Must-know F-1 visa interview tips for international students

Deciding to come to the United States to improve your English and continue toward a college degree is an exciting life choice! There is a lot of preparation and planning you must do before you get here. 

First, decide where to study, such as enrolling in an English program like Global Launch at Arizona State University. Second, you will need to apply for an international F-1 student visa. A key step in this process is an interview with a U.S. official at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Many students get nervous about their visa interviews and wonder if they are prepared enough, which is common. “I was nervous for the visa interview, which is very normal and was the case for most other students that were applying,” said Khalid Al-Azri, a former Global Launch student from Oman. 

“I was slightly nervous since I didn’t know what to expect,” said Therese Fagre, a current ASU international student from Panama. “Be prepared with any paperwork you might need, practice some interview questions with yourself, and relax!” she added.

Before the interview, review these tips so you can feel confident and ready to successfully answer all questions.

• The interview will be in English. Practice your English speaking skills since the interview will be conducted in English. 

• Dress appropriately. Show that the interview and your intention to study in America are earnest by wearing business or business casual attire.

   

• The interview is between you and the Embassy or Consulate representative. Others are not allowed to attend your interview. If you are a minor (under 18 years old), a parent or guardian can wait in the waiting room.
• Have all supplemental documents prepared and ready. Electronic devices like cell phones are not allowed, so bring physical copies of your supporting documents (your passport, I-20, SEVIS fee receipt and financial guarantee, etc.) Have the documents organized and ready to go in a folder to avoid digging around for them in your bag.
• Concisely answer the questions asked by the interviewer. Due to large volumes of applicants, interviewers are limited on time. Answer each question directly and clearly, only elaborating when asked to.
• Be positive. Show you are excited to study in the U.S. and are looking forward to the opportunity.
• Plan your answers to the most common and important questions asked during the interview. Write down your answers and reread them a few times to help you remember what you would like to say during the interview.

There are several questions the interviewer will ask about why you want to study in the U.S., why study at Arizona State University and your plans after graduation.

“My interview was smooth and basic. I was mainly asked about my specific intentions on why I am going to the United States, and more specifically, I was asked about my major, school and any relations like relatives or friends that I know in the United States,” Al-Azri stated. 

You will be asked if you have family or relatives currently living in the U.S. If so, be honest and disclose their names, relationship to you and contact details. This helps the immigration official better understand your background and ensure that all applicants meet the necessary requirements for their visa.

Discuss your educational and professional background. Why are you choosing the U.S. instead of studying in your home country or choosing a different country?

There are a lot of great reasons for wanting to study in the United States. A degree from a U.S. institution can be recognized internationally and could open many job opportunities. Also, the U.S. higher education system has excellent academic flexibility, where you can switch majors or opt for multiple specializations. 

Explain why you want to study at ASU instead of somewhere else in the country and why you are choosing your degree program. 

ASU is a popular choice for international students due to its culturally diverse and inclusive communities, academic offerings and social opportunities.. It is also highly ranked in many areas, like sustainability, innovation and global impact. In addition, Global Launch helps international students get settled in after they arrive, making sure they are comfortable in the U.S.

Explain how your program of choice will help you to achieve your educational or academic goals and how this will impact your long-term career plans. 

The interviewer will need to know how you plan to pay for your education. Be prepared to disclose the source or sources of your funding for the whole program, for the entire duration of your time in the United States.

If funding will come from many sources, make sure to explain all of them. Will a parent or relative sponsor your education? Will your government partially or fully sponsor you? Do you have a scholarship? Will you take out an education loan?

The interviewer will ask about the details of your funding. For example, if someone is sponsoring your education, you may be asked about their annual or monthly income, what they do for work and how long they have been employed or run a business. If applicable, mention the type of business and the age of the company. 

If you are taking out a loan, tell the interviewer the bank name, the amount that will be borrowed and where you are in the loan application process (has it already been approved?), etc. The same goes for any scholarships or grants; mention the scholarship name, source and amount. Bring all of your financial documents to your student visa interview to prove you will have sufficient funds.

Since student visas are nonimmigrant visas, the U.S. visa officer will want to confirm that you intend to return to your home country when your visa expires. Show that you have ties to your home country - people and possessions there that you are planning to return to, like family members, a permanent home, financial investments, future job opportunities, etc.

“The advice I would give to students is to be calm. You know what you are applying for, be honest and cooperate with the Embassy employees, and whatever happens, will most likely be out of your hands. That is why you should never go hard on yourself; relax, cooperate and hopefully, everything will go as planned,” said Al-Azri.

Doing some research and interview preparation before speaking with a U.S. Embassy or Consulate representative will go a long way to help you feel confident and be one step closer to achieving your dream of studying in the U.S.