Student Visa interview: Not mandatory for Every Country Abroad
Talk to Expert
Once candidates have successfully applied to a university and got their admission letter, they must apply for a study visa. A study visa is a legal document allowing a foreign student to lawfully enter the country for the entire study duration. But is an interview a mandatory step toward completing a student visa process? Let us find out through this article.
A student visa abroad is an important document without which international students cannot travel or study abroad. This document authenticates the applicant's stipulated stay in a country based on the course of study. Getting a student visa is an extensive process, where multiple steps are involved. The interview plays a pivotal role in getting a student visa in major countries abroad. However, some countries may not require a student visa interview at all. Let us discuss which top countries require an interview as an essential step to get through the student visa process.
- What is the right time to apply for a Study Visa?
- Study Visa Interview Status in Countries Abroad - Top Destinations
- Student Visa Interview Mandatory or Not Abroad FAQs
What is the right time to apply for a Study Visa?
Candidates are advised to not delay applying for their study visa and apply at least 1-3 months before the course commencement date, depending on which country they are applying to. As mentioned, candidates can only apply for a study visa after they have been accepted into an academic course in the country where they wish to pursue their studies.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Applicants would need to submit their university acceptance letter along with other important documents and the tuition fee in its entirety or part before applying for their study visa. The length of their course would determine the type of study visa they would need to apply for. A course that is shorter than six months would qualify for a short-term visa, and a course that extends for more than six months would qualify for a long-stay visa.
Pick your stage and get free guidance from counsellors who've helped thousands get into top universities.
Starting research
Shortlisting colleges
Exam preparation
SOP/LOR writing
Scholarship & finance
Visa applicationWhile the short-stay study visa does not come with any added benefits, the long-term study visa would allow candidates to work part-time in a foreign country for a capped number of hours during a term and also apply for a post-study work permit upon graduation.
Read: Student Visa Requirements for Study Abroad
Study Visa Interview Status in Countries Abroad - Top Destinations
Once candidates have applied for their study visas. They could be called in for a visa interview. The purpose of a visa interview could be manifold. The visa interview could be to assess the candidate or to provide more depth to the application process of the candidate or the visa interview could be a norm for a particular university. Whatever the reason, most students are apprehensive about appearing in front of visa officers and answering their interrogatory questions. But do you know, that not all the countries require you to be physically present for an interview?
There are many countries where a personal interview is mandatory, and a few where you can skip the interview stage as it is not a mandatory requirement. In this article, we have tried to target the popular destinations for studying abroad and inform our candidates whether a personal interview is mandatory or not. Check out student visa guides for popular countries in the following section:
1. Study in the USA
USA Visa Interview Status: Mandatory
The US government has made US Student Visa Interviews for prospective students mandatory. If you are applying for an F1 visa, you need to prepare for the interview. This interview is primarily a clinical check to make sure only genuine students get to enter and study in the US territory.
Conditional Criteria: Students from certain countries or those who have previously applied for a visa and got rejected may face additional scrutiny. However, those applying again and got through or not can also opt for Dropbox for student visa interview waiver in USA.
2. Study in the UK
UK Visa Interview Status: Mandatory
All universities in the UK conduct a pre-CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) interview to determine the seriousness of the candidate in pursuing the course and travelling abroad before issuing you a letter. Hence, the majority of the students applying to the UK are not required to appear for the UK Visa Interview. However, in case there is a discrepancy in your online UK visa application or your documents are not in order, you will be required to attend the UK Visa Interview. Also, candidates who have once declined a visa or whose scores on standardised tests are low are more likely to be chosen for visa interviews.
Conditional Criteria: Interviews may be conducted to verify the authenticity of the applicant's intentions to study and their financial situation.
3. Study in Canada
Canada Visa Interview Status: Mandatory
Typically, there are no interviews for study permits in Canada. An interview may be required if decided by the visa officer or on the submission of incomplete visa application documents. However, a medical examination is compulsory for the purpose of getting a student visa for Canada.
Conditional Criteria: Students from certain countries may be more likely to be called for interviews to address specific concerns.
4. Study in Australia
Australia Visa Interview Status: Mandatory
Whether there will be an Australia study visa interview required or not, depends on the individual case of the applicant. If the visa-issuing authorities require more information on your application or there are discrepancies you will be called for a study visa interview to study in Australia.
Conditional Criteria: Applicants from high-risk countries may face additional questioning during the interview process.
5. Study in Germany
Germany Visa Interview Status: Mandatory
All applicants have to schedule an appointment for a personal interview at the German Embassy to study in Germany. There is a total of five consulates in India, so the procedure for the Germany Student Visa application may be different, per the consulates.
Conditional Criteria: Applicants from certain regions or with previous visa issues may face interviews.
Candidates should note that the study visa process is independent and the outcome cannot be influenced by anyone, irrespective of what agents may claim. Applicants should be honest in their application, prepare for the interview, have their finances in place and submit all the required documents to receive their study visa.
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
After applying to Hertfordshire University UK, the applicants are going to receive an initial decision about their application within 2-3 working days. After the submission of the application and documents, the applicants are required to pay their tuition deposit. Then, complete the Sponsorship interview and the financial declaration. International students are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 before registration. The balance can be paid in line with the liability dates related to the year and entry of the semester.
