Consular Interview Tips

Tips for all International Students and Scholars

1. Expect the interview to be conducted in English. 
   • If English is not the applicant's native language, they should practice English conversation before the interview.
2. Consulate officers are under pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. The first thing said and the initial impression are critical.
3. Make answers to the officer’s questions complete, but keep them brief. 
   • Listen carefully and be sure to understand the question fully. 
   • Ask the officer to please repeat any question not understood.
4. Be organized. 
   • Have supporting documentation ready for presentation in case asked. 
   • Don't bring papers to the interview unless prepared to show the documents to the consular officer.
5. Be prepared to discuss what the applicant expects to gain from their time in the US and how they will use this experience in their home country.
6. Be friendly and courteous to the consular officer and try to appear confident that the visa will be issued.
7. If an applicant is subject to mandatory military service in their home country, they should be prepared to explain how they will meet this requirement.

F-1, J-1, TN and E-3 Applicants Only

• To be eligible for an F-1, J-1, TN or E-3 visa, an applicant must prove to the consular officer that they:
  • have strong ties to their home country.
  • do not intend to immigrate to the United States. 
  • have a residence outside the US to which they will return. 
• The burden of proof is on the applicant, so be prepared.
• The student or scholar may need to present evidence that demonstrates ties to their home country such as family, property, employment opportunities, bank accounts, other economic ties, etc.

H-1B and O-1 Applicants Only

• Since H-1B and O-1 visa are permitted to have "dual-intent," meaning these statuses allow the scholar to pursue permanent residency in the US, they do not need to prove that they will return to their home country.