Visa Interview When Studying Abroad. How to Apply for Visa to Study Abroad, Visa Application Form
Well, everyone’s a bundle of nerves whenever it comes to giving interviews, isn’t? Be it an academic interview, professional or one wherein you are seeking out a spouse…aah let’s just discount the latter. The golden rule to ace the visa- interview is to obviously pass the screening process by the interviewer by fitting the ‘bill’ for the ideal candidate to be facilitated easy visas.
There’s much hullabaloo regarding the visa –Interview and let’s face it, it’s not without any cause. The basic function of visa officer/s is to process, check and scan all your documents to deem them perfect for an easy visa but should you leave the panel with an iota of doubt about your overall disposition and conduct in the interview; bid goodbye to studying abroad that year. And it’s a long journey to be accepted the next year because of rejected Visa history.
5 Must- Haves to Ace the Visa Interview When Studying Abroad:
So here we roll out 5 Essential Must haves in preparation for your D –day
1. Documents:
Knowing and bringing all your required documents for the interview is the Holy Grail for being acknowledged and initiated into the interview. To cater to the specific needs of documents there are scores and scores of websites to source your pre-requisites. ‘Fish the (inter)net’. The requirement of the documents would vary as per your study program as well as your scholarship. Just to give you a gist of general documents required in event of you availing any scholarship would require you get-
a) All your Affidavits pertaining to health certificates etc.
b) All previous applications to other universities, acceptance, rejections
c) ITR ( Income Tax Returns ) by parents of last 5 years
d)PPF GPF (Provident Funds ;Gratuity Funds)
e) Passbook etc. In a nutshell all financial Documents.
2. Confidence and Flair:
You should carry yourself with confidence and that should go without saying. But at the same time you shouldn’t come across as snooty or over-ambitious. Since First impressions count a lot, it’s suggested to dress formal, and neat. No matter whether you are a gypsy soul, coming in sandals for the interview will only reflect poorly on your lack of commitment for your cause
3. The usual suspects:
There are a staple bunch of rhetorical questions asked in any Visa –Interview which you’ll come across if you’ve done your proper research. It’s suggested to always go through them to prepare yourself a mock interview. However the answers should come out candidly when asked. They usually relate to your choice of programs- the why’s and the how’s , the choice of university, your future plans; post the completion of program , your academic history, your financial position etc.
4. Communication skills:
Generally the medium of conversation during the interview is English. You are not expected to be a native speaker but yet be impeccable with your grammar. Be precise and concise with your answers and speak only when you’re spoken to. Any unrequired extra information could hamper your chances. It’s also suggested to be honest with your answers to not give them any false misgivings about any stated fact or you could be booked under criminal charges if they decide to press a charge against you , if found.
5. Be prepared for the general Trivia:
A lot of candidates have often reported that the visa officers, to break the ice in the room generally crack a joke or two or will enquire you of the local culture, cuisine or lifestyle of the country you’ve applied to, to check your response –time, enthusiasm for the host country and thereby your program. But don’t worry they wouldn’t reject you for the lack of knowledge thereof but knowing about it all, will help you score some brownie points with them and you finish your game neat.
That’s all folks , we’ll be updating more such tips to ease your academic journey abroad. Till then All the best.
