Student Visa interview: Not mandatory for every country

Once candidates have successfully applied to a university and got their admission letter, they are required to apply for a study visa. A study visa is a legal document that will allow a foreign student to lawfully enter the country for the entire duration of their study. 

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 prior to 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.

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. 

While 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 Guide for Study Abroad

Study Visa Interviews

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 be 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.

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 the US territory.

Study in the UK

UK Visa Interview Status: Conditional

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.

Study in Canada

Canada Visa Interview Status: Conditional

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.

Study in Australia

Australia Visa Interview Status: Conditional

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. Candidates should note that the 

• Australian visa officers can call the student and interview him on the telephone
• They can personally call the applicant to the high commission and interview him
• They can write a letter to the applicant and ask for more information, as needed
• They can send a refusal letter to the student without the interview
• They can give a visa and a POV to the student without the interview

Study in Germany

Germany Visa Interview Status: Mandatory

All applicants have to schedule an appointment for a personal interview at the German Embassy. There is a total of five consulates in India, so the procedure for the Germany Student Visa application may be different, per the consulates.

Candidates should note that the study visa process is an independent process 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.