What to do 24 hours before your visa interview
Before you can start your study abroad journey in the United States, you’ll need to apply for and obtain an F-1 student visa. And for that, you’ll need to successfully complete your F-1 visa interview. You’ll need to meet with a visa officer at your local U.S. embassy or consulate to discuss your academic plans.
The visa officer will collect your documents and ask you questions about where you plan to study and how you’ll support yourself financially during your time in the U.S. They’ll conduct the interview in English to make sure you have the language skills to succeed in your program.
While it’s natural to feel nervous leading up to your interview, there are plenty of steps you can take to prepare yourself. Here are some ways to get ready in the 24 hours leading up to your student visa interview.
1. Go over your documents
By the time you’re 24 hours out from your visa interview, you’ve probably gathered the necessary documents for the big day, but it’s still a good idea to review the list of documents you’ll need, including: .
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- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the U.S.
- Confirmation page that you completed Form DS-160, the non-immigrant visa application
- Application fee receipt to show you paid the application fee
- Form I-20 or alternative certificate showing you’re eligible for an F-1 visa
- Passport-size photo
Some supplemental documentation you may also need to bring includes your:
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- Transcripts
- Standardized test scores
- Financial documentation
Make sure you have everything organized and accessible in a folder or two. That way, you can easily grab the document you need upon the visa officer’s request.
2. Determine what you’ll wear
Plan to dress nicely so you can make a good impression on your interviewer. This could mean a buttoned shirt with slacks or a skirt or a dress.
Make sure your clothes for the next day are clean, ironed and ready to wear. Lay everything out the night before so you’re not scrambling in the morning.
3. Plan your route to the embassy
Look up directions to the U.S. embassy or consulate so you know how to get there and can arrange any necessary transportation. If you have time, try traveling there the day before so you know what to expect.
Consider printing out the directions or taking screenshots on your phone in case you lose service on the way there. Downloading a directions app that works offline, such as MAPS.me or HERE WeGo, could also be helpful.
Check the weather for the next day, too. If it’s going to rain, have an umbrella and rain jacket ready.
4. Make your morning as easy as possible
Consider anything else you can do to make your morning go as smoothly as possible before your interview. For instance, set a backup alarm in case your first one doesn’t go off.
Figure out what you’ll eat for breakfast, and opt for a balanced meal over a lot of sugar or caffeine that could make you jittery.
All this preparation will help you feel more calm and collected as you get ready for your interview, as well as prevent last-minute disruptions to your day.
5. Review common interview questions and answers
By this point, you’ve probably already practiced answering common interview questions. However, it can’t hurt to review your responses one more time.
Make sure you’re ready to talk about the school you’re attending and what you plan to study there. Show the interviewer you understand you can’t stay in the U.S. beyond the terms of your visa.
The visa officer might ask how you’ll financially support yourself throughout the program. Consider bringing a list of tuition and living costs to show you understand the expenses and have a plan to pay for them, whether through savings, student loans or a combined approach.
At the same time, don’t cram too much just before your interview. At this point, trust that the preparation you’ve done so far will be enough to make a good impression and secure your F-1 visa.
Make the most of the 24 hours before your visa interview
The big day is almost here, and you may be feeling nervous about your visa interview. But by taking these steps to prepare the day before, you can reduce your stress and feel more confident going into the embassy.
Remember the interviewer isn’t trying to trick you or deny you a visa. Their job is simply to make sure you’re a legitimate student who won’t overstay their visa and has the financial means to pay for their program.
By providing straightforward answers to their questions, you can pass your interview with flying colors. Plus, taking time the day before to review your documents and plan your morning prep steps will go a long way toward making the day go as smoothly as possible.
For more advice, check out these three essential tips for preparing for your F-1 visa interview.
