To gain a full license to study in any nation abroad, you will need a study visa. The process of getting a study Visa has an interview stage that may seem scary, but there is no cause for alarm. In this article, we have compiled some commonly asked interview questions for issuing a student visa and tips to help you scale through your interview successfully.
What is a Study Visa?
A study Visa is a Visa issued by the government of a nation, allowing foreigners to study in the nation. In other words, Study Visas are documents that allow foreigners reside in a country on the account of studies.
It takes different forms in different nations but in the United States*, for instance, it comes in the form of J1, F1, and M1 visas.
See Also: How to Get UK Student Visa: UK Student Visa Requirements
Areas of Focus for Study Visa Interview Questions
With my research on the study visa interview questions for different nations: Canada, Germany, Australia, and the United States, I found out that Interview questions fall under the following categories;
- Choice of Academic institution
- Financial capability
- Future career plans
- Academic Background and choices
Now, let‘s see some sample questions and their typical answers.
7 Most Asked Student Visa Questions And their Answers
As we know, the best way to prepare for an interview is to know some popular questions and their answers. The list below highlights the seven most asked interview questions and how to answer them.
#1: Why do you Want to Study in this Country?
To answer this question, you must have researched the country. Talk about the educational standards of the country and how valuable a degree from the such country would be. You can also mention other advantages like affordable tuition fees, diverse culture, available opportunities, and freedom.
#2: Why Did You Choose This University And How Did You Find It?
To be prepared for questions like this, go to the University‘s website and study its academic structure and history. Tell them how studying at that university will help you achieve your goals in the country. You can also talk about the internship programs.
#3: Who is Paying for your Education?
Say the truth about your financial situation. Tell them how you intend to pay for your studies and your entire stay in the country. Also, include what the source of your funds will be, these could be scholarships, loans, or sponsorship from your parents or relatives.
#4: Where do you plan to Work After your Studies?
Such questions are very tricky to answer. As much as you want to stay back in the United States or Canada or whichever is your choice country, show your interest to go back to your home country.
#5: Tell Us About Your Study Program At your Home Country
Here, you are required to give a good introduction to your major and concentration. Talk about the objectives of your program and its core courses. Pick a few of your favorite courses as examples and give a detailed overview or explanation.
#6: How Much Do you Know This Country?
To answer this question, you will need some knowledge about your intended country of study. We recommend you watch some documentaries about the country. Mention some famous attractions like parks, palaces, museums, etc.
#7: Are You Going to Work While Studying?
The major aim of the study Visa is to study. Do not mention that you plan to work during your stay in the country. Rather, focus on your study.
There are several other questions you might be asked during your study Visa interview. Therefore, get more knowledge about the country, the University, and the course of study.
Also Check: Australia Student Visa | Application Guide – Easy Entry Point
Tips for Passing a Student Visa Interview
Study Visa interviews are very important and should be taken seriously. Here are some tips to help you come out successful.
- Submit your application early
- Have a positive mindset
- Give your full attention
- Practice your English grammar properly as much as possible.
- Make sure your documents are complete.
- Have some prepared answer templates
- Be punctual
- Be well dressed
- Answer questions confidently
- Give specific and straightforward answers
Practice the answers to the questions given in this article before the interview. If you follow these tips, you are on your way to success.
Benefits of Having a Student Visa
To conclude this write-up, these are the reasons why you need to pass your study visa interview;
- It will give you access to study in the country of your dreams and earn globally respected certificates.
- Some of these Visas allow students to work part-time while studying.
- With some study visas, students can explore foreign countries with their spouses and children.
- With F1 visas, students can travel within the United States until their studies are complete.
- Traveling for studies makes permanent migration possible.
These are the major benefits of getting a study visa.
Conclusively, keep the tips and the sample questions we have given in this article in the back of your mind. Remember, you only find success after you have succeeded in your mind. Stay positive.
Also Check: Applying for Germany Student Visa to Study in Germany
*Types of Study Visas (United States)
You might want to know about the different types of visas issued to foreign students in some of the major study destinations mentioned here. We have detailed only that of the the United States here for now. You can read up others in visa tips sections. There are three types of study visas granted by the American Government which are;
M1 Visa
M1 visas allow foreigners with the primary aim of studying without working. These visas allow people to go into vocational and nonacademic schooling. The applicants for M1 visas must show valid proofs that they can pay for their tuition and other expenses because they cannot have jobs during their studies.
J1 Visa
Unlike the M1 Visa, J1 visa holders are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week provided they are granted permission. With these visas, students can do jobs related to research, teaching, childcare, and housework. With the J1 Visas, foreigners can receive practical education and training.
F1 Visa
This is the most popular type of study visa in the United States. F1 visas are given to full-time students who are studying in the English Language. Unlike M1 visas, F1 visas are meant for traditional academic studies. Possessors of these visas can work for 20 hours per week. Students possessing these visas cannot enroll in publicly funded adult education classes or schools from kindergarten to eighth grade.