The University of Newcastle is amog the universities that does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, the University of Newcastle Australia acceptance rate is 87%. This makes Newcastle University Australia moderately selective in admissions. Please note that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
The University of Niagara Falls is located in the historic downtown core of Niagara Falls, Ontario. It is a private university that offers UG and PG courses. Some of the reasons to study at this university are:
- Student-centered approach: The dedicated faculty at UNF supports students through their academic journey, help them prioritize their success, and guides towards a meaningful career
- State-of-the-art campus: The campus of UNF features incredible spaces for study and collaboration. There are student spaces at the university for studying and learning. Additionally, students can take part in the student clubs and associations and events hosted on-campus
- Awards and scholarships: This university assists students through a variety of entrance awards and academic scholarships
- Location: While studying at UNF, students have the chance to live and study in Canada's #1 tourist destination
Manitoba Institute of Trade and Technology is one of the best institutes in Winnipeg for international students. They offer various bachelor, master, diploma, and certificate programs in fields like Business Administration, Culinary Arts & Design, Hospitality Management, Automotive Services, Applied Leadership, Industrial Welding, Rehabilitation, Software Development, Medicine, Graphic & Print, Hairstyling, and Electrical Applications.
According to the Manitoba Institute of Trade and Technology review the MITT faculty is dedicated, encouraging, and helpful to international students to get settled in their first year. They offer a wide range of activities, and the majority of the teachers are quite skilled. Smaller class sizes allow students to connect with the teachers more often and improve their grasp of subjects requiring much explanation.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic and North Alberta Institute are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rate of Saskatchewan Polytechnic and North Alberta Institute . Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.
Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:
Name of The University | Ranking | Acceptance Rate | 1st Year Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
Saskatchewan Polytechnic | #1386 | 96% | UG: INR 9 L - 13 L PG: INR 12 L - 15 L |
North Alberta Institute | NA | 86% | UG: INR 10 L - 12 L PG: NA |
The Selkirk College acceptance rate is 55%, which means they follow a moderate selection policy for international student admission. International students with exceptional academic performance and required eligibility criteria easily get Selkirk College admissions. Selkirk College provides a range of programs in Academic Upgrading and Development, Lifespan Autism Training, Business, Environment and Geomatics, Health, Hospitality & Tourism, and more.
Student Visa Interview Mandatory or Not Abroad FAQs
Q. Which countries have visa interview?
A. Mandatorily, the student visa interviews are conducted for sure in these countries:
- USA
- Germany
- Australia
- Canada
- UK
- Italy
Q. What happens in a student visa interview?
A. In a student visa interview, the concerned person will assess your academic qualifications and your motivation to study in that particular country. The officer may ask for related documents such as academic transcripts, standardized test scores, or any other relevant certificates or financial documents.
Q. What kinds of questions are asked during US F1 visa interviews?
A During US F1 visa interviews for students, the questions asked will be based on:
- academic credentials
- study plans in USA
- the reason for choosing the country
- the reasons for not pursuing this degree in the home country
- the motivation for the intended programme
- post study career plans
- the reasons for choosing the university
- the scores of standardized or English proficiency tests
- plans to finance the education
The honesty and confidence with which you will answer these questions will determine the outcome of your study visa application.
Q. How can I pass my student visa interview?
A. As student visa interview can be a deciding factor for your visa approval, it is better to keep the following points in mind that can help you pass the interview:
- A neat and formal dress can help you in making a first good impression on the interviewer.
- Reaching early to the venue will help you adjust to the environment and remain in calm state.
- Confidence in your communication is a must.
- Understand the questions properly and provide complete answer in a concise manner.
- Maintaining a smile will help in keeping the environment lighter.
- Keeping the documents properly arranged will be helpful.
Along with above mentioned points, practicing a question answer round with someone will help you better prepare your answers and provide you the confidence needed to ace the student visa interview.
Q. How should I dress for student visa interview?
A. Although there is no set dress code for student visa interview, it is always better to dress in a formal attire as it can showcase your professionalism. A neat and clean look with neatly combed hair can help you create a better impression. Moreover, wearing something comfortable will keep you calm and confident. Most importantly, wearing a smile and confidence are sure to impress the interviewer.
Q. Which are the countries without visa interview for students?
A. The countries without visa interview for students are as follows:
- Grenada
- Indonesia
- Qatar
- USA (with dropbox)
- Australia
- Canada
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Comments
(6)
Y
3 years ago
R
3 years ago
R
3 years ago
S
7 years ago
Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia (MITA) is largely regarded as one of Australia's top institutions. It has a solid reputation in engineering, business, and science.
To begin with, Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia provides a world-class education with an emphasis on hands-on learning. You will be able to gain practical knowledge and abilities in a range of disciplines. Furthermore, the institution provides a wide range of courses and programmes that will provide you with the skills and knowledge required for a successful profession.
Second, the university is well-known on a global scale. It has the highest graduate employability rate in Australia. This is due to the great level of education and possibilities provided by the university to its students.
Third, the university boasts a broad and vibrant culture. While learning, you will be able to pursue your hobbies and meet like-minded people. This will aid in the development of your professional chances and the formation of strong relationships that will continue long after you graduate.
Fourth, the institution provides a wide range of facilities and services to make your studies more pleasurable and productive. You will be able to locate