Visa interviews can be so complex that a single article can’t capture all you need to know about them. In fact, authors have written books on the subject and so many YouTube channels exist for the purpose. Yet, whether you’re applying to visit or relocate and no matter what country, some ideas are basic. You can put these ones in the bag as you soon prepare to see the world:
1. Don’t over-dress: I get it, it’s an interview and you want to make an impression. That’s not to say you should pull a wardrobe stunt which will make your interviewer think you don’t belong here and are trying too hard to cover up. A decent business casual is great. Sometimes a good first impression can be all it takes to soften the interaction between you and the consulate officer.
2. Read carefully the information on the country’s immigration portal: Even if you have been to the country before, go back to the appropriate agency’s website and read. Sometimes there might be an update. And even if your friends and family have been to that country before and have told you everything, don’t be lazy about it. Read for yourself the entire sections pertaining to your application and actually know the requirements to the letter.
3. Be confident and make eye contact: This is self-explanatory. In all human interactions, eye-contact and a confident presentation help make your claims more believable.
4. Be concise: While confidence is great, overweening pride or what Nigerians call overdo is witchcraft. Answer questions pointedly. No extra sheets here, no blank sheets either. Talk your own make the officer talk him own.
5. Bring or submit supporting data: If the requirement says you should provide proof of communication between you and your partner abroad, for instance, print a few pages of WhatsApp or Facebook chat even if that wasn’t specifically stated. If not that, email prints. Something to show that constant communication exists.
6. Tax documents: Note that consulate officers know some applicants boost their bank accounts with borrowed money prior to interviews or in the course of applications. Without proof of tax payment, in line with the figures in your accounts, they may conclude “your economic situation is not as claimed.” Most Western countries take taxes seriously. Many applicants ignore this, relying only on the fat account balance. Talk to a tax officer and get this sorted before submitting your application.
7. Be honest with your data: Data sincerity means you don’t have to cram lies to be regurgitated at the interview. It means you’ll just be yourself. And while at the interview, don’t allow yourself to be affected by the interview results of the applicants before you. There’s a tendency to become anxious about a certain interviewer issuing denials. Don’t.
8. Preempt follow-up questions: Depending on the kind of visa you’re applying for, research likely questions, prepare honest answers, then imagine and answer follow-up questions too. For instance, if you’re going for a conference, you’ll be asked questions about it and about your profession. If you claim to have a partner, you will likely be asked about the circumstances under which you both met.
9. Brace for anything: Sometimes it helps to know that at the end of the day, you can only do your part. A larger part depends on the immigration quota allotted to your country, the consulate officer, and what s/he ate that morning. Interviewer bias or state of mind can thwart all your efforts and that’s fine. Nonsense happens. Just play your part and have a positive outlook, but also unshakeable peace of mind that, however it goes, it won’t change the taste of beer. And if you try too many times without success, just fall more in love your country and stop voting doorknobs.
(Nigeria Abroad)
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