Posted on Monday, July 8th, 2013 at 8:00 am

If studying in the US is part of your higher education plans, you’ve probably been working hard to obtain your F-1 student visa. Check out this article on How to Apply for an F1 Visa to learn about the entire application process. Although extensive, most of the F1 visa application steps are straightforward, and if you can afford the fees, finance your education, and hack the academic preparation to score well on your tests, you are probably a good candidate for the F-1 visa. However, not all of the F-1 visa checklist items are based solely on your academics and paperwork. You can also be denied a visa if you blow your F1 visa interview.

On paper you might be a solid applicant, but what about in person?

The F-1 visa application will require you to attend an interview at the US consulate. You will have a list of documents and receipts to bring with you to this interview, the absence of which will be detrimental to your chances of visa approval. Additionally, the officer conducting your interview will have the ability to approve or deny your application based on personal questions regarding your plans for study and stay in the US. This part of the interview is very important and can make or break your entire case.

Most questions will be related to these 5 categories:

• Your study plans
• Your university choice
• Your academic capability
• Your financial status
• Your post-graduation plans

Knowing what questions to expect can be a huge advantage! You will need to be prepared to answer these questions in such a way that your interviewer is satisfied. If, for any reason, your interviewer believes that you are being dishonest or are in some way unprepared financially, educationally, or culturally for life and studies in the US, they can turn you away without thinking twice. Learn more about Questions to Expect during your F1 Visa Interview here. You should be prepared for these questions ahead of time, and know how you will discuss each subject.

Most important, be open and honest.

Obviously, some interviewers will be tougher than others. Some students simply answer one or two questions and are approved. Some must sit and review every document they’ve brought with them while giving specific details about their family, job, income and future goals, over the course of an hour or more.

If you are well prepared with all of the required documents and receipts, and have thorough, legitimate reasons for applying for the F1 visa, you should have no problem getting through the interview in one piece. This will also help you to remain calm during the interview process.

Take my advice, and don’t blow it! For more information please visit our F1 Visa Insurance section.

Posted by Victoria Troupe

Victoria is currently a marketing specialist with Envisage International. She has had the opportunity to live and study around the world, including Germany, Poland, and China. A native of Wyoming, Victoria received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Wyoming, her MBA from the University of North Florida and her Master's of Intercultural Communication from Fachhochschule Köln, in Cologne, Germany.