Student Visa Interview: Dos and Don’ts

Lead with the Language

Your visa interviewer(s) is either from your country or the one you have applied to. However, in some rare cases, you could be asked to appear for an interview with a third caseworker. It is important to stick to English to conduct an easy and understandable conversation between both parties. They might also have an accent which, of course, your English proficiency test would have prepared you for. However, don’t try to fly a foreign accent if you have no control over it. Visa interviewers have a thorough understanding of all major accents and they will catch your act.

Dress to Impress

The visa interview starts even before you say a word. How someone dresses is not only a reflection of their sincerity but also a judgement of their character. Your first impression could indeed be your last impression in the interview. And your physical appearance contributes to a major chunk of this impression. Keep it formal and stick to the Men should wear formal shirts and trousers with blazers in neutral solid colours. Women could wear the same or opt for feminine attires like a saree or kurti. In fact, if it is too hot, you may ditch the blazer as well. basics. However, ensure that they are tidy and clear, and only have neutral colours. Pick out wrinkle-free and sweat-proof clothes as you will be sitting on the wait.

Don’t Stink in the Interview

No, literally! There is no point in pleasing the interviewer’s eyes if you are bothering their nose(s). Wear a light deodorant, talc or perfume that covers any body odour. However, don’t wear a strong cologne. It is not like the body spray advertisements where people come asking for the brand you are wearing. In fact, your interviewer might be allergic to a specific fragrance. While they might not blame you for their sneezes, they wouldn’t have a good time with you. Hence, apply a basic lightly-scented perfume in moderation.

Shine. Don’t Sparkle.

It is not a party and you ain’t going for a photoshoot. Avoid wearing anything godly and glamorous. Wear logically. That being said, it is not necessary to look pale. A bit of accessories can help elevate your look. You can wear jewellery that doesn’t strike the eye. Wearing minimum jewellery will help you look sharp. Apart from that, if you were wearing glasses in your passport or visa application picture, wearing them would help. Glasses totally change the look of your face. Besides, if you have glasses, you won’t want to walk into such an important occasion looking at the world all blurry.

Carry Yourself with Confidence

As we said, it is just a conversation. You don’t need to look nervous. Carry confidence in your body language with a smile on your face. This is the last hurdle to cross before you study in your dream university. You have a reason to smile. If you feel too nervous, try breathing in and out before walking through that door for your interview. Confidence can also be reflected in the way you look at the interviewer. While you want to look serious and attentive, you shouldn’t stare point-blank into their eyes. They are good people, Chad! And decent ones. Continuous staring will make them feel uncomfortable.

Show your Documents (or Don’t)

While not always do the interviewers also for your documents, it will be wise to carry them if they do. Compile all your academic and financial records, university application, unconditional offer letter, acceptance letter, fee payment receipts and so on. Basically, everything you had submitted to the visa office when applying for the visa. Catalogue them properly so they are easy to find and pass on during the conversation. Make it seem effortless. However, only do so if the officers ask for a specific document or have a question that might demand presenting one.

Prove Your Point

You are not going into the interview to befriend the authority or build networks. The point of the interview is to demonstrate two, and only those, things. Firstly, you are a right fit for the course and university you plan on studying in. Secondly, you will not overstay your welcome. Conduct thorough research to be able to answer any questions related to the course, university, city or even country and its culture. For the latter, talk about the strong ties you have with your homeland as well as your friends and family. You may as well talk about your career prospects and plans in India to emphasise the matter.

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