Help Articles about Visa Application - 2020-2021 Scholarships, Fellowships and Opportunities for African Students

The United States is one of the top destinations for international students who want to develop their career in the advanced world. This country is known for providing the best crop of graduates into the labour market in any country. International students need to know how to answer visa interview questions especially for F-1 and F-2 visas. This will enable them to proceed with their education in the US. The F visa is classified into F1 and F2 visas. F1 visas are used by non-immigrant students for Academic and Language training Courses. The F2 visas are used by the dependents of F1 visa holders. Spouse and unmarried, minor children are said to be the dependents of the F1 visa holder. Let's find out how international students can prepare for F-1 and F-2 visa interviews shall we? 1.Ties to your Country The United States views all applicants for non-immigrant visas as intending immigrants until they convince the consular officer otherwise. You must, therefore, show that you have reasons for returning to your home country. Those reasons must be stronger than those for remaining in the US. They could include a job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc. If you are a prospective student, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific questions. They could include intentions or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives. They can also ask for your grades, long-long range plans, and career prospects in your home country. Each person's situation is different, of course. Keep in mind that there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter, that can guarantee visa issuance. 2. Speak for Yourself A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family so don't bring them along. If you are a minor applying for a high school visa and need your parents to answer specific questions, about funding, they should wait in the waiting room. 3. Know the program and how it feeds your Career If you are unable to articulate the reason you chose a particular US study program, you'll be unable to convince the consular officer. You'll be unable to prove that you are indeed planning to study, rather than to immigrate. You should explain how studying in the US relates to your professional career in your home country. 4. Be Concise The volume of applications received places consular officers under time pressure to conduct quick and efficient interviews. They must make a decision on the impressions they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers short and to the point. 5. Supplementary Documentation It should be clear to the consular officer what your written documents say and signify at a glance. Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time if you're lucky. So make their job easy by making your documentation including the supplementaries precise and easy to read. 6. Nationality Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or those with many students who have remained as immigrants will have difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from those countries are more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after their study. This is one determining factor at international students visa interviews in the US. 7. Employment The desire to study should be your main purpose for going to the US. It shouldn't be for the chance to work before or after schooling. While many students work off-campus while studying, such employment is incidental to their main purpose of completing their education. Clearly articulate your plan to return home at the end of your program. If your spouse is applying for an accompanying F-2 visa, be aware that F-2 dependents cannot be employed in the US. If asked, be prepared to address what your spouse intends to do with his or her time while in the United States. Volunteer work and attending school part-time are permitted activities. 8. Dependents at home If your spouse and children are back home, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be an especially tricky area if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the consular officer gets the impression that your family needs you to support themselves, your application will almost certainly be denied. If your family decides to join you later, they can apply at the same post where you applied for your visa 9. Maintain a positive attitude Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a student visa, don't get offended. Instead, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal. You can also try to get the reason you were denied in writing. This is key at international students visa interviews in the US. Click here for scholarships for Africans Click here for USA scholarships

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