience?What is the nature of your work?What is your income?Can you tell me a little more about your company or work place?
As long as a student is prepared for all these questions and has all the documents systematically compiled, getting a student visa will be easier than imagined. Doesn't it sound easier than a job interview?
Remember: Securing a US Visa is not your right, but a Privilege!
So folks, start preparing and succeed in securing your Student Visas (F-1).
Posted byEdCIRCat9:10 PM
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