An interview is part of the J-1 visa application process. With a few exceptions, almost all age groups need to go the US Embassy in the Philippines for an interview. Just because your J-1 sponsor has given you the DS-2019 does not mean you are already qualified to get a J-1 visa. At the end of the day, your approval or rejection will be at the discretion of the US Embassy.
Because of this, interviews cause stress to some applicants who get ahead of themselves and fumble with their answers because they fear their application may get denied. This does not have to be the case. Here are some steps to take to prepare for your interview regarding your J-1 visa application:
Understand the visa qualifications
Remember that a J-1 visa is not an immigrant visa. It is non-immigrant, which means that you have a specific purpose of visiting the US and will return to the Philippines after you achieve such purpose. This means you need to show strong ties to your home country; your rootedness, so to speak. Remember that a J-1 visa is for cultural exchange and training, and not work per se. Be prepared to communicate why traveling to the US for training will help your career in the future.
Make sure all documents are in order
There are documents that pertain to your J-1 application like the DS-2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status), DS-7002 (signed training plan), passport (must be valid 6 months beyond end date of DS-2019), as well as your DS-160 form (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application), and proofs of payment for DS-160 and SEVIS. Apart from that, remember to have on hand your sponsor support letter. Other than that, you will need to prepare documents which may or may not be asked. These documents serve to prove your financial capacity (bank statements, certificates showing ownership of assets); prove your identity (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc); and proof of address. Having these onhand is a big step to ensure you won’t break out in cold sweat in case these get asked during the interview.
Practice
List down common questions that may be asked pertaining to your J-1 application and rehearse how you would phrase your answers. Don’t memorize though and make sure that you are truthful and sincere with your answers. The preparation is only to ensure you are relaxed and that your mind will not go blank during the interview proper. Know some tricky questions that may likely be asked like: “Why do you want to go to the USA?”; “What are your plans after your doing your J-1 training or internship?”; “Will you go around while in the country?”; “ Where will you work and what will you do in your program?”
Improve your English
Practice conversing in English. After all, you are moving to the US for your training and are expected to speak, read, write and understand English well to ensure you adapt well your temporary home. No need to fake am accent. The main goal is to communicate your thoughts in a clear and logical manner so that you can be understood by the person interviewing you.
Make a good impression; be honest
Show up well ahead of your scheduled interview so you will eliminate variables like getting stuck in traffic or figuring into some emergencies. Make sure you are well rested and dressed comfortably. Be personable and do not argue with any personnel at the embassy. Stay respectful in your answers, and make sure you do not fabricate anything in your application. Know the nuances when being in the embassy. You may need to queue, you may need to leave your mobile gadgets outside, etc. Be prepared for this irritants that may cause you to lose focus.
Grant Visa Consultancy, Inc. will assist you in the document preparation and walk you through the interview process so you can logically and truthfully answer questions that will be asked without getting flustered. Our company also has ancillary services like transfers, hotel booking and the like to applicants who live outside Manila settle properly while in the capital for their interview. Please note, final discretion as regards your approval or rejection rests with the personnel at the Embassy.