The visa interview; the final phase of the higher education process, is as important as the other parts of the higher education process. It confirms your entry into the United States to study at the Institution of your choice. Without the visa, no matter how much hard work you put into the other parts of the admission process, you will not be able to pursue your education in America. While getting a visa is not very difficult, you will increase your chances of obtaining a visa, if you are prepared. There are two types of student visas namely,

• F-1 VISA: This is the most prevalent student visa issued in the case of admittance into an academic institution where the registered course demands more than 18 study hours per week i.e. this is the visa which is provided for full-time students.
• M-1 VISA: This type of visa is issued when the students are admitted into the United States for a fixed period of time. Provided commonly for people who are going to the US for non-academic programs and training.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE VISA INTERVIEW:

The visa interview typically has a duration of about 3 to 5 minutes during which the student has to prove his eligibility to study in the United States. The student's main objective must be to make sure that he does not give the U.S Embassy any reason from his or her side to reject the visa.

1. DOCUMENTS TO BE TAKEN:
• I-20/SEVIS form issued by the U.S Institution.
• Completed DS-160 online visa application form.
• Receipt of the visa application fee.
• SEVIS receipt fee.
• Visa appointment letter.
• Passport and recent photograph.
• Documents that confirm your financial and personal tie-ups to your homeland which requires your compulsory return after the completion of your course in the United States.
• Strong financial support documents and bank statements.
• If financially dependent on another person, proof of relationship with the particular person such as birth certificate is necessary along with the person's salary proof and job details.
• Academic certificates, transcripts, SOP, resume, original GRE, and TOEFL score reports.
• 2. Tips for the Interview:
  • Proper preparation: This is mandatory if you hope to answer all the presented questions in the interview with confidence.
  • Documents: The previous night, check if all the documents which you will require are indeed present in your bag. This will lower the tension and stress which you will have to face.
  • Arrange the Documents: Arranging the documents in proper order in a folder ensures that it can be produced as soon as it is asked for without confusion and chaos.
  • Dress: Neat and presentable appearance is very essential, so dress formally.
  • Stay Calm and answer with Confidence: Calm demeanor, direct eye-contact while answering the questions and precise, to the point answers work wonders in the interview.
  • Body Language: The interview officers will in addition to the tone of your voice, also check your body language. So make sure to practice your body language as well.
  3. DONT'S IN THE INTERVIEW:
  • Never attempt to use falsified documents. The risks involved are too high and are just not worth it.
  • Never misrepresent even the smallest information.
  • Don't talk or submit any document unless you are asked to.
  • Make sure the documents are presentable. Don't use torn or crushed documents.
  • Try to be calm and confident while you are answering the questions and if you are still nervous don't make it obvious.
  • Don't stammer or elaborate a point. Answer honestly, fluently and precisely.
  • Never be late for the interview.

Proper preparation will instill the confidence required to handle the D-Day. Keeping the above points in mind will help to make the visa interview less strenuous.