South Dakota Mines
Visa Interview Resources
Two Minutes!
You have less than two (2) minutes to make a good impression on the visa officer. Make sure you are prepared. with these resources.
We highly recommend you visit the EducationUSA office in your home country for help. They have fantastic resources and it is free for you.
See below for more information and resources.
Some visa officers ask why do you want to study at this university.
Be prepared to talk about how your major will help you and your home country in the future.
Learn about:
Costs related to your education
the school and your intended major.
Read/learn about your courses/program
Know names of few professors
This page has information about the F and J visa:
Overview
How to Apply
Fees
Required Documentation
Spouses and Children
EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of over 430 international student advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories. The network promotes U.S. higher education to students around the world by offering accurate, comprehensive, and current information about opportunities to study at accredited postsecondary institutions in the United States.
F Status List of Documents
Visa application forms (available from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate)
Valid Passport
I-20
Documented proof of financial support for at least one year
Proof of SEVIS I-901 Fee payment (receipt)
Any other documents required by your embassy/consulate
Official admission letter from South Dakota Mines
J Status List of Documents
Visa application forms (available from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate)
Valid Passport
DS-2019
DS-7002 (Student INTERNS only)
Proof of SEVIS I-901 Fee payment (receipt)
Proof of English Proficiency
Funding source
Home university letter verifying current student status (same letter submitted to SDM)
Invitation Letter from SDM Department
Any other documents required by your embassy/consulate (varies by country. Check the embassy website for more inforamtion)
Understand your Costs!
You received a costs estimate with your I-20/DS-2019. Make sure to review this before you go for your interview. It is important to understand these costs when you arrive in Rapid City.
Visa Interview Questions, Answers and Tips
Boundless: Preparing for the F-1 Student Visa Interview
International Student.com: has some good information to help you with the visa interview
Shorelight: F-1 Visa Interview Questions & Answers Guide
immihelp: USA Student Visa Sample Questions and Interview Tips
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
We have compiled a list of U.S. visa interview questions. We have gathered these questions from other international students who have gone through a visa interview process. It is hard to be sure what questions the Consulate will ask you; however, if you are prepared for the following questions, we are sure you will do well with whatever questions they ask you. You’re nervous? That is completely normal, be yourself, be respectful, do your best and good luck!
Why did you select to study in the U.S.?
What institutions did you apply to?
Why did you select this/these institutions?
Is this your first time going to the U.S.?
Tell me more about the institution you selected?
Did you do TOEFL/GRE/IELTS what are the scores?
What are your summer vacation plans? Will you return home for the summer?
Who is paying for your education?
What does your sponsor do for a living?
Where does your sponsor work?
Currently what do you do?
(If you are currently working) why are you leaving the current job?
(If you are helping your father’s business or family business) what will your father/family do for the four years while you are gone?
Who do you have in the U.S.? Do you have friends and family?
How many brothers and sisters do you have?
What is your field of study?
Why did you select this field of study?
Why do you think you need to go to U.S. to do this field, there are many courses and programs in your country, why do you need to go the U.S.?
What are you planning to do after graduation?
Are you planning to work during your four year period?
What will you do if your visa is rejected?