canada visa interview questions
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Canada Visa Interview Questions Taken From Various WebSitesTRANSCRIPT
Canada Visa Interview Questions & Answers
The following are some of the Canadian student visa interview questions that the ambassador may ask:
1. How are you doing?
Tip: You don’t have to be nervous and answer in a formal way. This question is basically asked to make you comfortable.
Fine, thank you.
2. Have you ever been to Canada before?
Tip: Though Visa officer has the record of all your visits to Canada but you have to tell them the truth. If you have been there then you should remember the date of arrival & departure.
Yes I have been to Canada once in 2006 on a tourist Visa.
Or
No, I have not been to Canada so far.
If yes then it is advisable to remember the date of last arrival and departure from Canada.
3. Why do you want to study in Canada?
Tip: Visa officer wants to understand your intentions to go to Canada. As you are applying for Canada student Visa so you should only talk about that.
I want to go there to pursue my Masters degree. Because of the ample research facilities and global exposure available there. I will be completely equipped in terms of practical exposure, by being in contact with people from different nations and working with the best technology.
4. Why did you select this particular university?
Tip: You should go through the website and handbook of your university carefully. Pen down some highlighted features such as World ranking, the research facility, the faculty profile, Alumni profile etc. Visa officer wants to know the reason behind joining the particular University.
E.g. I was keen to study in a university which can give me quality education so while searching various options I found that this university has got the best faculty available in my subject. Even the research facilities are very good. Moreover it is listed in the top 50 universities of the world with well known professionals as its Alumni’s.
5. For which course are you going?
Tip: You should go through the course content carefully. You should know everything such as: Duration, Fee, commencement & end date, Credits points, curriculum etc about your course.
I am going for MS in Computer Science for the fall 2009 session.
6. Why did you choose this course?
Tip: You should be very clear about your future plans after doing this course. Prepare a good statement mentioning about: How course is relevant to your previous degree, how this course adds value to you profile, why you are interested in doing this course etc.
This course is related to my previous studies as I have done my B.C.A. and I would like to continue my education in the same field. Moreover I am quiet interested in VLSI design and this course includes various modules related to that.
7. Why don’t you do this course here in India?
Tip: You should know what difference the course would bring to you if done from Canada instead of India. If the course is not available in India, you can tell the Visa Officer that it is not offered in India. If the same course is available in India, highlight the differences in the quality of education and the course structure in India and Canada. You should convince the Visa Officer that doing this course from Canada will add value to your profile. Talk about a few researches being conducted in that field. Technical words work out when other things don’t.
Similar course in India is entirely theoretical. Whereas the same course in Canada comes along with Internship and a lot of project work. Internship & projects will give me a lot of practical knowledge. After completing the course I will not get only the degree, but also experience in the field. Also, the research facilities are not that great here in India.
8. Which are the other universities you have applied to?
Tip: Visa Officer wants to know if you are really serious about your education. If you applied to 4 and were accepted in 1 and got 3 rejects, you should put it this way: I applied to 4, got 1 admit, 2 awaited and 1 reject. Visa Officer will have record of the Universities accepted your application and not of your rejections. You should say that the chosen university was your first choice.
I applied to four other universities and got calls from two of them. But I preferred to choose XYZ because of the research being carried out in the field of XXX (mention the one related to your course) that interests me the most.
9. How are you going to fund your education?
Tip: Visa Officer wants to know if you are well aware of source of your funds. This is the way to verify your documents as well.
You can say that Family funds or Bank loan (As per your Visa documents and funds statement)
10. Are you getting any school waiver?
Tip: Mention if you are getting any tuition fee waiver or teaching assistantship or research assistantship. That will prove to be a positive point.
11. Why do you think the university is giving scholarship to you?
Tip: You should know how much scholarship you are getting and probably the reason university is giving scholarship to you Visa Officer wants to know if you are aware of the scholarship programs and financial aid. Also if you have submitted any Statement of Purpose for scholarship then mention about that and carry a copy of the same.
It is because of my academic records, GRE & TOEFL Score.
