Advice for the visa interview

<p>So my F-1 visa interview is coming up, and I'm trying to get prepared for it. My question is, when I walk into the interview room, should I hand over all my documents to the interviewer immediately for review, or should I wait till they actually ask for the documents? I've read a couple of stories on this forum about people being denied their F-1 visas because the interviewer didn't ask for the I-20. I know this probably sounds like a really stupid question, but I don't want to come off too forward by just thrusting all my documents into their hands.</p>

<p>You should wait till the visa officers asks you to hand over your documents.
Here’s what you should do:

  1. Don’t get nervous and don’t stutter.
  2. Keep it concise because you don’t have much time.
  3. Tell them that you’re willing to come back to your home country after graduation.
    btw, it would help if you told us where you are applying from.</p>

<p>^ That’s good advice!</p>

<p>I just wanted to add that your interviewer will probably be behind bullet-proof glass, which severely restricts you ability to hand them stuff that they didn’t ask for.</p>

<p>The interview for the most part is usually just a formality.</p>

<p>Keep in mind that the only thing they really care about is that you have a place at a school in the US (I-20), and that you don’t want to stay in the US after your degree is over (Family ties to your home country).</p>

<p>I’ve been interviewed four times, and I was never there for more than 2 minutes.</p>

<p>They will ask you to give them your documents btw (You use the DS-160 now)
Which is a much more streamlined process than the old one (DS-156/7/8)</p>

<p>Other than that, do not forget to pay the VISA fee. I have seen it more than half a dozen times over the years. Guy/Girl forgot to pay the VISA fee and they had to leave and make another appt.</p>

<p>Thanks bengalltigerr. I’m Indian but I live in Botswana so that’s where I will be taking the interview.</p>

<p>Thanks b@r!um. Behind bullet-proof glass? … [speechless]</p>

<p>Thanks jsanche32. BTW, do you pay the visa fee at the consulate office? Because I didn’t find anything about paying a visa fee online.</p>

<p>You pay it a bank the consulate designates. The Bank gives you a receipt and that is what you give the consular official.</p>

<p>Your US embassy/consular office in your country will have the name of the bank in question.</p>

<p>Thanks!!! xx</p>

<p>Guys can you give me an advice please? </p>

<p>I’m going to a community college this fall and my interview is next Monday. The question is should I tell (if asked) the officer that I plan to transfer to a four-year institution after completing CC or to come back to my home country right away?</p>

<p>you should tell her that you plan to transfer to 4-year institution that has an articulation agreement with your community college.</p>