The Student Visa Interview: Six Characteristics that Visa Officers Look for

The prospect of studying in the United States is an exciting one, but you must not get so excited that you overlook important preparations. When scheduling the visa interview—which generally lasts only three to five minutes—remember that the purpose is not to make yourself look good or give the "right" answers. Rather, it's about stating your intentions for U.S. study in an honest, open manner. Visa officers are responsible for regulating international traffic through America's institutions of higher learning. They will not try to trick you, but they will ask a series of questions in an effort to determine whether you possess the following attributes that often predict success in a U.S. degree program:

• Preparedness. While avoiding sounding rehearsed, interviewees should take some time beforehand to become familiar with the format and purpose of the visa interview so that no question confuses or surprises them.
• Fluency/articulateness. Your interviewer will likely not reject your visa application if you stumble over a phrase or two, but thinking carefully before you speak will help you to avoid appearing influent—or worse, suspicious.
• Academic seriousness. You will need to impress upon your interviewer the importance of a U.S. education in your future goals. Your visa application is more likely to be rejected if you express non-academic desires—like U.S. immigration or exploration—during your interview.
• Financial stability. A person's financial situation can say a lot about their motives for leaving their home country. Interviewees must prove that they can afford to live and study in the United States without employment, if necessary.
• Ties to home. One common reason that student visa applications are rejected is that students fail to convince their interviewer that they have ample reason to return home once their U.S. study is over. From the perspective of many consular officers, a student is more likely to leave the United States after graduation if they have a home, a family, or attractive career prospects elsewhere.
• Straightforwardness. Honesty is perhaps the number one thing to remember. Your interviewer will have access to international databases and other resources that will allow them to verify your responses if necessary. Giving far-fetched or inconsistent information can severely negate your chances of obtaining a visa. Talk openly with your interviewer and avoid volunteering unsolicited information—speaking out of turn could cause you to become confused and contradict yourself. Above all, remember to maintain composure at all times; the interview is very short, and you will get through it a lot easier if you remain as calm and focused as possible.