12. From where did you do your under graduation?
Tip: Mention the name of the course and the university. If the university has high ranking or some specific feature, mention that too.
13. Tell me something about your past?
Tip: Be prepared to tell them that what you were doing between your last school and till today. Make sure your answers are focusing on your achievements, skills, you being a sincere student.
After completing my studies, I worked in ABC Company as …… Executive for X years. After that I joined XXX Company and presently working over there for last Y years.
14. Who is sponsoring your education?
Tip: If you have a scholarship, say that. Else mention the name of your sponsors, you may add that your father and mother are supporting you for your higher education as per the financial documents.
My father and relatives (As per Visa documents & Funds)
15. What does he do?
Tip: Visa officer basically wants to verify the financial capability of the sponsors. You are advised to go through the Income tax returns, and supporting documents of your sponsors carefully. Have a good idea of the income source of your sponsors.
16. What savings does your family have?
Tip: Make sure your answer focus on proof of having sufficient funds. Go through the financial documents carefully and mention the savings as per the documents. Always carry a detailed bank account statements and CA report with you. If you have taken an education loan then do mention about that and carry a copy of Loan letter with you.
My father is having savings of around XX Lakhs. And my mother has a fixed deposit of XX lakhs. Collectively they have sponsored me for XX lakhs. We are also availing an education loan from XYZ Bank for X lakhs.
17. What is your father’s annual income?
Tip: Visa Officer wants to know if your father’s annual income is sufficient enough to meet your expenses of studying abroad. They think that money can be put into banks, but annual income is a proof which they heavily rely upon to decide the student’s parents capability to meet his educational expenses. You should mention the annual income as per IT returns.
His annual income is XYZ.
18. How many brothers and sisters do you have?
Tip: Such kind of questions is basically to verify weather your family has other members for whom your parents may have to raise fund later on. Basically such questions are asked to evaluate the balance of income and expenses of the family.
19. Do you have any relative in Canada?
Tip: Be truthful at this instance. Visa Officer will have record of this (about your brother/sister/Mother/Father) with them. If your distant aunt or uncle stays there, then you don’t have to say about them. All that matters is your immediate relatives i.e. own brother, sister, father or mother. Any of your relative overstaying in Canada may not be favourable considered.
20. Is your brother/sister enjoying there?
Tip: Visa officer wants to know what the intentions of your brothers and sisters are. Never answer in a way that makes them believes that they plan to settle or overstay. Any of them overstaying in Canada may not be favourable considered. You may say that he is finding life tough there and has plans to come back to India after completing his studies/after a year or two.
21. What are the course commencement and completion dates?
Tip: You should remember the exact dates. Visa Officer wants to know if you are well aware of the course duration and start date.
22. Where do you plan to stay in Canada?
Tip: Mention the address where you have planned. This should reflect that you are serious about your studies and have made all arrangements for your education abroad.
23. What do you plan to do during your vacations?
Tip: Visa officer wants to know your ties to your home country. You can say that you plan to come back to meet your family and friends here in India. You should not say that you plan to work in Canada as that shows you are not financially strong and you are going there to earn
money. This will make the Visa officer believe that even after completing your education, you would like to do job and settle there.
24. Show me your GRE and TOEFL Score?
Tip: Carry all documents in such a way that it becomes easy for you to remove and present them to Visa Officer without any wastage of time, whenever asked for. Always try to put the better score on the top. The speed at which you are able to show the relevant document whenever asked for also counts a lot. Visa Officer wants to know how sincere you are at your studies. Remember your scores and exam dates.
25. What is your undergraduate GPA?
Tip: You should convert your percentage in GPA and remember it exactly.
26. Can you show me your degree?
Tip: Handover the degree confidently and look at the visa officer. If asked only for a degree, do not show the mark sheets of each semester.
27. Mention some professors’ name?
Tip: Do research the university and find out specifically the professors in your department before going for visa interview.
28. Did you get in touch with any professors in this University?
Tip: Before going for visa interview, you should contact professors in your department. VO wants to know how sincere you are for doing graduation from your chosen university.
