Do you desire to study abroad? Different attractive study
destinations have different regulations about getting a student visa. You will
need it for you to take part in the program of your choice as an international
student.
Unfortunately,
getting your student visa isn’t straightforward. Even though you get an
interview, it won’t translate to getting it, outrightly. You have to prepare
well for the student visa interview with the same dedication you did for your statement of
purpose for visa officer.
To
better your chances of sailing through the visa interview, here’s what you need
to do:
1. Identify ties
to your home country
No
single document can guarantee, getting a visa. The same applies to your
explanation of wanting to go abroad for any purpose. You have to convince the
consular officer that you don’t intend to immigrate.
You may
receive questions about your career prospects, intentions or promise of the
future, in your home country. It should be things that tie you to your current
place of residence. It could be a job, investments, family, and more.
2. Speak for
Yourself
It also
applies in your statement
of purpose formatting.
You will create a positive impression if you speak for yourself. The interview
is for you, and not for any other person.
Though,
your family can accompany you to the interview, especially for minors. Those
with their parents can let them wait in the waiting room. For mental support,
picture yourself getting the visa.
3. Organize and
Carry all Relevant Documents
During
the interview, you will need to present adequate evidence to justify why you
need the visa. That includes your acceptance letter, visa application, and
proof that you have the money to support yourself. Also, ensure that your statement of
purpose heading, is evident and well-written.
Organizing
your documents will make it easy for the visa officer to browse through them.
He or she should be able to tell what they signify. Most interviews take a few
minutes, and lengthy written explanations may be challenging to evaluate.
4. Be Concise
Consular
officers are under enormous pressure to conduct interviews that are efficient,
considering the volume of applications they receive. Thus, make decisions based
on the impression they make of you during the first few minutes of the interview.
It means that your first impression matters.
Respond
to the questions short and precise. Don’t argue with them, too. Be critical of
what you say first; your success depends on it.
5. Understand the
Program and Link it to your Career Plans
You
need to convince the interviewer that you plan on studying and not staying or
working in the country. Therefore, you need to identify the reasons why you
want to participate in a particular program. Also, demonstrate how doing this
relates to your employment prospects and career goals.
They
should all tie back to your home country. If you are going as a graduate
student, then, prepare to speak about your research plans. You may also need to
present to the officer, a letter from a faculty member or supervising professor
that addresses your intended research goals.
Conclusion
Be
positive throughout the interview. It projects a confident and positive image.
Demonstrate to the interviewer that you intend to return home, upon graduation.
Practice your responses before the meeting, and hone your
communication skills.
If you
get rejected, you can contest the refusal. However, you need to ask the officer
for any additional documentation that you can bring to help your cause.
