Help getting a United States student visa in Switzerland?

Question

Hi,

I will be applying for a student visa in US consulate in Bern. Originally from Armenia, I have a Swiss visa through a local Language School that expires in three month. The College in the United States has accepted my application and sent me an I20 form for an F1 visa interview here in Switzerland.

Since I am not applying in my home country, I want to make sure that I am granted the F1 visa.

Has anyone had any similar experience? Any words of wisdom? Any additional documents I can present to improve my chances? Tips on the interview?

Any thoughts would be highly appreciated.

Thanks a lot in advance,

Answer 1

You must have the following documents for your case to be considered:

- Valid passport

- I-20

- Letter of admission

- DS-156

- DS-158

- DS-157 (if applicable)

- Receipt of SEVIS fee payment

- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover all expenses and tuition (Bank statements, bank books etc).

- Proof of ties to your home country (family, employment, money, businesses etc).

Tips for the interview:

Believe me you may be nervous now but when you get there you will come to realise that the entire event is such an anti-climax and it will be nowhere near as stressful as you thought. There will be no desk, no glits and glammer, no flashing lights, it will just be you speaking to a person behind some reinforced glass, much like at any old bank.

The person there will ask you all of the usual questions which will mainly be about the college or university you will be attending, the course or program you wil be studying, what do you plan to do with your education and of course why do you want to study in the U.S. or at your chosen institution. Make sure you have an answer for all of these questions. Other questions which may arise are; do you know anyone (friends, family etc) in the United States, how will you support yourself, have you been before etc.

Regarding the interview itself, you will find many people who are dressed very casual (jeans, t-shirt etc), I wore a suit since it never hurts to show some respect to the interviewing officer. Always look the officer in the when you are speaking to them, answer the questions in a polite and respectful tone showing some confedence but not arrogance. Remember also that your interview will only last about 5-8 minutes, so keep your answers short and brief, they are not interested in your life story. Just that you are able to speak and understand the English langauge and that you are a good candidate to study in their country.

Furthermore, remember this. Never be afraid to say; "sorry can you repeat the question" - the officer will understand that you will be nervous on the day and they fully expect you to be. So do not be afraid to ask for clarification if you do not understand. Another important point is do not elaborate your answers, only answer what the question which is being ask. For example if they ask you "Do you know the time?" - you only need to answer "yes" or "no" - answering "Yes, its 10:30" is too much detail.

The final point to note is to always tell the truth, never lie - it is too hard to keep track of what you have said previously.

Trust me, it will be such a straight forward interview process and so much of a disspointment considered everything which is going on inside you head at this moment in time. Expect a long wait so bring something to read or some kind of puzzle book to keep you occupied.