Yes, I exchanged some emails with Prof XYZ. With the area of his research and the interest I have in that particular subject, I guess I can be good research assistant under him. It is always advisable to carry the printouts of the emails with you.
29. What are your future plans? Do you intend to stay in Canada?
Tip: Your answers should reflect clarity of thought, clarity of your intentions and strong ties to your home country.
I am sure the recent growth of Indian economy will open many avenues for me to start my company back in India. After acquainting with latest technologies in Canada, I look forward to start my company here in India.
30. Do you plan to work there?
Tip: Visa Officer wants to know your intentions. You should answer in such a way that Visa Officer is convinced that you are financially strong and plan to return to your home country after completing your studies.
31. Do you have enough funds while you are there?
Tip: You should be confident and say yes. Visa Officer wants to know if you have enough funds to meet your educational expenses.
Yes.
32. What is the location of your university?
Tip: You should do some research on your university before visa interview. You should know its exact location and the location of different campus as well (if any). Location might be one of the reasons that you selected this particular university, so make sure that you know its exact location.
33. What’s the difference you can make by doing your MS in Canada?
Tip: You get better opportunities once you do your MS. Show foreign companies coming to India investing in your field. State some technical words expressing the advancements in your field.
Most of the Universities in Canada are going in parallel with the latest technologies. Educating myself in those technologies will provide me the necessary skill-set to start up something of my own in future.
Interview for Canadian visa isn't compulsory. Students will generally be called for an interview only if the immigration officers find any doubts in documents that students submit for visa. If called for an interview, be prepared to answer any question relating to your documents.
Some of the sample questions may be:Why you want to study in Canada?What are your sources of income?Who will sponsor your studies?Why don’t have good marks in your previous studies?How can you assure you‘ll come back after studies?Do you intend to work in Canada?Why haven’t you got any recommendation letters?
These are the questions you may be asked. But be assured there is chance of not being asked any of these questions too. So review your documents and pick questions from it on your own and prepare for answer for those questions.
Below is the list of scholarships for Indian students:
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program funded by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT)
Canada Asia-Pacific Awards funded by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT)
Professional Development Awards (PDA) International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
The Pearson Fellowship funded by International Development Research Centre (IDRC)Conference Travel Assistance Program (CTA) funded by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT)
Doctoral Student Research Award (DSRA) funded by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT)
International Research Linkages funded by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships funded by Government of Canada
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships funded by Government of Canada
Industrial Postgraduate Scholarships Program funded by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Visiting Fellowships in Canadian Government Laboratories Program funded by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Research Development Initiatives funded by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Sauve Scholars Program funded by Jeanne Sauve Youth Fondation
Trudeau Fellowships funded by Trudeau Foundation
Trudeau Scholarships funded by Trudeau Foundation
Strategic Training Initiative in Health Research (STIHR) funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research
CIHR Fellowship funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Research Associate Program funded by National Research Council Canada
Industrial Research and Development Internship (IRDI) Program funded by Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada
There is no any specific question asked by the consular during F1 visa interview. But there are some general questions asked. The F1 visa interview questions may be related to any thing that concerns with you and your application. They may ask you about your studies, funds, sponsors, your chosen university, your destination of study or anything.
Some of the sample questions asked by the consular during interview are:Why do you want to go abroad?Why have you chosen this university?Who will sponsor your education?How will you pay for your stay in US?Why you want to go to US?Why don't you study this course at your own country?Why have you chosen this course?Who are there in your family?Who earns in your family?What do you know about course you've chosen?What are your hobbies?Do you intend to work in USA?What do you know about your university?What will you do after completion of your studies?Does anybody from your family stay or study abroad?How many years do you intend to stay in US?
These are only the sample questions asked during a visa interview by a consular. It is not necessarily required that you be asked any of these questions. However, prepare for these questions properly for F1 visa interview preparation.
