As an international student aiming to pursue higher studies in the US is more challenging than actually doing it. The main concept here is not about getting an admission in an Ivy League but rather going through unlimited admission processes which comes in a way. Around 1,075,496 international students in 2021 have taken admission in the USA. Imagine how competitive it is to get into one of the best colleges in the USA when this many students each year are willing to get admissions.
The admission process usually consists of some tests and factors that determine student’s ability through the admission process and get their seats in one of the top Ivy Leagues. From writing an essay to appearing for exams like SAT, GRE & GMAT and additionally preparing for English proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, etc. everything gets tough.
What are the types of study visas in the US?
The study visa for the USA generally consists of 3 categories mentioned below:
- F-1 visa – this is a type of visa which is non-immigrant in nature and allows international students to study in the USA. This is for students who want to study in an English institute or study English.
- J-1 visa – this is an exchange program visa i.e. students who want to participate in the US that promotes cultural exchange programs. This requires a sponsorship from the government to participate in training in areas such as business, medical, etc.
- M-1 visa – this allows international students to take up vocational programs which are non-academic and limited to training only. Students cannot take up jobs when they are enrolled in a vocational or technical program.
Students need to get an acceptance letter from an academic institution certified by the US Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) before they apply for any of the above student visas.
Types of Student Visas in the USA and how to get them
Interview waiver for international students in 2022
In December 2021, the US secretary of State in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security waived partial waiver for in-person interview requirement for certain temporary employment nonimmigrant visa applicants who have a petition approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. . This will be effective till 31st December 2022 and is applicable for the F-1 study visa. This also implies a temporary work visa.
Students can check with their nearest US embassy authorities in their home country to know about guidelines. This is for the students who want to apply for a visa without an interview or fall into a certain category.
Tips to enhance your interview skills to get US F-1 visa
If you do not fall into the waiver category then you need these tips to make yourself sound best in the US visa interview process. This is one of the tasks in which students need to excel themselves in order to convince the authorities why they need to study in the US.
- Prepare for these common questions
There is a list of questions that are different each time you sit for the process. Some of the common questions that can be answered with ease we have mentioned below:
Q.1. Why did you choose this college/university for your education?
- You need to be clear about your goals and vision about why this course and why this college and why this country is suitable for your education.
- Do not elaborate on the values and conditions of the college and rather specifically answer these questions that are suitable for your career.
- You can check the ranking of the institute on sources like Forbes or Times higher education and can answer this question with ease.
Q.2. Why did you choose the US for your studies and why not your home institution?
- You can compare salary packages and the value of the same course in your home country and in the US.
- Students can show their willingness to join that specific institute due to its top ranking and valuable courses.
Q.3. How will you fund your living expenses and tuition fees in a country like the USA?
- You need to be ready with your expenses and ability to afford the institute before you sit for the interview. You can check all the related details with a Unicoach expert and therefore can be ready with your answer.
- Make an expenditure structure on a yearly basis and be clear with your answer when in an interview.
- If you have a sponsor in the country then you need to justify their salary and what they do for a living.
- Be well informed
Students must know about what journey they are taking on. As mentioned earlier F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa therefore you must show your intent to return back to your home country after completing your graduation or master’s. Keep a deep knowledge about your program, university, location of your study, and further career opportunities with the same.
- Practice more often
Yes, students tend to avoid practicing these questions as they do not consider this important during their admission process. Practice your interviews with your friends, colleagues, family, or an expert. This helps in getting you confident for your interview day. You can also look into the mirror and practice yourself. Nobody is going to judge you.
Unicoach is a student-first premium education consulting platform with a vision to get bright native students to reach out to their dream IVY league universities and colleges with ease. In its short-lived life, Unicoach has forged lifelong friendships and harbored trust among a wide range of students with varied academic expectations. From crafting SOP’s to filling out applications, and course guidance, Unicoach and its team of able professionals ensure that these intricate processes remain hassle-free for the students and they are ably assisted in picking up a course that fits their requirements. From the UK to Canada, Australia and the United States, and more, we have reached globally to renowned universities and paved a way for our students to reach the zenith of success post completing their degrees.