Visa Interview Tips

Tips for a Successful Visa Application

Don't wait until the last minute! Apply for the visa as early as possible. F-1 visas may be issued 12 months before the program start date on the Form I-20. There is no limit on how early a J-1 visa may be issued.
Allow several weeks for getting the appointment and visa. Visit this website with general information on the visa process. Go to the website of your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to apply. Alternatively, you can start the process from USTravelDocs website that has been authorized by the U.S. government to help you with the process. You must complete several forms before your interview, and the embassy may want to verify the information you give them.
Use the Form I-20 or DS-2019 from Whitman College only if you plan to attend our school. Students who apply to several schools may get a Form I-20 from each school. To attend Whitman, you must use the Whitman-issued Form I-20 or DS-2019.
Be well organized and well prepared.

It is nearly certain that your F1 visa application will be approved. There should be nothing for you to try to hide during your visa interview. Whitman College is well recognized and its reputation is excellent. Therefore, you do not need to stress about your interview.

Do not spend much time “practicing” your interview. It is not an exam for which you need to prepare. Sometimes students attempt to memorize dozens of answers to potential questions. This strategy is risky because:

You will sound unnatural, like a robot or an audio recorder
If an unexpected question comes up you may panic and be unable to respond in a coherent way

Approach your visa interview like a dialog with a new teacher or neighbor. Be respectful and polite but smile as well. Be confident. Dress well - show respect. Your responses should be to the point - brief and concise. Remember, these people interview over 100 visa applicants per day. They are tired, bored and under much stress.

Learn something fun about Walla Walla as you may find a situation where you can bring this up during the interview and show your confidence and awareness. Example:

Q: What is your destination in the US?
A: Walla Walla Washington. I hear it is very famous for its onions.

Preparing for the Visa Interview

Dress neatly.
Be prepared to talk about your educational goals: what you're interested in studying, why the degree that you're pursuing is important to your future career in your home country, your graduate school plans, if any.
Be prepared to explain where and how you learned English.

Remember: the consular official is required to assume that each visa applicant is secretly planning to remain in the U.S. If you are asked and can show convincing reasons for your return home after studying, your application is likely to be successful.

VERY IMPORTANT! Answer only the questions asked, briefly and to the point. Always be truthful in your statements to U.S. consular officials. If they find that you have misrepresented yourself or your documents, you may be barred from entering the U.S. in the future.

Important Note: When signing the Form I-20/DS-2019 read the instructions that are attached to the form—this is a legally binding contract to which you are agreeing when you sign the Form I-20/DS-2019.

If Your Visa Application is Denied

If you are denied a visa, please contact the ISSS office at ISSS@whitman.edu.