Every situation is dierent, but here are some tips for a smooth process when applying for a student visa.
Your Visa Application and Interview
Not all countries are
the same:
Maintain a
positive attitude:
Be brief:
Employment:
Documentation:
Applicants from countries suering from economic
problems or from countries where many students
have remained in the U.S. as immigrants will have
more diculty getting visas. Statistically, applicants
from those countries are more likely to be intending
immigrants. They are also more likely to be asked
about whether they will have job opportunities upon
returning home after studying in the U.S.
Do not engage the consular ocer in an
argument. If you are denied a student visa,
politely ask the ocer for a list of documents
he or she would suggest you bring in order to
overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason
for your denial in writing.
Because of how many applications are received, all
ocers are under pressure to conduct a quick and
ecient interview. As a result, keep your answers
short and to the point.
Your main purpose in coming to the United States
should be to study, not for the chance to work
here after graduation. You must be able to clearly
articulate your plan to return home at the end of
your program.
Arrive early!
Ties to your home
country:
English:
It’s important for the interviewing ocer to know
that you intend to return home, and that you have
personal, career-related, and nancial interests
in your homeland. Since you are a student, the
interviewing ocer may ask about your intentions
when it comes to your educational goals, your
grades, and what your career plans are when you
return home.
Assume that the interview will be conducted in English.
Only bring the required documents indicated on
the embassy’s website to your interview. Lengthy
written explanations cannot be quickly read or
evaluated. You will have approximately 2–3
minutes of interview time at most.
Know your degree
and how it relates
to your career plans:
Become very familiar with your degree program
and courses, as well as why you chose this major.
You should also be able to explain how studying
in the U.S. relates to your future career when you
return home.