POSSIBLE VISA QUESTIONSThese are the sample questions that the consular may ask you when you go to face a visa interview
1. Why you choose the specified University?
2. Which Universities did you apply to (both admits and rejects)?
3. Where did you Intermediate from? (For student intending to study Under Graduate level)
Where did you Undergraduates from? (For student intending to study Post Graduate level)
4. Who is sponsoring/financing you?
5. What does your parents do?
6. What is your family's annual income?
7. How many brothers and sisters do you have?
8. Do you have any relatives in .... (country you want to go)?
9. Why don't you do this course in your country?
10. What will you do after completing your study?
11. Why Study in .... (country you want to go)?
12. Did you got Scholarships?
13. Have you got any Loans?
14. What is your Intermediate GPA/Percentage? (For student intending to study Under Graduate level)
What is your Undergraduate GPA/Percentage? (For student intending to study Post Graduate level)
15. If Parents retired? How will they pay?
16. Tell about your university.
17. Where is your university located?
18. What is the nearest airport?
19. Mention some professor names.
20. Tell me how can you prove that you are coming back?
21. Where did your brother/parents completed their studies?
22. Why are you leaving your current job? (For job holders)
23. Have you ever been to .... (country you want to go) ?
24. What will you do after coming back to Home?
25. You have so...brothers and sisters so your parents saving is for all how will they finance..?
26. Where do your parents live [If they live in .... (country you want to go)]?
27. Do you know anyone [in .... (country you want to go)] in your University?
28. Do you know anyone in .... (country you want to go)?
29. What will you do if your Visa is rejected?
30. Will you come back to home during summers?
31. What do you think, Why University is giving Scholarship to you?
32. If you scored less marks in past exams, you may be asked for the reason, why its less?
These are the most possible questions asked for every visa candidate during a visa interview. But, these are the most general questions only, therefore you might not be asked any of these question. But get prepared for the questions mentioned below.
US Student VISA, H1B VISA Information For Study In US
For securing the Visa of any country, you have to apply to the consulate office of that country in India. Visa granted by a foreign country may be of various types, with different conditions attached to each of them. A Transit Visa allows you to stay in that country just for a day or two, while a Tourist Visa may allow you to stay for periods up to several months. For a Business Visa, the periodicity of the Visa depends on your need to stay in that country. A student Visa or F1 Visa is granted to students and is valid generally for the period of study (including grace period) and permission of work outside university is not allowed. Almost all these Visas will stipulate that you cannot take up a job in that country during the period of your stay. A H-1 Visa is granted to all applicants who have obtained the work permit from INS allows him to work in the US. The F visa is for academic studies, and the M visa is for non-academic or vocational studies. A student with an F-1 visa may not accept off-campus employment at any time during the first year of study; however, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) may grant permission to accept off-campus employment after one year. No permission is required for on-campus employment. Except for temporary employment for practical training, an M-1 student may not accept employment at any time during the course of study.
Visa F1, H1B, J1, L1, B1
J1
The Exchange Visitor Program is intended to foster international social, scientific and cultural exchange. Many if not most program sponsors are universities, where the environment for such exchange is acknowledged highly rewarding and productive. The J-1 programs often cover students, short term scholars, job trainees, faculty, professors and research scholars, specialists, government visitors, camp counsellors and au pairs.
Sometimes, a J-1 program will require that the beneficiary spend at least two years outside of the US (not in Countries like Canada or UK) before being permitted to switch to a different non-immigrant visa or to permanent residency.
This program is administered by the US information agency (USIA), a division of the Department of State
To Obtain J1 Waiver
In some situations, a waiver may be granted if the 2-year departure would cause exceptional hardship to an applicant's family.
If the applicant imparted some benefit to the US (in Medicine), or if he participated in the program at his own expense.
A "no objection" waiver can be issued if an applicant's home country does not object to the applicant's decision not to return home. To apply for this, the applicant must contact his country's embassy in the US, or if he has returned home, must apply through the foreign office.
If you can demonstrate a "well founded fear of political or religious persecution" if forced to return to your country. You may be able to obtain a "Refugee", "Asylum", or "Persecution" status.
