The major step for the student to study in the USA is that the student should clear the visa interview. Even though the students are accepted by the universities, for studying in the USA, students have to face the interview taken by the Embassy of USA in order to go and study there. Interviews can be very crucial for your academic future in the states. Preparing for the interview involves careful planning and understanding the process. If you are not able to get your eligibility in an interview it will pause your planning of studying in the USA.
While going for the interview there are a lot of things that you should really be prepared for. If there is any false information provided or if you are not able to provide the clear intentions of your plans, then there is a high chance of getting rejected. There are interviewers who are trying to prevent potential immigration to the states.
What the interviewer wants to know about you?
If you are a Genuine Student:
It means you have all the information regarding the course/university/ subjects/country/education system/future plans and your major intention to go to the USA is for study rather than immigration purpose.
Family Income:
This actually covers part of your sponsor's annual income. If your sponsor has the bank savings/incomes/property which can support you financially for your entire duration of study and living expenses in the USA.
Intention to Return to Nepal:
After graduation, you need to return to your home country, you need to research about the prospective opportunities back home in Nepal, look at the job opportunities, business opportunities/family ties/long term goals.
What should be done for the interview?
Make all the documents ready
You should make all your documents ready before facing the interviewer. This includes your passport, 2x2 photo, DS 160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation page, acceptance letter from your university, i20, your latest and official transcripts, your English test scores. Additionally, if you have any experience letters or ECAs then you can carry it as well.
Know Your Program and University:
Be familiar with the details of your course, course contents, why you chose it, and why you selected the particular university. Also, be prepared to discuss how the program fits your career goals and how you will utilize your degree in your career.
Practice Common Interview Questions:
You should always know about the questions you are going to be asked by the interviewer and prepare your answers in your own words like; Why did you choose this university? What are your career goals? How will you fund your education? What are your plans after graduation? What haven’t you chosen to study here in Nepal?
Be Honest and Confident:
Answer questions truthfully and confidently and never provide false information to your interviewer. Maintain good eye contact and be polite and also make sure that you are dressed properly and be on time at the Embassy for your interview.
What you shouldn’t be doing while giving an interview?
There are a lot of things that you should consider while giving an interview. These could be very minor things that could have a bigger effect on your interview.
Lying or providing false information to your interviewer can lead to your rejection and also can result as a possible future ineligibility for US entry.
Practicing is important but your answer shouldn’t sound memorized, it should come across as natural and not rehearsed.
You shouldn’t sound or look nervous, you should always remain calm and composed while in front of the interviewer.
Providing unnecessary information can complicate the interview, so you should answer the questions very concisely.
You should never talk about the plans of staying in the USA permanently. F-1 status is for a temporary stay for the students, so always answer by focusing on your intent to return to your home country after the completion of your study.
You should never argue with your interviewer, even if the officer is wrong you should always remain respectful and courteous. Arguing can lead to a negative outcome of the interview.
Successfully navigating a USA interview requires positive, honest and confident responses. Understand the category of your status, practice your answers, carry all the required documents and face the interview with all that confidence that would result in a positive outcome.
