5 Tips to Crack Your US Visa like a Pro in 2025

Whether you are going for a full degree or a shorter period, you’ll have to apply for a US student visa. Here are the types of non-immigrant student visas for studying in the US.

This type of student visa is for international students who wish to study a degree course at an accredited educational institution. Students with F-1 Visas are allowed to work on-campus for 20 hours per week. If the students wish to work off-campus, they have to take permission from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

International students who wish to pursue non-academic or vocational study/ training (which should not exceed 1 year) at a US institute have to apply for an M-1 Visa. With this visa, the students are allowed to stay in the US for a fixed duration (the length of their training program plus any Optional Practical Training). M-1 visa holders are not allowed to work on- or off-campus while studying and may not change their status to F-1.

The J-1 Visa is for international students who wish to visit the US to participate in cultural exchange programs. The students with J-1 visas stay in the US for a very short duration, perhaps one or two semesters. The students with J-1 visas are also not allowed to work on-campus as well as off-campus.

While appearing for the Visa interview, most students get nervous and miss the opportunity to get visa approval. Here are some tips that can help you get visa success.

Tell the truth

The students must be truthful while appearing for the visa interview. The answers or the reasons they are providing should be consistent and genuine. Students have to stick with reality and not build fake defences. The justification should be valid and believable. Also, students must not hide any information that they feel is necessary to know by the consulate. Answer each question concisely and clearly. Students should not hesitate to ask the question again if they cannot understand it the first time. Ensure that your documents should support all your answers.

Attach all the documents required

The students must ensure that all the necessary documents are attached and completed while applying for visas. Not submitting proper documents is a very petty reason for a visa refusal. A few essential documents you must carry while going for a visa interview are:

• Passport

• Form DS-160

• Form I20

• All the previous academic documents

• Test scores (English proficiency, GMAT, SAT, etc.)

• Documents to prove the funding of your education

• SEVIS fee receipt

• Receipt of Visa

• Visa appointment letter

Be Confident

While appearing for an interview, the student must be confident. Prefer wearing a well-ironed formal dress that is comfortable and formal. Also, students’ body language says a lot about them, and their first impression is the last impression in front of interviewers.

Students should try to give positive answers to all their negative points. Students should work on their shortcomings. Students should not be excessively nervous in visa interviews.

Moreover, make sure you speak fluently in English and use the right pronunciations while giving an interview. You also have to be respectful and polite to create a positive impact.

Prepare yourself for all the questions

The students must prepare themselves well in advance for all the common questions asked in the interview. The most basic questions asked in interviews include:

• Why study in US?

• Why choose that particular institution/ course?

• How are you funding your education?

• What are your plans after post-graduation?

The consular officer tries to ensure that the student is going to the US just for higher education and do not have any plans to settle and find employment there. The officer will try to ascertain that the student will be coming back to their home country after completing their studies. The students must go through all the details about their course through the university website, the course commencement, end dates, course modules, etc. Also, they will have to mention how that particular course will help you in the future. Moreover, the students have to show the proper documents related to their education funding. Try to keep your answers short and crisp.

Be on Time

Students should timely apply for visas. The applicant must not file for their visa before 120 days from their course starting date. Also, they should avoid making any unnecessary delays. Moreover, if we talk about visa interviews, students must always show up on time to create a good impression. Applicants should reach the consulate well in advance and take some time to adjust themselves to the environment. It also reflects the applicant’s seriousness for the interview. Applicants should try to calm yourself down and not panic.

The students who wish to fulfil their dream of studying in US and enter into a great career may contact our expert educational counsellors at any branch of Meridean Overseas Education Consultant (MOEC). Also, the students can take online counselling through our website. Our counsellors will provide you with all the support and guidance for US admission and the visa process. For more details or queries, you can mail us at application02@meridean.org or call us at our toll-free no. 1800-1230-00011.