BEST WAY TO PREPARE FOR AN F-1 0R J-1 VISA INTERVIEW

F-1 or J-1 Visa Interview
The Visa Application Process
Important Information for Newly Admitted International Students

Step 1: Go to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate or follow the mailing instructions given by the Embassy or Consulate to apply for a student visa. Along with the completed visa application, you must also bring or mail the following items:

1. The original I-20 or DS-2019 form and the admission letter sent by the University
2. The SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt.
3. A nonrefundable visa application fee. See payment instructions on the application form.
4. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
5. Original school transcripts and public examination certificates, including student copy of your TOEFL, GMAT or GRE score report if applicable.

F-1 VISA EXPERIENCE

My visa interview was booked at 9 o’clock, September 10, 2009. I arrived at the U.S Consulate around 8:30, and there were already hundreds people waiting outside of the Consulate building. I heard the visa interview is usually started at 7:30. The guards were holding a name list, and gave us a pass card so that we can go into the building. The Visa department was located on the fifth floor. On the fourth floor there were another group of guards holding the same name list and ask our pass cards back, then we can go up to the fifth floor.

First, we need go through the security check, no water, food, cigarette, lighter, cellphone, MP3, electronic dictionary or any other digital products can bring into the visa department, we had to store/consign them outside of visa hall, then we went to the security door one by one. The guards checked/scanned our bags carefully, even a 10ml liquid or a portable hard disk can not be missed.

FIANCEE VISA

Am 29 years old, I applied for a US in august 2012 and I was refused and my fiancee is in US and he is filing for me in 2014, is there any chance of them refusing me again? 

VISA DENIAL

I went for an interview on the 22 of April this year.My brother was graduating and needed a family member to be there, he sent an invitation letter.he is also a citizen. My concern was that despite the fact that I had all the necessary documents even my bank slip,employment letter where I work as a PA to an oil company but the pay isn't all that ( N 160 000),but run my own business on the side that pays better. The lady who interviewed me didn't even check them, she only asked where in the us I was going and if I was married and I said no. It really hurt me, did it matter that it was my first time of travelling? I want to ask if its OK to write an appeal letter to the consul or just re apply? And when filling the form on line there isn't any place to indicate other form of income which may serve as a boost. What do u all think? 

WHEN CAN I REAPPLY?

From Ayo

Thanks for your response all, I'm really grateful.But since I was denied the tourist visa on the 15th of May,when can I reapply because my fiance actually wants me to come soon and we are yet to hear anything about the petition we filed in.Thanks,will be waiting for your response. 

US VISA DENIAL

I've actually been denied US visas twice in 2008 and I went on 2 complete M̶̲̥̅γ̲̣̣̥ tertiary education in Nigeria. Now M̶̲̥̅γ̲̣̣̥ mom has filed for a permanent residence visa for me which has been approved since january last year but up until now I'm yet to hear anything from them.you can put this on your blog so I can get people's opinion on it. I'm 22 an unmarried

US TOURIST VISA NOT APPROVED

From Ayo

I'm. 23 year old girl and my fiancee lives in US,so he invited me and his uncle to come for 3 weeks and he stated on the letter that my uncle is coming to treat his glaucoma while me I'm just accompanying him,the interview was in Abuja, the interviewer was a male and he didn't request for any document,after asking for reasons of travelling and where we were gonna stay and I replied,he then typed a few things and said unfortunately he couldn't issue us Visa now that we should reapply and gave us a paper to read.Do I have any chances of getting the Visa if I had gone alone and told them I was going to visit my fiancee which our fiancee petition is still going on? Please enlighten me. I'm not happy at all. 

F1 VISA DENIAL

From khadijah

I applied for an F1 visa and i was denied twice. Although the school that gave me admission didn't ask for any TOEFL or sat certificate. Could that be the course of my denial? 

QUESTION

Officers at the port of entry do they have access to your interview details or application details?

