Ties to Home Country: Under US law, all applicants for non immigrant visas are viewed as intending immigrants. The burden of proof lies with the applicant. You must therefore be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States. “Ties” to your home country are the things that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence, for example:
Job
Family
Bank statements, Investments, properties.
If you are a prospective undergraduate, the Interviewing officer may ask you about your:
Specific intentions or promise of future employment
Family or other relationships
Educational objectives
Grades
Long-range plans
Career prospects in your home country.
Each person’s situation is different, of course, and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter which can guarantee visa issuance.
English: Anticipate that the interview will be conducted In English and not In your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview.
Know the Program and How It Fits Your Career Plans: If you are not able to talk about the reasons why you will be studying in the U.S., you may not succeed In convincing consular officer that you are Indeed planning to study.
Be Concise: Because of the volume of applications received, all consular officers are under considerable pressure to conduct a quick and efficient Interview. They must make a decision on the impressions they form during the first minute or two of the Interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial Impression you create are critical to a successful visa interview. Keep your answers to questions short and to the point.
Supplemental Documentation: It should be clear at a glance to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and why. Long written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2ꞏ3 minutes of Interview time.
Not All Countries are Equal: Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students have remained in the United States as Immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from those countries are more likely to be Intending immigrants. They are also more likely to be asked questions about job opportunities at home after their study In the United States.
