How to Successfully Get Through a Student Visa Interview

Student Visa Interview

The questions in a student visa interview are used to determine how you stand on five main issues. The idea is to make sure that you are coming into the country for the right reason: to study at your chosen school and then return to your home country with your improved skills and education. In order to establish this, the main issues the questions will address are:

  • Whether or not your sole purpose of travel is to pursue your program of study;
  • If you have the ability and intention to be a full-time student;
  • If you possess adequate funds to cover your tuition and living expenses without requiring unauthorized employment;
  • If you possess the social and economic ties to your country required to ensure you will return home at the end of your program; and
  • Whether or not you are telling the truth.

Preparation

The first step is to acquire knowledge about the process. There is considerable free information available through the Canada immigration website which can offer you specific details about what you will need to know. Next you will need to gather the require documentation for your interview. This may include:

  • All school documents;
  • Acceptance letter from your college or university;
  • Evidence of funds;
  • Bank statements;
  • Real estate holdings evidence;
  • Proof of your parents’ employment positions at home;
  • Business card if you work;
  • An educational plan setting out why you intend to study in Canada;
  • Letters from future employers in your home country; and
  • Any other documents which prove your ties to your home country.

Remember to be very familiar with all of the information presented in your application form before setting foot in the interview room. During the interview process, be sure to remain honest. Interviewers are very good at detecting when they are being lied to and, if they think you are hiding something, your application may be rejected. If you do not understand a question don’t try to answer it, instead ask the visa officer to rephrase it.

Practice for the interview by considering the criteria presented above. Write a few paragraphs that address these concerns and keep it sincere, truthful, complete, concise, and persuasive. Read it out to a friend or relative and get their advice. On the other hand, do not get too used to reciting your story, or your answers might seem rehearsed and fake.

Finally, don’t be discouraged if you fail the first time. Many applicants must apply more than once before successfully being granted a student visa.  Address the reasons for refusal in a new application and try again.

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