H1B
It is a 'specialty occupation' visa for temporary employment. its duration is 3 years (initial request) and later it can be extended for another 3 additional years. There are restrictions for dependents (they may not work).
You cannot transfer H-1B petition from one employer to another. The new employer must apply for a new H-1B visa with the Department of Labour with copies of CV, transcripts and other documents.
B1, B2
B1 Visitor for Business; B2 Visitor for Pleasure Available for coming to the US for business or pleasure. Nationals of some countries may be eligible to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa.
E1/E2 - Treaty Trader and Investor
Investors and traders and their employees may receive visas to carry on their business in the US if their home country has a commercial treaty with the United States, conferring visa eligibility.
L-1 – Intra-company Transfer Visas
L-1 visas are available to executives, managers and specialized employees moving to their employer's US affiliate site. Executives and managers holding L-1 visas may be eligible for permanent residency without the need for a labour certification.
1. Permanent Residency-Employment Based ("Green Card") 2. First Preference Persons of Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors and
Researchers, and Multinational Executives and Managers 3. Second Preference Persons Holding advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional
Ability in the Sciences, Arts or Business 4. Third Preference Skilled Workers and Professional 5. Fourth Preference Employment Creation Investors
Requirements for Student Visa
Applicants must have successfully completed a course of study normally required for enrolment, should be sufficiently proficient in English to pursue the intended course of study, should have been accepted for a full course of study by an approved educational institution, and be able to prove that sufficient funds are or will be available to defray all living and school expenses during the entire period of anticipated study in the United States. They should also be able to establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that they have binding ties to a residence in their country which they have no intention of abandoning and that they will return to their home country when they have completed their studies.
Required Documents
Completed Application Form DS-156, DS- 157, DS -158, DSP- 2019 (IAP 166)
Passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States
One coloured photograph 1 and 1/2 inches square (37 x 37mm) for each applicant, showing a full face, without head covering, against a light background.
for F visa applicants, a completed Form I-20A-B (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status for Academic and Language Students) from the institution where the applicant will be attending. M visa applicants, a completed Form I-20M-N, (Certificate of Eligibility for
Non-immigrant Student Status for Vocational Students), from the institution the applicant will be attending.
Original TOEFL scores and SAT, GRE, GMAT scores. (As applicable) Students going to the United States to earn a Bachelor's degree should bring their most recent mark sheets or graduation certificates.
Students going the United States to earn a Ph.D. degree should bring their original undergraduate degree and mark sheets/Transcripts.
Spouses and minor children accompanying the student to the United States should bring marriage certificates, wedding photos, and birth certificates with them to the interview, to prove the relationship between themselves and the principal applicant.
Demand drafts for the applicable fees.
Canada Student Visa Interview Questions
Despite having all the documents and meeting all the criteria people often get the refusal. A lot of it depends on the visa interview, whether you successfully get the Visa or not. Here are few tips based on people's experiences and facts.
Now don't get nervous with the word "interview". This is not like a job interview, however this is an important process (for visa seeker) so take it easy with confidence.
Important Canada Student Visa Interview Questions:
WHY CANADA?
Q: Why do you wish to study in the Canada and not in India?
Q: What if you get a Canada degree here, would you like to go to Canada again for higher Studies?
Q: Why did you select Canada for higher studies? Isn't this course offered by any university or college in India?
Q: What is the purpose of your trip?
Q: Have you ever been to Canada?
ABOUT YOUR COURSE
Q: What course are you going for?
Q: Why did you select this course? Is it relevant to your previous studies?
Q: Why are you taking this course?
Q: What is the course structure & contents?
Q: Why don't you do this course in your country?
Q: How long will your studies last?
Q: What is the scope of your course?
Q: What do you plan to study at the university?
Q: What benefit will bring this course to you?
Q: What is the course commencement date?
Q: What will be the total cost of per year?
Q: Where will you stay in Canada?
ABOUT YOUR ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Q: Where did you do your last course of study?
Q: What is your specialization?
