F1 Visa Interview: How to prepare for US student visa interview?

This is where most people get confused as there are steps that they are not able to understand and ultimately leading to challenges in the process. All the steps below are mentioned should be carefully followed -

• Step 1: Get your I-20 from your university: I-20 is a form that is issued by your university that act as additional proof that you are legally enrolled in a program of study in the United States. You will need it when you are applying for F1 student visa, as this will have information like the student's personal details, program start and end dates, and estimated expenses.
• Step 2: Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee: SEVIS tracks and monitors nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors. Once you have received I-20 from your university, then you can go online and pay SEVIS I-901 fee. The price would be around USD 350 for F1 student visa.
• Step 3: Fill out the DS-160 form online: You will need to go online and fill out the DS-160 form. This will contain your basic information which is required by the US government to understand what is the purpose of your visit (study in this context) and whether it is safe for them to let you enter the country or not.
• Step 4: Make an OFC Appointment: The applicant must book an OFC appointment to submit important documents and biometric data for visa processing. Applicants give their biometrics such as fingerprints and visa photos before their visa interview at the visa application centers(VAC).
• Step 5: Make an appointment for your visa interview: Contact your nearest US embassy or consulate (preferably, the one you listed on your online application i.e. DS-160) to organize your visa interview after you’ve filed form DS-160.
• Step 6: Make payment for your visa application fee: After that, pay the application fee of USD 185. This charge is the same regardless of where you apply or where you are from. It is important to note that the exact date you pay this charge will differ based on your embassy.
• Step 7: Attend your visa interview: The interview is the final major step in the visa application process. This interview will determine whether or not you are granted a student visa in the United States.

Important Update: Applications window for US student visa to open 1 year before the start of the academic program. Click here to read more about it.

Now that you have applied for F1 visa interview and booked your slot, you will be soon going for the same. These preparation tips may be helpful for you in knowing about the whole interview scenario and how can you clear it in one go.

F1 visa interview questions and answers

During the F-1 visa interview, the interviewer will assess your preparedness for the academic program and eligibility. Personal and career-related inquiries will be made regarding your educational background, program selection, career objectives, finances, and sponsorship. It is advisable to arrive at the interview venue ahead of time with all the required documents. Researching potential interview questions in advance can help prepare for the interview. While the documents serve as evidence to support your statements, it's important to only present them when requested.

Having an idea of what does a visa officer look for in US student visa interviews can help you to be more confident and prepared. Questions are generally asked on:

• Academic qualification
• Financial status
• Personal questions
• Future plans and job prospects

Some example questions are as follows -

• Which all universities did you apply to (both admits and rejects)?
• Why did you choose this particular school/program?
• How are you funding your education in the US?
• Why are you going to the US? What will you specialize in for your degree? What will be your major?
• What is your next move after completing the course? Will you come back to India?

Read more about: F1 Visa Interview Questions with Tips

Are you seeking additional assistance with more questions similar to these and looking for tips and advice on how to effectively answer F1 visa interview questions?,  you can connect with other international students that have cleared F1 visa interview to learn from their experiences via GyanDhan’s discussion forum.

Read Also:

• US Visa Types and Its Importance
• Can a B2 Tourist Visa be Changed To An F1 Student Visa
• What to do if your Student Visa is Rejected?
• New H-1B Visa Rules to Favor U.S Master’s Degree Holders
• F1 Visa Interview Questions with Tips

Yes, you can change the I-20 after you have booked your visa slot but have not still attended the interview. all you need to do is transfer the SEVIS from University A to University B. You do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again for the new university. Once you have a new SEVIS number then you would have to fill out a new DS-160 form for your new university. When both of these are done then you are required to just log in to your account on the CGI Federal website and change your DS -160 confirmation number and SEVIS ID. You will not have to pay the visa fee again. To know about the process in detail click here!

Too much jewelry may distract your interviewer and can be inappropriate given the formal nature of the interview. Limit your choices to simple accessories like watches and more.

It's recommended to wear professional attire for F-1 student visa interviews, such as dress shirts, ties, suits, pantsuits, and jackets. These formal clothing options are always considered appropriate.

US student visa slots will be open for Indian students in mid-May. This will be the first batch of appointment for the upcoming fall 2023 intake.