Event, News by admin May 03, 2023
USA VISA INTERVIEW - Myths and Misconceptions
Message from HOC:
Congratulations!!! On the successful completion of your first stage in your educational voyage to United States of America [Application Process]. We understand that it’s a very important and extremely delicate phase of your educational career. The reason why I want to convey this message is because the information about visa procedure is wrongly perceived and is surrounded by lot of myths and unverified, unsubstantiated information. This has led many students to go for unsolicited advice and procedures which in turn reduce their chances for visa and in some cases even harsher results. I have mentioned few myths & facts about visa procedure below for your kind reference:
Myths:
1. Visa is all about luck:
2. Chances of Visa are enhanced by:
a. Going to Expensive Schools: There is no data to proof this myth, in fact it would tougher for the student to show more funds.
b. Going to state Universities: The US Consulate doesn’t differentiate between State or Private Universities. Infact most of the top ranked universities are private universities now. Rather, it’s a combination of Students overall profile along with the university he is applying for which affects his visa chances.
c. More no of I-20’s: At the visa Interview, you apply using only 1 university. So, rather than no of I-20’s visa officer is more keen to know the reason why you have chosen a particular university.
d. Showing More Funds: The visa officer is satisfied if you have funds or potential resources to cover your expenditure [Tuition + Living] during your stay at USA. More funds won’t influence his decisions in any way.
e. Letter from a Higher Authority/Minister: Visa officers don’t allow any outside influence to affect their decisions. Most of the time this would bring negative results.
3. Hiding information about relatives in USA:
Many students tend to hide about Brothers/ Sisters or other relatives in USA. Please note that it’s not a negative factor in visa decision. Infact, it is a plus as the same visa office have granted them visa and you have someone to fall back upon in USA. Ex. 2 sisters who got visa in same intake [Spring’23]. Additionally they have one more sister who is studying over there.
4. You need to speak with an accent:
The visa officers are aware about influence of our mother tounge and don’t expect us to speak with American accent. Few students have it by virtue of their education or job experience. This isn’t a factor in determining the visa chances. Rather, focus on speaking clearly and to the point.
5. Less TOEFL/IELTS leads to Rejection:
Visa officer would grant visa if they are convinced about all other aspects and visa applicant has less scores in IELTS/TOEFL [going for ESL classes].
6. Visa Officers Don’t give enough time to speak:
We need to understand that Visa Officer has to handle hundreds of applicants every day. We have to keep our answers short, crisp to the point. They stop applicants only when they are speaking irrelevant or speaking answers prepared by others. As an adult they expect you to know what is best for you and why you want to go for a particular course.
7. Students with 3 Year Degrees Don’t get Visas:
If any university is giving you an I-20, you have equal chances of visa. You may need to explain the circumstances in details.
8. You Can’t Change your Stream of Education:
Again, it can’t be a factor for visa rejection provided you can justify your choice. Both, through reasoning and documentary evidence.
9. Loan Reduces chances of Visa:
Banks will approve you a loan only if your sponsor’s are financially stable. So, it’s a big plus point as it provides sufficient proof to the visa officer about your financial status.
10. Blacklisted Universities:
There are no universities which are blacklisted. It’s the kind of profiles they attract which results in rejection for students.
Important Points During Interview:
1. Dress Neatly and Smartly. Although there is no code, formal dressing is beneficial.
2. Avoid strong odours, perfume.
3. Reach at the consulate atleast half an hour before the appointment time.
4. Carry all documents neatly in a folder, with clear markings.
5. Avoid unnecessary chatter and gossip near or inside the embassy.
6. Don’t jump the queue.
7. Speak clearly and slowly, emphasizing on each word. [ They face the same level of difficulty in understanding accent as you do]
8. Keep answers Short, crisp and to the point.
9. Wish the Visa Officer, irrespective of his reaction
10. Maintain eye contact and avoid being fidgety.
11. Don’t lean over at the counter try to stand 4-6 inches away from it.
12. Try to concentrate on his words and speak with a nice smile on your face looking into his eyes.
13. Try to know everything about the university, program and location since you are going to spend considerable amount of time and money on it.
14. Please give your unique answers. Don’t copy from various websites or blogs as many other students would be doing the same thing.
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