Q: What is your High School, Degree or Master's percentage or grade?
Q: What are your subjects in last course of study (High School, Degree or Master's)?
ABOUT YOUR INSTITUTE
Q: Which university are you planning to go to?
Q: Can you tell me some details about your university?
Q: Why have you chosen this specific university?
Q: Can you tell me the location of the university/college?
Q: Why did you choose this institute and how did you find about it?
Q: How many universities did you apply for? (Both admits and rejects)
Q: Can you mention the names of some professors?
Q: Did you receive any scholarships?
ABOUT CURRENT JOB/BUSINESS
Q: Show your Experience Certificate. (if applicable)
Q: (If you are currently working) Why are you leaving your current job?
TEST PREPERTIONS
Q: Could you please show me your TOEFL/IELTS scorecard?
Q: Why are your TOEFL/IELTS score low?
ABOUT YOUR FAMILY
Q: What does your father do?
Q: How many brothers and sisters do you have?
Q: What is your father's annual income?
Q: Where your brother/parents did completed their studies.
Q: Do you have a brother / sister, or any other relative already at this university?
Q: Where did your brother/parents complete their studies?
SPONSOR AND FINANCIAL DETAILS
Q: Have you got any Loans?
Q: What are the sources of income of your sponsor?
Q: What proof do you have that your sponsor can support your studies?
Q: Who is paying for your education and what is his/her income?
Q: Who is sponsoring you?
Q: Could you please show me the passbook or bank statements?
Q: How many people are dependents of your sponsor?
Q: Why is he sponsoring you? (if not father)
Q: How much money is available for your stay in Canada?
Q: How are you related to your sponsor (if not father)?
Q: How will you finance your education funds for 4 years? (Generally you have to prove that you can fund the first year of your education but we suggest that you be prepared with this answer).=
FUTURE PLANS (CAREER PROSPECTS)
Q: What are you plans after completing your studies?
Q: Have you researched your career prospects?
Q: What will you do after completing BA/B.SC/BS/PGD/MA/MBA/MS/M.Sc?
Q: What will you do after coming back to Home?
Q: How much money can you earn after your completion of studies?
Q: What are you future plans after completion of your studies?
Q: Do you intend to work in Canada during or after completion of your studies?
Q: How can you prove that you will come back after finishing your studies?
RELATIVES IN US
Q: Do you have any relatives in the Canada?
Q: Do you know anyone (in Canada) in your University?
VISA OR REFUSAL
Q: If the VISA officer asks why should I grant you VISA what should I answer?
Q: What will you do if your Visa is rejected?
MISCELLANEOUS
Q: Have you ever visited any other country?
Q: Will you come back to home during summers?
Q: What will you do during the off period/semester?
Visa Interview Questions and Answers
Do you need interpreter?
No Thanks
Are you ready for interview?
Yes Off course
Why did you choose this institute and how did you find about it?
The institute is providing one of the best courses in UK and its fee is reasonable, complete study atmosphere and specially its staff that is highly qualified. After surfing the net and consult with different consultants I chose this college for my studies.
Why did you select this course? Is it relevant to your previous studies?
This course will lead me towards the best opportunities of my life I mean to achieve my goals in life. Yes this course is exactly related to my previous studies.
Can you tell me the location of the university/college?
Yes..
Why did you select UK for higher studies? Isn’t this course offered by any University or college in Pakistan?
UK education system is one of the best across the globe. UK education system has high influence in our education system. We are far behind in research and advancement in any field of life especially in education. Second we find complete study atmosphere in UK, which is not available in Pakistan.
What if you get a UK degree here, would you like to go to UK again for higher Studies?
Even then I will go to UK because of standard of education and complete study atmosphere.
What course are you going for? What is the scope of your course?
The course I chose will open new horizons for me and there are high job prospects in multinational firms at local and international level.
Why are you taking this course?
Because this course is exactly related to my previous studies/Experience
What is the course structure? What are the course contents? Do you intend to work in UK after completion of your studies?
Not at all
What do you intend to you after completion of your studies?
