It’s okay to desire to migrate to Santa Barbara or any other place in the US, whether on a tourist, work, or study visa. However, it’s not that simple and not so complicated. No matter how much you desire it, you must apply for a visa, which must be approved.
Some visa applications get rejected, so it’s not something to play with. You must be aware of some things to do or avoid during the visa application process and interview. For instance, you may need to hire the best immigration attorney Santa Barbara has to offer if you want everything to go well.
But more than that, you could use tips to help you get your visa approved and move to Santa Barbara or your desired location in the US. Learn the dos and don’ts of visa applications in this article.
Table of Contents
The Do’s Of A Visa Application
You must do some things if you want your visa application and interview to go well. With the following, you’re likely to get your application approved.
Smile During the Interview
Smiling is very important during your visa application. You can give off a good impression when you smile; therefore, maintain a smiling face even if you have a lot on your mind. However, don’t make it seem forced or fake, showing your teeth all the time.
Maintain A Good Posture
Your posture speaks about your confidence. Slouching or a bad posture may make you seem uncomfortable, unsure, or not confident enough. The official will know you are prepared well if you sit straight. However, don’t be too stiff or move your arms and legs around too much. Maintain a proper balance.
Dress Well
The saying that you should dress how you want to be addressed may seem cliché, but it matters in different settings, especially during a visa application. Dress according to the occasion as that will support your image and reflect your aspirations. Keep the flip-flops and chappals away till after your interview.
Speak English And Articulate Well
English is the primary language of the US and a requirement for application. Therefore, you should speak English during your interview. Don’t fake an accent you don’t have or speak too loud or soft. Articulate your words well in the best way possible.
Maintain Eye Contact
Many people see eye contact as a sign of honesty. Therefore, you should maintain eye contact with the interviewer when you speak. Look into their eyes, and respond as you speak. Try not to force your look and speak comfortably.
Be Ready With Your Documents
This seems like common knowledge, but some people skip some documents before going for the interview. While the official may be lenient, it’s not a good outlook for you. Take all application-related and original documents with you and use sticky notes to catalog them properly so you seem organized.
Identify Your Immigration Purpose
You must identify your immigration purpose before going for your interview. You should list legitimate and valid reasons for your immigration purpose and familiarize yourself with them before your interview. Check facts before, so you can give a meticulous answer. Ensure you answer logically.
Consult an Expert
Consulting an expert makes your application process easier. You can speak with an immigration attorney as they will guide you on likely visa application questions the officials will ask and how to answer them. In addition, they will advise you on mistakes to avoid.
The Don’ts Of A Visa Application
Visa rejections are common, and a little mistake during the interview can have your application denied. However, knowing the mistakes to avoid will help you prepare ahead and get that approval.
The following are mistakes to avoid a visa rejection.
Don’t Leave The Application To The Last Minute
Last-minute preparation may have you leaving out important parts of your application. For example, you can start applying three months before your study program starts.
This way, you’ll have enough time to arrange all the important documents and prepare for the interview. When you prepare, you’re likely to get your visa approved.
Avoid Using Conversation Fillers
Your attention must be fully on the visa interview. Answer the questions asked and avoid using conversation fillers that may make you seem without confidence or unprepared.
Don’t ramble around the question, and be straight on point. You should rehearse mock interviews before going for the real one.
Don’t Appear Too Nervous
Visa interviews can make you nervous since they’re important. However, getting nervous or showing your nervousness will not help you ace your interview. It’ll make you look less confident during the interview instead.
Avoid incessantly shaking your legs, having sweaty palms, drinking too much water, or looking lost. Remain calm and confident when answering questions.
Don’t Recite Scripted Responses
Many people don’t prepare well and end up cramming scripted responses. This is risky as the officials have interviewed many people and can likely tell when a response is scripted. You should introduce spontaneity into your response and not just mumble your prepared answers.
Don’t Go Late To Your Visa Interview
Lateness doesn’t speak well, and it’s rude, even outside a visa interview. Going late will likely leave you disoriented, and that doesn’t look good on you.
Ensure you arrive at the location 30 minutes earlier and familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Overall, punctuality looks good on your application, and your interview will surely appreciate it.
Don’t Present Torn Documents
Ensure your documents are presentable. Don’t present torn or crushed documents that are out of shape. Your documents will reflect your attitude and seriousness about life.
Don’t Argue With The Visa Officer
Arguing with the visa officer is one mistake you must avoid at all costs during the interview. Using a hard or increased voice tone and arguing depicts you’re a destructive person and will neglect authorities, even if that’s nothing like who you are. Use a calm tone and sophisticated language if you have objections during the interview instead of arguing.
Conclusion
If you want your visa approved, keep the tips discussed in this article in mind. Preparation is key; therefore, don’t wait until the last minute before organizing your documents or rehearsing interview questions.
What you say and how matters; keep that in mind. Speak well, and don’t exaggerate your English-speaking abilities. Lastly, you should consult an immigration lawyer if you have no idea what to do.