Hello, Welcome to Speak English Today Videos. Today we are talking about The F1 Interview and how you can prepare the days before.  My name is Kevin.  I’ve helped students all over the world with F1 visas, especially the interview.  This video is about something easy and obvious, but often forgotten.

What to do the days before your interview.  Although the interview will only last 2-3, or 4 minutes, the outcome will determine if you can study in the USA, or get a 214(b) Rejection.  You must be your best.

Too many students go to the interview tired from travel, stressed about being ready, and worried if they will do well and remember everything.  Hopefully this video explains the right way to approach the interview and what to do the days before.

You’ll be nervous.  Everyone is nervous.  It’s an important day.  But in addition to being nervous, you should be ready to pass the interview.  You should be excited.  You better be prepared to answer, and have all your documents in order.  Go and do well!   Believe in yourself. Be prepared.  Don’t even think about lying or fooling the Visa Officer.

The days before your interview are very important.

1. Arrive in the embassy city 2-3 days before your interview.
2. Be 100% prepared before you leave your city. This will set a time for you to aim for to be prepared.
3. Plan a daily schedule and include practice times.
4. Think about everything you love in your home country.
5. Plan to practice 5 times a day. Practice in front of a mirror or take a video of yourself.
6. Eat and sleep healthy.

Some of my students think this will cost too much money.  Believe me, being prepared and ready is money well spent.  If you fail the interview you have to pay again, there are no refunds.  You’ll also have travel expenses lost work days and many other expenses.  A 214 b Rejection is much more expensive.

Make sure you arrive at the interview early.  If you’re very early take a walk around.  Don’t arrive late getting stuck in traffic.  This is your big day, try and reduce stress and be relaxed.

The days before the F1 Visa Interview, eat well, sleep well, and take walks.  Go around the city, eat some local food, and try and have some fun.   And remember to practice at least 5 times a day in front of a mirror or taking a video of yourself.  Practice getting out the different documents and knowing how to find them fast.

Do your best.  Know what you are going to say.  Practice until it is very easy. Look good but not so fancy.  It is a student interview not a fashion show.  Be comfortable and look like a student.  Think Positive.  Be confident and respectful.

Remember  214(b) rejections usually happen for 2 reasons.  You have not proven you have enough money to pay for your schooling.  Or, the Visa Officer thinks you are not a real student.  If you lie your sure to fail.    Talk about your plans in clear, easy to understand and believable way.    Don’t practice a speech someone told you to say.  This rarely works.  Don’t tell a crazy story about your money like my aunts uncles neighbors girlfriends best friend will sponser me.  They know this isn’t going to happen.

By law, the Visa officer has to think you’re not going to return to your home country and you have to convince them that you will.  This is difficult when you do not want to return home which is most people.  You must have good answers for this.  They must be your answers. 

Most people can’t lie. The Visa official is an expert at knowing when students are lying. This is important.

Many students try and memorize answers.  Only memorize your answers for your situation.  Know your story and practice what you want to say.

Here are some things people do when they lie.  There are too many to fit on this video window.

Know what you will do after you study.  This is an answer for your life and family.  After you study you can work for a while in the OPT program, but then you must return home.  You must convince them. 

Go to the interview rested and in a good frame of mind.  Be in good physical shape.  Be prepared.

If you confused about anything in the video, you may want to take our F1 Visa Evaluation Course to see if you can pass, or take our great F1 Visa Preparation Course.  It is simple, clear, easy and effective.  It takes 2-4 weeks to take this course, although it can be done quicker.  When you finish the course, you will know you learned something important and are ready to take the interview.

If you practice and have good answers! I hope you can pass the interview.  Look at yourself in the mirror or take a video.  See how you look when you answer.  Do you look co9nfident and honest?

For your very short but important interview have your paperwork in order.  Know exactly about the important questions that will impress the Visa officer.  Think about how great it will be to study in the USA,   Think “I’m going to get a great education” 

If you need help please let us know.  We can evaluate you to see if you can pass.  You can enroll in our really great F1 Interview Course.  During this short course we will get to know you and help you create good answers for you.  There is lot’s of personal coaching.  Our students pass the interview.

There will be email communication, surveys, questionnaires, quizzes, Skype lessons, mock interviews, private FaceBook Group,…..everything you need to pass the F1 Visa Interview. Watch our other free Videos, visit our blog, and contact us if you have questions or problems.

F1 Visa@speakenglishtoday.org.