I will come back and will join any multinational firm or start my own business.
What are your future plans?
To join any multinational firm or start my own business
What benefit will bring this course to you?
After completion of this course, I will come back and join any reputed firm, which offer attractive packages. I will be leading in big job market, I am sure I will get an excellent job in any reputed firm otherwise I will start my own business.
How much money can you earn after your completion of studies?
30000-35000 per month approximately.
Where will you stay in UK? Who is your sponsor? What proof do you have that your sponsor can support your studies? Source of income of your sponsor? How are you related to him? How many people are his/her dependents? Why is he sponsoring you? (if not father) Do you have any relative or friend in UK?
The answers to this vary from person to person. The two basic replies being: Either "YES" or "NO". But I believe that you be truthful at this instance. I have seen many people who have been true and weren’t affected by that.In fact at an USEFI seminar, addressed by the Consulate Officer. it was said by the officer himself that,
" We know that most of the student will end up staying there after completing their studies, but at least we can do our part of skimming them. We can at least play the part of sieving across the deserving people and not every pedestrian."
This means that they evaluate you on the basis of your merits and not by what the person staying abroad is going to do for you. And the financial part is because they want to be assured that you can at least go through your studies fully.It just happens that many a times, they check your file based on details provided in your passport, and if they do apprehend you lying, that might spell trouble. So, I think telling the truth is the best thing.If your uncle or cousin or distant aunt stays there, you don’t have to say "YES" coz
that doesn’t matter. All that matters is your immediate relatives i.e. own brother, sister, father or mother.
What does your father do?
Well this does have a specific reply, but then you can put it as "Sir, My father is working with a German collaborated company for the past 25 years as a Manager in XYZ department. The long reply helps over here. If your father has taken a voluntary retirement, don’t mention that he has retired.Well there are two approaches to this. One, say that your father worked with this company for the last 30 years and now has his own consultancy dealing with (insert some financial or technical terms).Two, Say that your father worked as Asst Mgr./Mgr./GM with some company for the past 25 years, took a VR and now has a consultancy of his own. Never show him to be idle, coz that means your income has drastically reduced and works as a negative point. Stating about the VR often helps coz then you can assure him that most of the money you have shown is yours coz usually people get huge amounts on taking a VR. So that does help on the financial grounds.
How many brothers and sisters do you have? What is the course commencement date? What will be the total cost of per year? What will you do during the off period / semester?
I will come back to see my family and friends.
How much money is available for your stay in UK? Have you researched your career prospects?
Off course. I have planned to choose any reputed multinational firm where I could learn more and more. Second at that time possibly there will be competition in jobs, if I fail to get any good job then I have plan to start my own business.
Visa Interview
Visa interview is an important step prior to the final confirmation of student visa approval for most countries including Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, UK and USA. Your interview could fasten or delay your visa processing. Therefore, it is crucial that you prepare for the interview and address all concerns of the visa officer.
The interview is taken by the ambassador or visa officer who may ask you a range of questions mainly to ensure that your application case is genuine and your intentions align with what is being written in the application form. The officer is a trained professional, who could ask multiple unrelated questions, not to annoy you but to know your real interests and objectives. If you are prepared, you can enjoy this process and meeting with someone who opens the door of a new country for you.
A few visa interview tips:
Prepare for the interview questions in advance. Get a copy of your all documents with you for the interview. Dress appropriately (formally). Be on time for the interview. Be courteous, friendly and polite throughout the interview. Be confident as you the best about yourself, where and why you have made
applications. Give brief and clear answers. If not sure, then you can ask the question again. Be
thoughtful in your answers. Go through the website and handbook of your university carefully. Know about your course contents thoroughly including course duration, fee,
commencement & end date, credits points etc. You should be clear about your future plans after completing the course. Be ready for any strange questions and don’t get nervous when you have them. They
are meant to test your intentions, skills or IQ. Interview may take 20-30 minutes or more, so be comfortable with it. Enjoy the interview!
Preparatory interview questions for the Student Visa Interview:
Introductory questions:
How are you doing?
