What NOT to Do in an F1 US Visa Interview

An F1 US Visa interview is your ticket to your studies abroad, hence, it’s important to be prepared and well-informed. Moreover, cracking this interview isn’t hard, but like everything else, it requires practice and effort. If you don’t get your F1 Visa, then everything you’ve achieved — your acceptance letters, your hard work and determination, stand null and void. Hence, to ace the interview, there is a list of things you need to do, but more so, you also need to know what NOT to do too.

We have listed down some things you should not do in an F1 US Visa interview, so, read on.

1. Don’t talk about continuing your stay in the US after your education

The interviewer needs to be assured that you’re going to the US only for your education. While it is understood that you may hold a job or two while your studies go on, it is expected of you to return to your home country once you complete your education, or once your visa expires. To express a desire to stay in the US even after you earn your degree, will not go down well with the interviewer.

2. Don’t use jargons

While you are expected to be fluent in english since that is the language your interview will be conducted in, keep your sentences short and concise. Remember you don’t have the whole day to answer a question. The interviewer can only give you some time, and you need to be able to make your thoughts and intentions clear, using the simplest possible language. Besides, to avoid fumbling on the spot, taking up mock interviews, asking your family or close friends to take your interview is of great help. Moreover, practising in front of the mirror works well too.

3. Don’t be unclear about your programme

You need to have answers prepared for why exactly you want to study in the US, including details like why you chose a particular course in a particular university. This is important to know as a US visa student and more so because it’s going to be your academic journey. You will be asked to explain and reason your choice, so you need to know all there is to know about your chosen academic programme, and what led you to choose it.

4. Don’t disregard your finances

The interviewer also needs to know how you will be financing your education and living expenses while in the US. While they may not ask you about your intimate bank details, they will ask you about your job, how you plan on earning money, whether you have taken a loan and how you plan on repaying it, if you have family to stay with or pay for your expenses, etc. To be confused about these details indicates that you are unsure, which will not be taken well. Hence, be prepared with answers as these are some of the most important F1 interview questions asked.

5. Don’t confuse documents

You may need to summarise the purpose of each of your documents, and which document is used for what purpose. Keep this information short, for the interviewers sake and for your own. Lengthy descriptions will only confuse everyone involved.

6. Don’t be nervous

Remember, confidence is key! Trust yourself! You’ve gotten so far and achieved so much, don’t let one intimidating interview stop you. Be comfortable, ask for clarification if you need it, and don’t lie under any circumstance. It’s okay to not know some things, but it’s not okay to lie about anything.

For a successful US F1 visa interview experience, you must be aware of things NOT to do. If you keep these points in mind, rest assured your interview will go smoothly. And, remember preparation is key, so make sure you are well-prepared with everything before you go for the f1 visa interview.