Many applicants will be missing a beat or two at the thought of Visa Interview. Its like sudden rise in adrenaline levels, exciting, bewildering and intimidating.

So we thought of sharing some tips on interviews so that the whole affair can be carried away with a sense of peace.

Remember that there is no substitute for preparation. So prepare well for all aspects of the interview.
Preparing for the Interview:

* Go through respective consulate web site to know more about the rules and other happenings, go through FAQ of F1 student visa.

* Everything a student wants to know about F1 visa is readily available in the consulate web sites. Try to see and understand every link in the site, so that you will get 1st hand information about everything, which will increase your comfortable level and confidence.

* Try to understand what the Visa Officer (VO) is expecting from you folks, in order to issue F1-Visa for you.

* US consulate is your first chance of meeting the US officials on your way to USA. Its time for you to look ahead and meet them in a dignified, balanced and professional way and get the visa stamping to USA. But don't meet them shakily, nervously and loose the chance of education in USA. Don't try to take any chance with visa. Be focused on your goals and prepare well to reach them confidently.

* Behave like a True professional when meeting USA officials for interview.


* Some questions were given at the end of this mail for your information.



* Prepare answers to most commonly asked questions. Make sure your answers are focusing on your achievements, skills, you being a sincere student, proof of having sufficient funds and your intentions of coming back to India after completion of your graduate and/or Research programs.

* Rehearse the answers to common and specific questions either by taping your answers or by attending a mock interview with your friends and have their opinions and reviews and if you feel you are lacking at some points, try to improve them till you become perfect.

* Know your strengths and weaknesses, and then try to overcome them in interviews by good preparation and practice beforehand. Practice makes perfect.

*Practice to speak clearly and slowly, naturally (as you speak always), so that interviewer can understand what you are saying. Your answers should reflect clarity of thought and clarity of your intentions. Don't talk too fast sacrificing clarity; Don't be dragging either. Avoid mannerisms such as "you see", "I mean", "Sort of" "Ya Ya". When you want to differ with VO or want to present a different view to VO, use phrases such as "Let us look at this from a different angle" and present your views.


* Read your financial documents thoroughly and ask yourself possible questions from them. You should be able to defend and support your documents be it Academics, qualifying exams scores and financial documents in all ways possible.


* Carry all documents in an order in a folder with multiple pouches (Like harmonium folder). So that you can put different set of documents into different pouches (like University documents set, Scores set, Marks sheets set, financial documents set, property documents set etc) it will be very easy for you to remove and present them to VO without any time waste, whenever asked for. The speed at which you are able to show the relevant document whenever asked for also counts a lot.

At Interview
* Use formal dress to appear for interview.
* Use Executive clothing; deep and bright colors may not suit the occasion.Clothes have to be clean and ironed to represent order and discipline.
* Carry only relevant documents.
* Do not present any certificates unless asked for.
* Remember to collect all the certificates given for perusal at the interview. And if you had any doubts clarify there itself.
* Greet the interviewer first, even if VO is not listening or not looking at you.
* While answering questions remember to look at the interviewer instead of looking down. Keep continuous eye contact with visa officer throughout the interview.

* Avoid bad body language and mannerisms like touching moustache, scratching nose, or arranging hair or any kind of unwanted things as per the interview norms.
* Listen to questions carefully to comprehend. If you have not understood a question, politely request for a repeat.
* Give short answers unless asked for longer ones. If possible always be prepared with two sets of answers for questions, both long and short. First give short answer and if VO asks for details then give long answer or explain in detail. So that you will be still in comfort zone.
* Exude confidence but not arrogance.
* Mouth all words clearly and speak loud enough to hear.
* Answer immediately without wasting time.
* Avoid being too humorous or ironical in your answers. But little fun with good sense of humor is always welcome.
* Keep looking at the VO and never at other things in the room or at other counters.
* Don't become conscious of others looking at you or watching. Remember its your visa and your future. Between VO and you no one exists.
* Give authentic information about any details connected with your documents. Remember they can cross-verify any detail within no time.
* Answers should not be given in a raised voice even when the question comes in that manner. Remember VO will be having tough time too, with huge volumes of applicants and asking same questions and listening almost identical answers day in and day out. They too will be under great pressure to issue a visa till the applicant intentions and arranging of funds are made clear to them. It's not that we should feel comfortable in interview, but in our personal opinion we should also make VO comfortable by presenting all facts and figures in a systematic and organized way of answering, presenting documentary evidence whenever necessary or asked for.

* Never become desperate, wearisome and tiresome even if the interview is going in a long way than expected. Still try to maintain your composure, looking positive, confident and smiling.
* Answer questions in simple single sentences. Use a language that is easy to understand but formal in its usage.
* Avoid giving additional information unless asked for it.
* If you are complimented for your answers, achievements, scores and percentages, remember to thank the VO.
* Avoid repeating the phrases or words. Remember you have gone through GRE and TOEFL and speak accordingly.
* Keep a smiling face so as to welcome any questions.
* It is un-wise to contradict an answer through a subsequent answer. Always stick to the same answer whenever asked for.
* An applicants behavior should convince the VO about the quality of personality that the candidate has.
* Avoid any exhibition of emotions other than the feelings of welcoming questions and ready to give the answers.
* You have to make the answers short, to the point and precise.

* Develop Language skills including good pronunciation and effective expressions.

* Use simple yet forceful language.

* Practice to arrange facts logically.

* Meet difficult questions with a smile.

* Don't be unduly emotional during interview.

* If you present an argument give facts to support it.

* Continue to be pleasant throughout interview and a smile helps a lot.

* Check your body language.

* Be polite: Show no signs of arrogance or superiority.

* Never give an impression that you are desperate to go to USA.

* Never give an impression that you are confused at any point of time.

* Don't get disheartened if any of your views are answers were were shunned by VO or VO not listening to you. Sometimes VO wants to test your patience. Just stay positive.

* Just Be confident of your success. Give answers confidently, boldly, and visa will be yours.