G e t t i n g

ready
f o r y o u r v i s a
int e r v i e w
Student Visas
The U.S. Department of State website states A citizen of a foreign country
who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a
nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent
residence. You must have a student visa to study in the United States.

The school you wish to attend and the subject you wish to study help
determine what kind of visa is required.

Visit
www.travel.
state.gov
for more
information on
visas

Visa Duration Family Employment Degree Sponsor/

Type Level Endorsement
F-1 length of spouse/ yes any no
program child can
join with
F-2 visas
M-1 length of spouse/ no vocational/ no
program child can technical
join with
M-2 visas
J-1 length of spouse/ yes workplace yes
program child can exchange/
join with on-job
J-2 visas training
B subject to yes no recreational N/A
approval or business
only
F-1 Visa
The most common is the F-1 student visa. The F-1 is given to any
international citizen attending a U.S. high school, a specialized, non-
vocational institution, seminary, college or university. Once you have
received your F-1 visa, you must inform the school that the process is
complete. When you arrive in the U.S., customs officials will give you an
I-94 form that confirms you legal entry into the country. You should carry
this (or copies) with you at all times.

M-1 Visa
The M-1 visa is for international residents who want to attend technical
programs. With an M-1 visa, students are not permitted to work while they
attend the university. In addition, some students may be required to pay
their full tuition bill before the program begins.

J-1 Visa
The J-1 visa is for international residents who want to participate in a
U.S.-based, on-the-job training course. Most J-1 visa holders are part
of workplace exchange programs and live with host families while in the
country. J-1 visas usually last for up to 18 months, at which point the
student must go back to their home country.

B Visa
B Visas are for students who want to enroll in a brief recreational course
of study, not for credit toward a degree. B-1 visas are for business and B-2
visas are for visiting and tourism.
The Interview
As part of the visa application process, you will likely have to attend a visa
interview in person.

This booklet contains some questions visa officers might ask and some
tips on answering their questions. This is intended as a guide to help you
prepare, but you could be asked anything.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Do attend
Failure to attend the interview may result in your application being
automatically refused. In the event you cannot attend, contact the Visa
Office to reschedule.

Do answer
You should always answer all questions fully and honestly.

Do think
You should think in advance about your course, the documents you provided
in your visa application, and your intention to study. The Visa Official wants
to know that you have given serious thought before choosing your course.

Do speak in English!
One of the most important things they will be checking is your level of
English, so always answer in English, not via an interpreter. Practice
answers to the sample questions below and be prepared.
Do ask
Ask for clarification if you do not understand a question to make sure you
are providing the correct information.

Documents to bring to the interview

Check the documents required by your specific Embassy at http://www.
usembassy.gov

In general, students are asked to provide the following documentation:

1. Original I-20
2. Proof of payment of SEVIS fee
3. Completed DS-160 form (Non-immigant visa application)
4. Certificate of Enrollment
5. Passport
6. Academic transcripts (with translations)
7. Financial evidence used for the I-20
8. Passport-sized photograph
Conversation
Visa Officials, and Americans in general, like to make casual conversation
or small talk. They like to talk about weather, sports, travel, music,
movies, theater, books, food, and entertainment. The purpose of small
talk is to break the ice and get a good dialogue started.

Small talk is a great way to get an idea of what type of person you are. Are
you shy or outgoing? Are you able to converse comfortably with strangers?
Is your English strong enough to speak up in class? These are some
reasons the Visa Official might start the conversation with small talk.

There is no wrong or right answer - just answer truthfully.

1. How are you?

2. Tell me about yourself.

3. What do you like to do for fun?

4. Are you a ________ fan? (e.g. Boston Red Sox, Oakland Raiders, etc)

5. How do you think you will like the weather in __________?

6. Do you like American food?

Tips
Be prepared to be conversational with the Visa Official
Be familiar with the area you wish to go to (i.e. local sports, cities in
close proximity, foods, special terminology, etc.)
Go on the school website to get to know the university you will be
attending
Know what airport you will fly into and how far away is it from the
school
Join the schools facebook/social media page and start a dialogue
with other students
General information
1. What is the name of the school you wish to attend?

2. Did you use an educational agent at any stage? Who is/was your agent
and why did you choose them?

3. Why do you wish to study in the U.S.? Did you consider any other
countries?

4. How did you first learn about this school?

5. Why did you choose this university/college/school? Why did you choose
this course and how does it relate to your previous study? Why not stay
in your own country to study, if similar courses are available there?

6. What job opportunities with this degree provide?

7. What is your plan after completing the course? Do you intend to stay in
the U.S. (for additional studies) or are you returning home?

8. Do you have any family living in the U.S.?

9. Do you plan to work in the U.S. during course or after you graduate?

Tips
Show that you are a genuine student looking to further your education
Make it clear that you plan to return to your home country by showing
strong ties give reasons for returning to your home country that are
stronger than those for remaining in the United States
Intended Course(s)
1. What is the course name and academic level? What qualification will you
get after the course if you pass?

2. When does the course start and finish? How many terms/semesters is
it?

3. What are the subjects of the course? What will you study during the
course? How are you going to be assessed on the course?

4. Did you do any research before choosing the school/course? What other
schools/courses did you consider, and why did you decide on this one?

5. How is this course going to benefit you for your future career and/or
academic plans?

Tips
Become familiar with the information on our website and/or brochure
Bring a brochure with you to show the visa official
If you are not able to articulate the reasons you will study in a
particular program in the United States, you may not succeed in
convincing the consular officer that you are indeed planning to study,
rather than to immigrate
You should be able to explain how studying in the US relates to your
future professional career in your home country
Financial Circumstances
1. Who is going to pay your tuition fees and living costs?
2. Do you know how much it costs to live in the U.S. and also what
you might spend on day-to-day items such as food, travel and
accommodation?
3. Do you know the total cost of the course and have an idea on any
future courses?
4. Are you receiving scholarships or will you be receiving student loans?
If you are receiving loans, how will you repay them?

Tips
Bring all required financial documents and anything else you may
have that helps support your financial status
If youve been awarded a scholarship, bring a certificate or proof of
your award
Living in the US
1. Where is the school? What city is it in and what part of the U.S. does it
belong to?
2. Where have you arranged accommodation?
3. How much does accommodation cost in the city/town where you will
be studying?
4. How will you commute between your accommodation and the school
(bus, train, underground etc)?

Tips
Bring your accommodation confirmation if booked through our
program

BOSTON, MA
NEW YORK, NY

WASHINGTON, DC
SAN FRANCISCO, CA

LOS ANGELES, CA
DALLAS, TX
Have questions? Contact us!
Cambridge Education Group
Kett House
Station Road
Cambridge
CB1 2JH
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0) 1223 345698
Fax: +44 (0) 1223 346181
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.CambridgeEducationGroup.com