QUESTION: VISA DENIAL

By Mrs Ola
I was denied twice at Abuja consulate in 2011 for a tourist visa, I also applied in Lagos 2012 December was still not approved on visit to USA. Please what are my chances? I am also about to try again august 2013, this time my brother in-law want me and his mum to apply without my husband.

QUESTION

I recently got a US tourist visa for 3 months and I plan on staying for one month, the only problem is that I told the visa officer I will be staying for 3 weeks.

Is there going to be a problem the next time I apply for a visa if I should stay 1 month Instead of the three months I told the visa officer?

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING

I applied for a US tourist visa in November 2012.

I got to the US Embassy in Lagos around 7:30. After going through the procedure before the interview proper, it was time to meet with my interviewer. I sat down waiting impatiently for my number to come up. There were 3 men and 2 women. I kept praying not to end up at the women's cubicles.

I met 3 of my ex school mates there and 2 of them got visas but the third did not. However, I continued to wait impatiently for my number. Eventually it came up it was at a male consular cubicle.

I GOT IT (US TOURIST VISA)

March 24 2013 was the day of my visa interview, 7:45am was the time, Singapore was the location. I woke up at about 5:00am, got ready and left the house by 6:00am. I had prepared my documents 3 weeks before my interview and prepared my self with sample interview questions from different blogs and forums. The night before the interview I could not sleep I kept thinking of possible questions and how I was going to answer them, I slept for less than one hour (I told four of my friends to make sure I wake up by 5 since they were awake studying for an exam)

I arrived at the embassy at about 7:15am, wearing a formal attire (white long sleeve and black jeans, had my braids in a bun). upon arrival I was told to queue in a tent . I was the second person to arrive there after two friendly Filipino couple. security was very good as expected. Soon after more people started coming I peeped at what they were holding and I saw how thick their documents were, their interview appointment letter was also different from the one I was holding. I got nervous, I was shaking all over (every step of the way till I got interviewed I kept praying to GOD to give me confidence, boldness and let him direct the words that will come out from my mouth)

7:45am we were inside the embassy, got my queue number and was waiting to be interviewed. My queue number was 702 and I was the first person to be interviewed by the visa officer that interviewed me.

MY VISA INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE IN ABUJA NIGERIA

By Sheriff Salami

THE INTERVIEW WAS SLATED FOR DECEMBER 4TH 2012 AT THE ABUJA CONSULAR OFFICE, I HAD GOTTEN TO ABUJA A DAY EARLIER AND ON THE INTERVIEW DATE I GOT THERE 7AM THOUGH MY APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR 9.30AM AT THE APPOINTED TIME WE WERE SCREENED AND WENT IN THE LADY THAT WAS TO INTERVIEW ME DID NOT CALL FOR THE NEXT PERSON BEFORE I GOT UP TO HER APPARENTLY SHE WAS FREE BECAUSE AN APPLICANT JUST LEFT HER, WHEN I GOT INFRONT OF HER I SAID GOOD MORNING MA\'AM THOUGH SHE DID NOT REPLY I SAID IT A SECOND TIME AND SHE REPLIED WITHOUT LOOKING UP, THEN THE INTERVIEW STARTED AND SHE ASKED WHERE I WAS GOING I TOLD HER SHE ASKED WHAT I DID FOR A LIVING AND I TOLD HER I SOLD CARS AND SPARE PARTS SHE ASKED WHERE I GOT THEM FROM AND I TOLD HER GERMANY THOUGH I HAVE NEVER BEEN THERE BUT I HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE THERE, SHE ASKED HOW MUCH I HAD FOR THE TRIP I TOLD HER $10,000 THEN SHE ASKED HOW MUCH I MADE A MONTH AND I TOLD HER APPROXIMATELY 3 MILLION NAIRA THEN SHE ASKED FOR BANK STATEMENT I GAVE HER AND ALSO GAVE HER MY COMPANY CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND ALSO MY MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE THEN SHE SMILED AND ASKED IF I WAS MARRIED I TOLD HER I WAS AND I ALSO HAD A BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER SHE ASKED WHY I WAS GOING ALONE AND I TOLD HER MY WIFE WAS NOT ON BREAK AT WORK AND MY DAUGHTER IN SCHOOL THOUGH I HAD BEEN FLASHING MY WEDDING BAND TO HER ALL THROUGH THE INTERVIEW SHE SUDDENLY SAID A FEW SECONDS PLEASE THEN SHE WENT INTO A INNER ROOM AND CAME BACK AFTER FEW MINUTES THEN SAID YOUR VISA HAS BEEN APPROVED. I THINK BEING MARRIED AND HAVING A TRAVELLING EXPERIENCE GIVES ONE AN EDGE BUT AGAIN IT ALL BOILS DOWN TO LUCK. WISH ALL APPLICANTS SUCCESS IN THEIR INTERVIEWS. CHEERS

