How To Prepare For Your F1 Visa Interview?

The US Embassy in India issued a record-breaking number of 82,000 student visas in the summer of 2022 alone to Indian students for education in the USA. This demonstrates that the USA is one of the most sought-after countries for overseas education for Indian students. The US offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various fields and disciplines and a perfect mix of multicultural students to engage with and get a global perspective on various subjects. 

For all students aiming to move to the USA for further studies, multiple factors, including eligibility, financial requirements, academic requirements, travel documentation, offer letter, and other formalities must be in place. This article will help students familiarise themselves with the F1 Visa requirements and its process. 

What is an F-1 Visa?

The F-1 Visa is a non-immigrant student visa which allows students to enter and live in the USA to study as full-time students. The Visa can be used to study at accredited institutions authorised by the US government to accept international students. The students must be enrolled in a course leading to a degree, diploma or certificate to get and utilise the Visa status. Through the F-1 Visa, students can enrol in a private elementary school, high school, college or university.

Who is eligible to get an F-1 Visa?

To be eligible for the F-1 Visa, you need to fall under the following criterion:

• Permanent Residence of Home Country: The students must show proof of documents that demonstrate the student’s permanent residence in the home country outside the United States.
• Admission at a SEVP accepted institution: The Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) enlists schools that a student needs to get enrolled and accepted at to be eligible for an F-1 Visa. The student is issued an I-20 form after paying the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fees. The students can apply for the F-1 Visa only after receipt of this form.
• Full-time Student Status: The student must be enrolled as a full-time student for an ‘academic’ program at a school approved by the SEVP.
• Financial sufficiency: The student must submit proof of sufficient funds required for self-support throughout the course of study in the US
• English Proficiency: The student must be proficient in the English language and prove it through English proficiency examinations like TOEFL and IELTS or be enrolled on a course leading to English Proficiency

Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

How does it benefit the students?

Any student planning to move to the USA for studies must obtain an F-1 Visa. Additionally, this visa also allows students to work through any of the following 3 choices after completing year 1 of their degree :

1. Curricular Practical Training (or CPT)– This training is a part of the school’s established curriculum. It is relevant to the student’s field of study. This includes both paid and unpaid internships and must occur before the program end date mentioned in the Form I-20. 

2. Optional Practical Training (OPT)– Students are eligible to participate in this training both before and after their program is completed. If a student chooses the training post-completion, they get an additional 12 months to stay and work. Students can work with any employer as long as it is directly relevant to their field of study.

3. STEM OPT- This enables students to stay up to 2 years and work after completing their studies.

Source– U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 

The F-1 Visa Application Process

There are several steps to follow while applying for an F-1 Visa. The order of these steps may vary at the US Embassy where you apply.

1. Online Visa Application: The first step involves filling in complete details in the Application Form (DS-160) . The students must carefully review the guidelines before filling out the application to avoid errors.

2. Visa Fees Payment: The next step is to pay the Visa fee, which is USD 160 for an F-1 Visa. The students also need to pay a Visa Issuance fee once their Visa gets approved.

3. Scheduling an appointment: The students need to schedule an interview appointment with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The waiting time for an appointment confirmation may vary from case to case depending on the location and season.

4. Attending the F1 Visa Interview: Ensure you gather all relevant documents to present during the consular interview. The interviewer will determine through the interview whether a student qualifies for the Visa or if further processing is required. 

5. Tracking the Visa: The students can track their visa approval status online. Once their Visa is approved, the student is required to pay the Visa insurance fee and for arrangements for the Visa to be sent back to the student.

6. Entering the USA: A visa doesn’t guarantee an entry into the USA. The Visa allows students to travel to the country and produce Important documents to be verified before entry. The Visa only seeks permission through a request for the student to enter the country. A CBP official determines whether the students get to enter the country or not.

Source: U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs

Documents required to apply for the F-1 Visa

• • Passport valid for travel to the USA with a validity date which is at least six months past the student’s intended period of stay in the USA
  • Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
  • Application Fee Receipt
  • Photograph: 2×2 inches photograph which must be taken within six months before applying for the Visa
  • Visa Insurance Reciprocity Fee: You can check how much the fee is here
  • Original signed Form I-20: All students need to be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS). The SEVIS-accredited US school will send a signed Form I-20.
  • Interview Appointment Letter

Additional Documents:

• • Transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates that prove your previous studies
  • Standardised Test Scores that the school may require
  • Intent to Depart the US letter which shows the student’s intent to return after completing studies
  • Documents proving financial sufficiency and financial resources required for education in the USA

While these are mandatory documents, you may also choose to carry any other documents that you may find relevant for the application and interview. 

Source [1][2]

Guidelines for the interview

Dos:

• • Read your application thoroughly before the interview.
  • Ensure you remember the details filled by you It will keep nervousness at bay.
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude through confident body language and a smile. 
  • Think before you answer. Speak clearly and at a pace that the interviewer will easily be able to understand.
  • Listen to the interviewer’s questions carefully.
  • Dress appropriately. Wear formal, well-fitting and comfortable clothes.
  • Keep your documents prepared and packed neatly hours before the interview to avoid missing any important documents.
  • Be honest and produce only authentic documents.

Don’ts:

• • Do not be late for the interview. Arrive early. It will show your punctuality and give you time to settle down.
  • Do not learn and chant your answers. Be spontaneous and natural as you answer. Practising in advance will suffice.
  • Do not fake or force an accent. Speak like you always do and show authenticity and connection to the roots of your country.
  • Do not carry extra bags, gadgets, food, etc., to the interview. You will only be allowed to carry documents inside.
  • Do not present documents forcefully. Only present documents that the interviewer asks you to present. 
  • Do not overthink your answers.

Conclusion

For students who want  to study in the USA, the F-1 Visa is of extreme importance. Students must go through all these details and formalities before they begin, to ensure no important steps are missed. While the waiting time for interview appointments and the application review time might differ from person to person, preparing in advance for the process will smoothen the process and save time.

The approval rate for F-1 Visa was around 80% in India during 2022. However, you can maximise your chances of getting your Visa approved by opting for programs offered by The WorldGrad. The WorldGrad offers hybrid programs which allow students to complete up to 1 year of their international degree from home before progressing to the overseas campus and showing academic commitment, which increases the chances of Visa approval even more. Their expert student support team assists students throughout the process. 

To speak to their expert consultants, click here.

Author: Deepak Shukla