6 common mistakes during US study F1 visa interview and right approach to crack it.
Getting the I-20 from a US university is a big move in any student’s life, but this is only half the work left to be done; appearing for an F1 visa interview and cracking it, is a very crucial task. The competition is increasing as the USA is known for its outstanding academic performance, globally recognized degrees, STEM programs, etc. As per the latest trends, there were around 4,01,000 international students who received positive outcomes on their applications in 2024, whereas as far as refusal is concerned, around 2.53.355 international students received refusal on the same as per the financial express. The rejection rate has been increased by 2% in 2024 from 2023, which was 34% in 2023.
There are so many reasons that can be justified when it comes to US visa refusals, such as incomplete information, weak financial stability, prior history of visa rejection, weak ties with the local country bad interview experience, etc. By appearing for an interview, the student gets an amazing opportunity to showcase their real personality and increase the chances of being approved for is F1 visa interview.
The US authorities take the interview of the student for visa approval or rejection. However, lots of students do not positively utilize this opportunity, and just because of a lack of awareness and overconfidence, they miss the opportunity and jeopardise the chances of being approved. There are 6 common mistakes international students make while appearing for an F1 visa interview. Let’s understand these and how we can avoid these mistakes and increase our chances of being accepted in the US.
6 Common mistakes during US study F1 visa Interview
- First Impression Matters
- Repeatedly using sir or Mam
- Being very short or overexplaining
- Lack of research
- Lack of financial stability
- Weak ties to home country
1) First Impression Matters
Appearing for an F1 visa interview is a formal process, and the student must respect the process but most students take this crucial process in a lightly manner and arrive late for the interview or wear casual or unprofessional attire, which put a negative thought in the mind of the visa officer that the student is lacking seriousness or respect. Although there is no particular dress code, a well-groomed and professional appearance can make a big difference.
Right Approach
a) For men: formal shirt/polo and pants with matching formal shoes; make sure the shoes are polished. It is always advisable to get a clean shave and a nice haircut.
b) For women: a formal dress, simple makeup, and neat hairstyle.
2) Repetedly using sir or Mam
Most of the students who sit for the interview, try to work so hard to impress the officer and would like to fulfil the American dream at any cost, so they repeatedly use sir or madam, but they forget that it is the routine job for the officer and a normal practice to differentiate who is giving the real respect or the one who is just sugarcoating for the sake of approval. Repeatedly using these words also shows a lack of confidence or sounds nervous. It also denotes that the student is lacking in communication skills.
Right Approach
a) Using sir or madam one or two times is fine and it is also advisable if it used either at the beginning or end of the conversation
b) Be natural and make eye contact, which shows confidence. Try to speak in a respectable tone.
3) One word answer
The schedule of the visa officer is so tight that it is not only you or a bunch of students going to appear for the interview; sometimes they take upto 250 interviews in a single day, so he is looking for an answer that is short and crisp with a little bit of detail, but what most of the international students do is that they give one word or a limited answer. For example
Visa Officer – What does your father do? Answer – He is a businessman.
Visa Officer – Who is sponsoring your studies? Answer – My family.
Over here, the visa officer is looking for an answer with little bit of detailed such as your father’s business type and the vertical, etc.
In the second question answer, you can say my family, my father and mother, are sponsoring me, My father runs a business of retail and my mother is a professor at a government college etc.
Right Approach
a) It is very important to give proper answer to the officials and respect the time schedule
b) Also, the answers should be short and crisp, not story telling.
4) Lack of Research
It is a thump rule that not only for F1 visa interviews but also for any other general interview as well, research plays a crucial role. The student needs to be well prepared with full research regarding the institution, program structure, campus, and faculty details, sponsor and scope of the studies, etc. However, a large number of students just appear for the interview without doing any kind of research and get puzzled during the interview, which makes it a piece of a cake job for the immigration officer to reject the application of the student.
Right Approach
a) Always make sure to do the homework by yourself and do the research about the program, institution, campus information and how this particular studies will help you in the future Also include your future plan of returning back to your home country and showcase the skills and experience in the motherland.
b) If you have taken the help or support from the consultant, ask for the documentation like DS 160 and other important documents that have been used in the process.
5) Lack of financial stability
Whenever visa officials ask for financial requirements, some of the students get puzzled and give wrong answers. The officer might ask the source of funds, Is there any financial backing of the student, To cover the living cost, will you work in the USA, etc. Due to nervousness, some students reply by relying on part-time jobs; always avoid this; otherwise, chances are clear that the consular will reject your application instantly. Some of the students appear for interviews without any research on finances, like the tuition fee, living costs of the campus city, I-20 deposit, etc., which can lead to rejection.
Right Approach
a) Always do the homework for understanding the financial requirements, whether it is tuition deposit, I-20 deposit, living cost, etc.
b) Understand the sponsors and source of funds so that you would be able to give the answer with confidence.
6) Weak ties to home country
The main task of an immigration officer is to check whether the student entering the US soil is genuine or not. He wants to know your future plans and scope of the studies. Lots of students get excited while giving an answer to the question and reply by mentioning optional practical training or other work options, such as an H1B visa. Remember, H1B is a lottery; there is no guarantee that you will get it. Weak home ties can lead to doubts that you would be using the study visa route to get the settlement, plus it shows a lack of planning. in this scenario, a clear-cut refusal would be there.
Right Approach
Always show strong home ties such as family ties, parents siblings bonding in the home country, Financial ties, which include family business, property ownership, etc., or the family social status, etc., which can increase your chances of being accepted as a genuine student, plus show proper planning and accountability related to the home land.
The above-given mistakes are very common, which effect the visa chances for the USA. Always make sure to follow the right approach while appearing for an F1 visa interview and be confident.
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