The tips below are intended to help you prepare for your visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
1. Ties to Home Country
Under the law, all applicants for non-immigrant visas are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. 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 destination country.
"Ties" to your home country are the things that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence (i.e., job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc).
If you are a going under a work visa, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family or other relationship, long-long range plans, and 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.
2. 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.
3. Speak for Yourself
Do not bring parents or family members with you to your interview. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf.
4. Know the Program and How it Fits Your Career Plans
If you are not able to articulate the reasons you will work in a particular program, you may not succeed in convincing the consular officer that you are indeed planning to work, rather than to immigrate. You should also be able to explain how working in the European country relates to your future professional career in your home country.
5. Be Concise
Because of the volume of applications that are received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, 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 your success. Keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point.
6. Supplemental Documentation
It should be clear at a glance to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they signify. Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you're lucky. First give to the officer only your international passport (travel document). Other files have to be given once the requested only.
7. Not All Countries Are Equal
Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many workers have remained as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from those countries are more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after their work contract will be over.
8. Employment
Your main purpose of coming to the destination country should be to work.
You must be able to clearly articulate your plan to return home at the end of your program.
9. Dependents Remaining at Home
If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be an especially tricky area if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the consular officer gains the impression that your family members will not be able to support themselves, your visa application will almost certainly be denied. If your family does decide to join you at a later time, it is helpful to have them apply at the same post where you applied for your visa.
10. Maintain a Positive Attitude
Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and get the reason you were denied in writing.
And the last but not least - you have to be ready for any questions regarding your work experience, working conditions in a new place where you are going to (name of company, salary, address of living, amount of working hours a week, contract duration etc. You have to be ready to respond to al those questions.
Also you have to be calm and patient, officer may ask same information twice or more just to make sure your answer will not differ.
Good luck with your interview!
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