Immigration Student Visa Interview Tips

Student visa interviews are important for the students in order to temporarily immigrate to another country for further studies. After months of exhaustive preparation, students are invited for an interview at the Consulate.

Often students fear these immigration interviews and find it a very daunting process. As a result, they mess up the entire session and lower their chances of attaining their much required student visa. Prepare for your interview with the help of these tips in order to ward off the fear and anxiety of the interview.

Tips for Student Visa Interview

As mentioned earlier, immigration and visa procedures are long. And, to reach till the actual interview takes almost half a year from the application date. This time should be used properly to prepare for the interview.

Before the interview

First of all, gather all the documents that you need for the interview. You may have to submit various letters of recommendations, references, bank statements, sponsorship forms, scholarship papers etc. Originals and photocopies should be neatly filed in two different folders. Keep all your documents ready the night before the interview.
Make arrangements for an interpreter if you need one
A good night's sleep is of utmost necessity. Make sure you have had ample rest the day before the interview so that your feel energetic and rejuvenated the next day.
Dress up well for the rendezvous. Do not underestimate the power of good dressing sense. Wear clean and ironed clothes. Business casuals are the best option while attending a student visa interview.
Reach at least 15-20 minutes before the scheduled time. There will be other formalities to be completed before the interview. You may have to deposit your personal belongings at the front desk, sign a few papers, declaration forms etc. Make sure you reach adequately before time to accommodate these procedures.

In case you need an interpreter, ensure that he/ she reaches on time with you.

Thoroughly study the university and the course that you are applying to. Majority of the questions will be based on the course and its structure.
Keep all the information about your sponsor at hand. There will be questions based on that too. First of all you must know the major details about your sponsorship. For minor details, you can refer to your papers.
Anticipate every kind of question that can be asked to you and formulate a rough sketch of your answers. Avoid rehearsing your answers.

During the interview

Always greet the interviewer with a smile
Provide all the documents as required by the interviewer
Most Consulates will have representatives who speak English fluently. However, if that is not the case and you need to bring in an interpreter; make sure you brief the interpreter the purpose of this interview.
Listen carefully to the questions asked by the interviewing officer. Since he is a foreign national, it may be difficult to understand his accent for first few moments. Understand the question completely before answering to it.
Your responses should be concise, but should completely answer the question. Refrain from using long sentences. Use short but meaningful sentences to explain yourself.
Do not try to humor the interviewer in any way, even if he is friendly. Treat this interview like a job interview.

After the interview

Offer a firm handshake to the interviewer while expressing your gratitude to him