Top 7 Tips For Passing Your Student-Visa Interview

As normalcy gradually returns in the world amid the global pandemic, travel and international studies have also resumed. Many Nigerians will be preparing to seek admissions into universities abroad. Applying for a scholarship or seeking admission abroad is just the first step; preparing for student-visa interview after admission is another. Here is a compilation of tips that can help increase your chances in your student-visa interview:

1. Submitting application

This is not a tip, but as a first step it is important: ensure to obtain original documents—you should probably not outsource documentation to third parties. Visit the website of the intending country and study all the instructions carefully.

2. Practise your English as often as possible

Practising good spoken English will not only help in your IELTS exams but also in acing your interview. With practice comes better fluency, which in turn impacts confidence at the interview. There are lots of ways to practise: watching English television shows; listening to podcasts by English speakers from your intending country; or even listening to the country’s music.

3. Gather all documentation before interview day

When you are jumpy and unorganized at a job interview, you know how it gets and how that throws you off your game. The same applies to preparing for a student-visa interview—in fact, it’s one of the most important steps in preparing for the interview. Go through the requirement list ahead of time and tick it off one by one.

4. Pay attention and listen carefully to each question

You should dedicate your full attention to the officer or the translator during the interview. Listen carefully to each question and think before you answer to avoid any kind of misunderstanding or misinterpretation. Also, keep your questions short and to the point. When in doubt, take a deep breath, repeat the question in your mind and answer as calmly as possible.

5. Prepare an explanation for important questions

In preparing for your student-visa interview, brace for “control questions”—questioned repeated/framed in a different way to test your sincerity. It is important you prepare smart, on-point responses to questions. They can be questions about why you chose the university; why you decided to study in the country; or what your post-study goal is. Find meaningful explanations that make you appear ready. Practise the key points in your responses until you have them on your fingertip but avoid cramming your answers because you could end up stuttering and repeating sentences.

6. Talk about ties to your home country

Most times during student-visa interviews, interviewers often ask prospective students about what they have going for them in their home countries—to ensure there is something bringing them back. You can talk about your family and explain how they will miss you and how you cannot wait to come back to them. Sometime ago, Nigeria Abroad asked readers whether they would return to Nigeria if they found themselves abroad. Most people swore never to return. It should be apparent that such response can disqualify you in a student-visa interview. If you must say you cannot wait to leave, let it be based on how excited you are to begin your studies.

7. Be clear that you will return home after graduation

As stated earlier, this is important, so make sure to reiterate this point and give reasons why you will be coming back to your home country after graduation. Show enthusiasm about the things you wish to accomplish when you return and talk about the projects you plan to set up once you are done with school. Establish that one of the reasons you are traveling abroad to study is to equip yourself further for your project.

When you are done with your interview, you wait for confirmation.

Good luck!

Nigeria Abroad