Undergoing a visa interview is an all important step to acquiring a student visa. Countries like Ghana, US, UK and Canada only grant student visas once an interview has being completed. Your interview can make or mar your visa process. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for students wishing to go for visa interviews, to be adequately prepared for such sessions.
The interviewer is the visa officer or the ambassador who’ll ask you a range of questions to determine the veracity of your application. The ambassador would ask you a couple of uninteresting and boring questions, don’t be annoyed. These questions are intended to draw you out and really show what your interest is in their country. If you are well prepared, this process can be smooth and enjoyable.
In this article, I’ll be using the US as a case study, but the information this article addresses will you obtain visa to any country in the world.
THE FOLLOWING IS A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF VISA INTERVIEW FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(1) WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS UNIVERSITY AND HOW DID YOU FIND OUT?
TIP: Make sure you read your school’s website and handbook to fully understand your school. Write down some important features about the school such as your school’s country or regional ranking, research facility and faculty profile.
Answer: My University is highly ranked in the world ; I got interested in it after a discussion about universities with my Uncle, who hinted me about a possible undergraduate degree in the institution. After visiting the institution’s website, I have really grown to love the faculty profile as well as the curriculum which really matches my interest.
(2) WHY DID YOU SELECT THE US FOR STUDIES, ISNT THIS STUDY OFFERED IN MANY OTHER COUNTRIES?
TIP: In this question, you should explain the quality of education in the US. If your proposed course of study is not available in your country or in other countries, you should let the visa officer know. You could use technical terms but not jargons to sound convincing.
Answer: The US has a stong academic reputation, and its institutions allow students opportunities to gain real life skills by exposing them to a range of practicals and field work. Studying in the US is definitely my ideal choice.
(3) WHY THIS COURSE? HOW RELEVANT IS IT TO YOUR PREVIOUS COURSE?
TIP: You should explain clearly what your future goals are and how pursuing this degree will add an extra value to your intended career. Explain how this degree relates with your previous course of study and how it’s an expansion on what you’ve known before.
(4) WHATS THE LOCATION OF YOUR INSTITUTION?
You wouldn’t want to mess up here. The VO wants to be sure you know where you are going in the US and that you won’t become a fugitive when you arrive in their country. Before the Visa Interview, you’ve got to research the exact location of the college and if possible, a host of your institution’s other campuses.
(5) ARE YOU INTERESTED IN RETURING TO THE US TO PURSUE A HIGHER DEGREE?
TIP: You should be able to prove to the Visa Officer, that you are totally in love with the educational system in their country and if granted an opportunity, you’ll return for a higher degree.
(6) WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF YOUR STUDY?
Explain clearly the curriculum spread of your course and the areas of academic study it touches on. Tell the VO, how you’ll use your knowledge to benefit your home country.
(7) WHY ARE TAKING THIS COURSE?
You should prove how you intend to use the knowledge acquired to change your community and catalyze change in your home country. Tell him how this course will add strength to your profile.
(8) WHAT IS THE COURSE STRUCTURE?
The visa officer wants to see how well versed you are in the course. Go to the undergraduate or graduate website to find out your school’s semester programs and curriculum
(9) DO YOU PLAN TO LIVE AND WORK IN THE US AFTER YOUR STUDIES?
This is usually a trap question. Read the emigration policies carefully on the website to know what the policies are regarding post study plans for non-immigrants.
(10)WHO IS YOUR SPONSOR AND HOW MUCH DO THEY EARN?
The Visa Officer wants to verify your sponsorship documents. Be careful not to say a lie at this point. VO wants to see proof of adequate funds to finance your study during your stay in their country. Package and hand over those financial documents to him once you’re prompted. You should be fully aware of your sponsor’s income annual earnings and should tell the VO about it when asked.