(This Question to make you comfortable)
Have you ever been to the respective country before?
(This is for the visa officer’s records – If yes then it is advisable to remember the date of last arrival and departure from the country of visa application)
Questions on your intention and motivation of study in the respective country:
Why do you want to study in the respective country?
(It is to check your intention to go to the respective country)
Why did you select this particular university?
(It is to check you have done your research about your education and serious about it)
Which are the other universities you have applied to?
(It is to check whether you are really serious about your education and have planned well)
Questions on your subject and course:
For which course you are going?
(It is to check that you know about what you have applied for)
Why did you choose this course?
(It is to check that you have chosen your course by yourself)
Why don’t you do this course here in India?
(It is to know whether this course is available here and which differences motivate you to visit the respective country – bring out the difference between the course offered in India and abroad; State the difference in terms of theoretical and practical education)
What are the course commencement and completion dates?
(Remember the exact start and end date of the course)
Questions on funding for study in the respective country:
How are you going to fund your education?
(It is to check you are aware of your funds and how you will manage your finances during your course duration)
Who is sponsoring your education?
(If you have a scholarship, then say that. Otherwise mention the name of your sponsors. If they are your parents then mention that your father and/or mother are supporting you as per the financial documents [My father and relatives - As per Visa documents & Funds])
What does s/he (mother/father) do?
(Visa officer basically wants to verify the financial capability of the sponsors. Go through the tax documents, all bank statements and other supporting documents, and have a good idea of the income source of your sponsors)
What savings does your family have?
(Visa officer wants to confirm you have sufficient funds. Show your proofs and be sure that you know your financial documents.)
What is your father’s annual income?
(This is just to get the idea if your father’s annual income is sufficient enough to meet your expenses of studying abroad)
How many brothers and sisters do you have?
(Such questions are asked to evaluate the balance of income and expenses of the family)
Do you have enough funds while you are there?
(Give a confident answer stating that you meet the educational expenses.)
Questions on academic qualifications of the student:
What is your undergraduate GPA?
(Convert your percentage in GPA and remember it exactly)
Can you show me your degree?
(Only show the document that has been asked)
Mention some professors’ name?
(Give names of professors you know and explain your relation with them)
Show me your GRE and TOEFL Score?
(Keep your documents in order and remember that, so that when they ask you again, you give them without wasting any time. Saving time counts a lot)
Questions on students achievements:
Tell me something about your past?
(It is to know you more – mention what you were doing after your last school till today.
Make sure your answers cover your achievements, skills and sincerity)
From where did you do your under graduation?
(It is to know your study background – mention the name of your university and course. If the university has any high ranking then mention that too)
Are you getting any school waiver?
(It is to check your excellence – if you have got any tuition fee waiver or teaching assistantship or research assistantship then mention it)
Why do you think the university is giving scholarship to you?
(It is to check your sharpness – most scholarships are awarded for good academic records, GRE or TOEFL scores)
Questions on awareness of and living arrangements in the respective:
Where do you plan to stay in the respective country?
(Mention the address and arrangements for your education abroad)
Do you have any relative in the respective country?
(Be truthful at this instance)
Is your brother/sister enjoying there?
(Never answer in a way that makes them believes that they plan to settle or overstay)
What do you plan to do during your vacations?
(Give a plan to show your ties up with your family and country. Don’t show your intention for work)
What is the location of your university?
(Know the exact location of your university and whether it is the reason to go there)
Questions on future plans:
What are your future plans? Do you intend to stay in the respective country?
(Your answers should reflect clarity of your thoughts and intentions. Mention your strong ties to the home country, and excellent opportunities available in India to establish your business or career)
Do you plan to work there?
(Convince the officer that your intention is not to stay in the respective country permanently. You have your liabilities at home and your family is in India, for whom you would like to come back to)
What’s the difference you can make by doing your course in the respective country?
(Prepare for this answer that suit best to your profile and course.
You can mention about better job opportunities and future prospects.)
*Respective country is the country where you intend to go for further studies.