Preparation Is the Key to Success: 8 Things That Can Ruin Your Visa Interview

Travelling abroad whether for studies or business is the greatest dream for many people. However, getting a visa is the one hurdle you must overcome. This article details the top things to avoid when going for a visa interview.

Being Late

Remember, you only have one chance to create a first impression, thus you must make a great one. Get to the interview venue at least 30 minutes before the interview and spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself with your environment.

Failure to Carry All the Required Documents

Before going for a visa interview, it is essential to speak to an attorney to prepare for it well in advance. They will guide you through the process and ensure you take all the documents and receipts into the room.  Have a checklist of all the required documents including your Identification documents, passport, photographs, and fee payment proof if you are applying for a student visa, bank statement, reference letters, and other crucial documents. Lopez Law Firm a leading immigration law firm recommends the following documents:

· Passport with at least six months validity period.

· Both digital and hard copy recent paragraphs.

· Visa application form depending on the visa that you are applying. In case of a tourism visa, the D160 is required.

· Evidence of fee payment, particularly in case of student visa.

· Copy of interview letter(appointment letter)

Failure to Prepare for the Interview

Before going for the interview, ensure that you familiarize yourself with common interview questions and rehearse some answers. Take time to research your preferred destination to get all the facts about the country.

Failure to Prove Social Ties to Your Country

Remember, the major aim of most immigration policies is to prevent brain drain from the home country. This is achieved by ensuring that a majority of the people, particularly young people return home to their countries upon completion of their studies. Thus, prove during your interview that you have something that you are eager to come back to. Family, business ties, a spouse, children, and a certain level of patriotism towards your country can prove that you can return. According to immigration department, failure to prove social ties to your home country is a leading cause of visa rejection.

Don’t Be Nervous

Nothing turns-off an interview panel like a nervous candidate. Whether it is a job interview or visa application, nervous candidates tend to fail for a simple reason; lack of confidence to respond to questions. Being nervous drains you from concentrating, thinking clearly, and expressing yourself coherently. To avoid being nervous, practice thoroughly before the interview. Visualize the questions and compile your possible answers.

Failure to Conduct Thorough Research about Your Destination

Think about the culture, people, politics , democracy, music, theatre, food, landscape, climate, economy, history, leadership, and all aspects of a country. Knowing these facts proves that:

· You are passionate about the country

· You will respect the people’s culture

· You have a positive attitude towards your destination

· You are able and willing to make a positive contribution towards the betterment of the people.

Thus, conduct thorough research using books, online sources, the media, and the local embassy.

Lack of Solid Proof of Financial Capability to Finance a Lifestyle Abroad

This factor is mainly applicable to students seeking to study abroad. Your visa application must include a detailed plan on how to finance your education. Unless you secure a scholarship, most embassies require you to prove that you can afford tuition, accommodation, life insurance, travel, and other expenses.

Poor Academic Capability

Most visa application programs, particularly to the US, Europe, Canada, and Australia, require applicants to undertake SAT, GMAT, or TOEFL exams to prove their eligibility. Ensure that you prepare thoroughly for these tests. Also, countries that require a strong understanding of the English language might have additional tests. Further, your choice of course and eligibility criteria can limit most young people from getting a student Visa.

According to Pew Research Centre, out of the 8.9 million visa applications globally, an estimated 10% representing 800,000 applications get declined. By following these simple steps, you can increase the odds of having your visa approved and make your dream a reality.