Granted B2 visa with multiple convictions

Today my husband had his interview for a B2 visa to go on holiday to the USA. After getting an ACRO certificate, making an appointment, paying the $160 MRV, gathering all the documents and filling in the DS160 I decided to do some research on the internet to see what his chances of being granted a visa were. I should explain that he had multiple convictions (6 all together including - threatening words and behavior  drunk and disorderly and 2 assaults, he also received a 60 day prison sentence for the last of these offences, which was in 2005. He has had no involvement with the police since then - so 8 years). After researching on the internet I had no hope what so ever that he would be granted the visa. There are loads of stories about people being denied visas for only 1 conviction that happened years and years ago, so thought with my husbands history he had no chance. 

F1 Visa Experience with Tips and suggestions

Student: Good Morning Sir

Visa Officer:Good Morning.How are u ?

Student:Fine,Thank you ?

Visa Officer: Give me your Folder
(This Folder has the Mandatory Documents:
i- 20, DS forms, Sevis fee, Visa fee receipt,
web appointment letter,passport)

Visa Officer asked me to give the Provisional, Mark sheets and GRE/Toefl score sheets
so i gave them the documents

Visa Officer: I think he got impressed by seeing First Class with Distinction so no questions regarding academics, nothing he asked neither y usa?y this univ?y this major?

Visa Officer: the first question he asked me was.How are u going to support your education?

Student: My father is sponsoring me

QUESTION

Hi. I've been following your blog and I find it really helpful. I wish to apply for a US visa but I would like to know what my chances are. I have 2kids who both have british passports. My husband also has a british passport, but got into trouble when he was in the US and was banned for 10yrs. My mother in-law is an American citizen based in the US and my father inlaw is also an american citizen based in Nigeria. Will my husband's circumstances affect my application? Thanks

Applying for a US Tourist Visa in Malaysia

Leading up to my US Visa application, I found a few blog entries that were uber helpful. But they were still few. So I'm going to do my part, and pay back to society by contributing my own experience.

I won't go into details about 'how to apply', because a simple google search would give you all the answers you need. But I'm going to go into grandmother story mode about the interview proper.

My appointment was scheduled for 10am. I left my house at 8.15am, thinking to myself "What am I going to do with myself when I reach there early?".

One broken down car in SMART Tunnel, One more on Jln Tun Razak, a massive jam that was worse than the normal KL traffic peak, one frantic and frazzled me later, I drove passed the embassy at 10.10am, found a parking 500meters away, and RAN to the entrance, praying all the way....and I was never so happy to see a long queue. There were people still waiting to get in. And though I had to wait another 50 minutes before I was allowed in, it was a happy 50 minutes of feeling lucky.

My visa experience

My visa experience: (where to start from is always an issue), It pays to make sure that your documents are clear otherwise you'll end up paying a ridiculous price to the business centers close by to get a reprint done and stuff like that.

If and when you get the visa, be ready to be begged to 'share the joy' by all the security people

With that said, I'll just talk about what happened in the interview section.
There were four cubicles for the interviewers. On that day, only two were working: cubicle 1 ( the lady with the really curly hair) and cubicle 4 (an ugly chubby guy). The man in cubicle 3 (an Indian) showed up at some point but didn't attend to anybody while I was there.

