The Schengen visa interview is a very important factor in the visa application process.
A visa interview allows diplomatic officials to verify the applicant’s identity, evaluate their travel plans, and assess their eligibility for a Schengen visa. The interview is a great opportunity for the interviewer (which in this case, is the diplomatic official) to get to know you better. Shortly said, they will determine if you are a genuine tourist and worthy of being granted a visa or not by detecting any inaccuracies or hesitation in your answers.
Preparing for Your Schengen Visa Interview
Preparing for your Schengen Visa interview is crucial as the representatives at the diplomatic office are rigorous and attentive. They will review all information provided and may ask for additional details, including questions outside the application form. Consider brainstorming all possible questions that may come up, such as general interview questions, travel plans, financial means, sponsorship, ties to your home country, and more.
General Schengen Visa Interview Questions
As a starter, you may be asked simple questions related to you and your background. The following questions might come up:
Can you state your name and surname?
What is your nationality?
Where do you live/reside?
Have you been to the Schengen member state you are planning to visit before?
Do you have any friends or family members in the Schengen member state you are planning to visit?
Can you show your bank statement?
You might also be required to answer questions related to your travel history and previous visas. For example:
What countries have you traveled to or from? List countries you have visited. Make sure you make a list before you attend your interview. You do not want to forget any country you have previously visited.
When was the last time you have been abroad? Where were you? Mention locations, the date you visited, and the length of stay.
You may be asked about your school background.
What is your highest education qualification? Answer truthfully. For example, if you have not completed your Bachelor’s degree yet, but are in the process of, you must say so.
How to answer Schengen visa interview questions?
Tips for Answering Schengen Visa Interview Questions
Be honest and consistent. Being honest is one of the most important things during the entire process of applying for a visa. ...
Be concise and focused. ...
Provide specific examples. ...
Maintain a calm and confident demeanor. ...
Be prepared to provide supporting documents.
Does Schengen visa have an interview?
A Schengen Visa interview involves a face-to-face interaction with Embassy/Consulate officers. During this session, applicants are required to answer a series of questions related to their visa application, the purpose of their trip, and their circumstances in their countries of residence.
What type of questions are asked in visa interview?
The interviewer wants to know your links to the country. Hence, they might ask you questions related to any acquaintances that you might have in the country. It would be best if you tried to give one-word answers to these questions. A yes or no would suffice.
How can I impress in visa interview?
TIES TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY.
ENGLISH.
SPEAK FOR YOURSELF.
KNOW THE PROGRAM AND HOW IT FITS YOUR CAREER PLANS.
BE BRIEF.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION.
NOT ALL COUNTRIES ARE EQUAL.
EMPLOYMENT.
10 POINTS TO REMEMBER IN
YOUR VISA INTERVIEW
1. TIES TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY
US Consular Officials want verification that you intend to return home after your studies. If they believe that you
plan on immigrating to the US, they will be negatively concerned.
2. ENGLISH
Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English. One suggestion is to practice English with a native
speaker immediately before the interview, but do NOT prepare speeches!
3. SPEAK FOR YOURSELF
Do not bring family members with you to the interview. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your
family. A negative impression is created if you do not speak for yourself.
4. KNOW THE PROGRAM AND HOW IT FITS YOUR CAREER PLANS
You must be able to express the reasons why you are enrolling in your academic program. If you cannot do
this, the consular officer may not believe that you are serious. You should be able to explain how this academic
experience relates to your future professional career when you return home.
5. MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a U.S. visa, ask the officer for a list of
documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to obtain the reason you
were denied in writing.
