Get Ready For Your Student Visa Interview
What’s Next?
Congrats, Scarlet Knight! You've made it through the application process. Now it's time to get ready for your visa interview.
Follow the steps below to prepare.
1. Pre- and Post-Arrival Checklist
Your step-by-step guide to Rutgers
2. International Student Timeline
Let's plan for the months ahead!
3. Required Document Checklist
The first step to a successful interview is simple: be prepared! Follow the checklist to ensure that you arrive with all required documentation.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
You've asked, we've listened. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by our international students before they arrive on campus.
5. International Student Packing List
How do you pack your entire life into a suitcase? We've put together a list to help you get started.
6. Plan Your Route to Campus
You've arrived in the United States! Now, it's time to travel from the airport to campus. You have a few options; we'll walk you through them.
7. International Student Support Services
Rutgers Global is ready to support your journey navigating campus life in the U.S.
How Can We Help?
Interview Document Checklist
Follow the checklist below to ensure that you arrive with all required and desired documentation.
Required Documents for Visa Interview
- Passport; must be valid for at least 6 months after you plan to enter the USA
- Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 (print confirmation page online)
- Receipt of application payment
- Receipt of I-901 SEVIS fee payment
- (2) passport photos (see photo requirements)
- Form I-20 known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status
Supporting Documentation
- Letter of acceptance from university
- Academic Transcripts
- Any previous degrees or certifications
- Standardized test scores
- TOEFL scores
- Documents to prove your ability to pay for college
- For example: scholarship offer, sponsor bank statements, etc.
Sample Interview Questions
The purpose of your visa interview is to ensure that you have a clear picture of how you intend to use the education you receive when you return home upon graduation and that you have appropriate funds to pay for your time at the university. Please bear this in mind while answering the questions laid out by the consular officer.
Here are a few sample interview questions
- Why are you going to the U.S.?
- What will be your major?
- How will this study program relate to your past work or studies?
- How many colleges did you apply to?
- How many schools did you get admitted to?
- What city is your school located in?
- How do you intend to use the education you receive in the U.S. when you return home?
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most commonly asked questions by your peers who went through the visa interview process too.
Rutgers Global FAQs for New International Students
What is an I-20 or a DS-2019?
I-20 is the Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 students and DS-2019 is the Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 students.
When will I receive an I-20 or a DS-2019?
You will receive either document from Rutgers Undergraduate Admissions after you have submitted all the necessary documents to the university.
How do I apply for a visa?
The visa application known as Form DS-160 is available online at ceac.state.gov. Remember to print your confirmation page to bring to your visa interview. We recommend reading the frequently asked questions on the DS-160 website prior to completing the online application.
If I am asked to provide contact information for someone in the United States while filling out the SEVIS fee and visa application and do not know anyone currently in the U.S., what should I provide?
If you do not know someone in the United States and need to use our office as your contact, please list the name of the Designated School Official who has issued your I-20, the RUinternational@admissions.rutgers.edu email address, and our phone number of 848-445-4636.
How should I organize my documents?
Arrange all your paperwork in chronological order, starting with the most recent on the top. Next, include your financial documents, followed by any supporting documents.
How long is the interview?
Student visa interviews are usually quick. Plan to spend around 10 to 15 minutes with the interviewer.
What are the main categories addressed in the interview?
- Study Plans
- University
- Academic Capability
- Financial Status
- Post-grad Plans