The lady seemed to be in good cop mode and the guy looked like he had a hangover and was the bad cop of the day.

How to make sure you get your US Tourist Visa

 it is so hard to get a tourist visa to the USA because so many people come to the US temporarily but then stay permanently, overstaying their visas illegally.  But with the right preparations, you can increase your chances of getting a tourist visa to the United States!

First, make sure you prepare well for your interview.  All applicants should get an interview at the US consulate, which is your chance to shine.  You will need to convince the officer you will return to your home country. 

Next, make sure you have all the right documents.  You must have a valid passport.  You do not need a sponsor in the US, but you may want to bring a letter from friends or family inviting you to the US to visit temporarily. You can also bring a copy of your itinerary or even a copy of your round-trip ticket.  Many travel agencies will make the reservation for you and let you pay after your visa is confirmed.  Or you can simply buy a refundable ticket just in case. You will also need to show that you have enough money for the trip so you will not need to work while you are in the US, perhaps by giving the consulate some of your bank statements.

Visa approved

Hello. Yesterday I applied for a B2 visa. I'm a  23 yr old man, currently studying and working. I don't have a big salary and the purpose of the trip is to visit Miami with my mother and my father in law (they both have B2 visa already).

My appointment was scheduled at 10:00Am. I arrived just in time, so I could enter quickly to the embassy  Still, I recommend to arrive 30 minutes early to the appointment.

The consular officer was a young, kind, beautiful lady, who made these questions:

- Why are u going to the USA?
A/ I want to spend my vacations on Miami
- Had you travel to another countries before?
A/ Nope, I haven't
(she said.."hmm..is your first time then")
- Had you had american visa before?
A/ No ma'am, I haven't
- Where do you work?
A/ A company related to (my course of study) named ABC.
- How much do you earn monthly?
A/ X Amount (what was certified from my job)

Unable to attend US visitor visa interview?

Applicants who fail to appear for their US visitor visa interview appointment are considered "No-Show" applicants.

If you are a No-Show applicant, your visitor visa fee receipt gets deactivated. You are required to wait for two working days, after the scheduled interview date, in order to reactivate your US visa fee receipt, prior to scheduling a new interview appointment.

Note that your US visa application fee receipt is valid for a period of 1 year (365 days) from the date of payment and entitles you to appear once at the Embassy / Consulate for visa interview. So the same visa application fee can be used , as long as you reschedule your interview within 365 days.

If something substantial in your situation has changed (e.g. travel plans, employment), a new DS-160 is required. Use the saved version to update your information and submit the new form. This will create a new CEAC barcode. If nothing in your situation has changed, use your original CEAC barcode while taking your appointment. Make your new appointment on USTravelDocs website with a valid US visa application fee receipt, following the same procedure used in making the previous appointment.

US Visa Interview Process

Arrive at the US embassy or consulate where your appointment for a visa interview is scheduled. Persons with incomplete applications will not be admitted. Persons with special needs who require assistance, please contact the consulate at least 48 hours prior to the interview to arrange admittance for an assistant.

What happens inside the consulate? This video is a general illustration of what happens inside the consulate, so you get an idea of the process. The exact sequence and process may vary from consulate to consulate, and from time to time. Watch the video to understand what to expect during the visa interview process, and what happens inside the consulate. If you prefer to read, you can follow the step-by-step explanation given below.

US visa denial experience

This is my second time applying for US tourist visa within the space of 5 months. The first time I applied with my wife and daughter in the US embassy in Lagos. We were all denied without the consular checking any of our documents.

The reason for denial was quite understandable because I was very nervous after hearing all sorts about US visa interviews. I was almost stuttering at any question the consular put forward to me. On the other hand, my wife was very confident and she really spoke well (shame on me). Please note that I have never been denied visa before as this was my very first visa denial.

