Now don't get nervous with the word "interview". This is not like a job interview, however this is an important process (for visa seeker) so take it easy with confidence and follow the following tips.

The first essential step toward a successful interview is preparation.

The most important thing that you can carry with you is your self-confidence. Applicants who are well prepared and confident in their responses to the visa officer, are almost always successful in getting a US visa.

• Get some information/general knowledge on what the Visa is all about? What is the process etc.?
• Prepare for the most commonly asked interview questions.
• Be there a little early.
• Ask for a interpreter if you are not conversant or confident with English.

1. Fill all the forms/applications neatly and completely.
2. Know what you have filled in the form. Many times it happens specially in parents case, where children or sponsors fill out the application and the applicant him/her self doesn't know what information is provided.
3. Provide correct and authentic information.
4. If getting copies for documents make sure the copies are of good quality and readable.
5. Verify the names, date of birth, etc. should match with the information in your passport.
6. Organize your documents in proper logical order:
   A well organized and orderly arranged documents can make it easy for you to find the right documents quickly during interview.

Image is often as important as content. What you look like and how you say something are just as important as what you say. So dress up nicely and keep smiling.

Provide to the point and concise answers. Do not add any thing which is not relevant or not being asked. (In most the cases, this is where people make a mistake, by giving unnecessary and unasked details). The following are some more interview tips:

• Do not argue.
• Do not ask un-necessary questions.
• Be polite.
  

The primary goal for the interview is to verify all information presented in the application and to make sure that, you (applicant) has enough ties back in your home country and will come back after your studies in the United States.

Documents and interview/questions are a few ways through which the consulate officer tries to determine the eligibility for the visa grant.

"Ties" are the aspects of your life that bind you to your place of residence, including family relationships, employment and possessions. In the case of younger applicants who may not have had an opportunity to establish such ties, interviewing officers may look at educational status, grades, the situation of parents, and an applicant's long-range plans and prospects in your home country. As each person's situation is different, there is no set answer as to what constitutes adequate ties.

• Greet the Interviewer when you see him/her at the beginning.
• Communicate clearly and in a comprehensive way.
• Do not hesitate to politely ask to repeat or rephrase questions, if you don't understand the question.

1. Why do you want to travel to the USA?
2. Why have you chosen this university?
3. What do you plan to do after you graduate?
4. Who is paying for your education and what is his/her income?
5. How do I know you'll come back after your education?
6. Why don't you do this course in your country?
7. Do you have any relative in USA?
8. Have you ever visited any other country ?
9. How long will your studies last?

Finger Printing

Each applicant needs to provide a digital finger print for US visa purpose. The finger print will be taken any time before or after the interview.
Click here for more details on the finger print process.

When you go for the interview:

You are not allowed to carry any office bag, briefcase, electronic items, mobile phones, cigarettes, etc. into the consulate. Only a plastic bag or a woman's handbag is allowed.

Inside the Consulate:

The following picture indicates the main activities/process inside the consulate.
Note: This picture is provided for our understanding to get an basic idea of the process. This is a very generic illustration of the high level process, it may vary from consulate to consulate.

Good Luck!

If you get the Visa, start doing preparation to fly , follow this article: After the Visa

If you don't get the Visa, don't feel bad but analyze the situation to find out what went wrong, and apply again when better prepared: Understand Visa Refusal and Reapplication procedure.