I have been to the UK several times, Dubai 3 times, have a schengen visa and I have also been to Turkey 3 times too. My answers in the first interview were not coherent at all. If I can figure out another reason for our denial besides my lack of confidence was that I told the consular that I am an electrical engr whereas I put graphics and interior design when i filled my ds160 form.

Overcoming US Visa Denial

Even before I went for my first US visa interview on February of this year, I have been hearing about stories of visa refusals. Some of my colleagues were denied a visa and had to reapply. At that time, I could not imagine that a denial would happen to me. I was banking on my ability to express myself in English. I thought that maybe those that did not qualify did not answer the questions well. I was also thinking that since a colleague with a similar job and status in life as I was got a visa, I should not have a hard time getting one for myself.  I was dead wrong!

I had to recount the unfortunate visa refusal to my boss later on. He really wanted to help me get a visa in whatever way he can so he wanted to know what happened. I told him that a guy interviewed me and asked me questions about the purpose of my travel, a few questions about my job and some about my status. I told him exactly how I answered all the questions. My boss and I could not pinpoint the reason for the denial despite our attempts to analyze what happened. The company even hired a lawyer to help out.

My US visit visa experience

By Ken

I will share this experience, but pls dont take it for granted!!!

If you are a man pray that your interviewer be a woman and if you are a woman pray that your interviewer be a man. It is easier to impress the opposite sex than to impress same sex during interview!!!, Make sure that you smell good. It doesnt matter what kind of visa you are applying for. If you are refused then it means you didnt do your home work well, or your answers were just not impressive. When i had my interview, my interviewer was a woman. I packaged myself like sardine all documents in the right places for easy access. I had more than enough docs. But only gave out wht was requested.
Besides that i had a powerful perfume BLACK XS! Yes tho u guys might think it sounds wack!, but it work in my case. I applied enough on my body to go through the porous glass of the embassy. Even while i was sitting my perfume was at work. It has a surgar smell that can cause excitement and calm nerves. So if your interviewer was having a bad day, it can calm his/her nerves and cause some excitements. When i stood for my interview, first! i got a warm smile from my female interviewer but because the smile came before she even looked at my documents, i didnt return it back.
I kept still wit eyes focused on her.

US Visa Interview Preparation

Visa interview is the most important part of the entire process of obtaining a visitor visa (also known as tourist visa or B2 visa). Despite having all the documents and meeting all the criteria, visa applications often get refused. Knowing what to expect, and being prepared for the visa interview can mean the difference between visa approval and denial. Below are a few tips based on people's experiences.

Don't get nervous with the word "interview". This is not like a job interview. However, it is an important process for you otherwise you wouldn't spend the time and money to appear for the interview. The most important thing that you can carry with you is your self-confidence. Applicants who are well prepared, answer confidently, and have a genuine reason to apply for the visa are usually successful in getting the visa.

The first essential step toward a successful interview is preparation.

My US visa experience

by Abhinav Bajaj

I had an interview on September 4, 2009 at 9:00 am, in Mumbai. I arrived at the VFS office by 8:30 and waited in the lounge.

My number was called and I went back to the line near my announced window.  

There were three students in front of me, I was the last in line, and I saw all the students before me getting their visas and coming out of the interview happily.

Finally, it was my turn to be interviewed.

VO:How are you Today ??

Me:I am good, Thank you

My U.S. Interview Visa Experience

After so many years of my preparation I have for this interview, the much awaited day has finally came. It has been my dream to visit United States and when I started to land a job after graduation, I promised to myself I will visit United States once in a lifetime.

June 24, 2011, Friday was my visa interview to United States at 7.45am in Singapore. I woke up 5.30am, brought my documents and left the house at 6.30am. Mind you, my documents had been prepared 2 weeks ago before my interview. I had sleepless nights thinking about how will my interview goes and slept 4 hours that night before my interview day.

USA visa experience

Let's help each other by sharing our Us visa experiences, the pain we went through, questions asked during the interview, documents needed, pain of hearing the words "sorry your visa has been denied" or joy in hearing the words "congratulation your visa has been approved " and general help for people intending to apply for one.