When I applied for my student visa, the interview was the most nerve-wracking aspect.
I anticipated it the most because I have heard stories about people not performing well during the interview.
Therefore, I was determined to pass. However, things didn’t go as I wanted.
The interview is an important part of the application process – if you fail it, your application will be denied.
To get the visa, you’re expected to pass the interview – it is your opportunity to prove that you deserve a visa.
Read also: A decision has been made on your visa application
In my case, the officer didn’t find me convincing enough, so, I failed.
If you fail your visa interview, expect this:
What happens if you fail your visa interview?
If you fail your visa interview, your visa application will be rejected. This means you’ll not receive a visa, and you’ll be asked to reapply if you still wish to get the visa, however, there is no guarantee that you’ll get approval even after reapplying.
7 things that will happen if you fail your visa interview
When you fail your interview, your:
- Visa can’t be approved: The most immediate outcome is that your application will be rejected, and you won’t be issued a visa to the country.
- You’re allowed to reapply: After failing your visa interview, you can reapply if you want to.
- Re-application will be delayed: While you can reapply, you have to wait for some time before you reapply.
- No refund of fees: Visa fees are non-refundable no matter the outcome of your application.
If you fail your interview and don’t get the visa, you’ll lose the money you paid as visa fees and other related expenses you already made like travel or document preparation.
- You’ll start from the beginning: If you want to reapply, you need to go through the application process again, from the beginning, including another interview.
- No guarantee of approval: Reapplying after failing your interview does not guarantee approval.
You can still fail the interview and have your application rejected again even if you reapply.
- Failed interview can affect future applications: After you fail your visa interview, it will be on your record and your subsequent application will be properly scrutinized before a decision is made.
Read also: Why do you want to study in Australia?
What to do after failing a visa interview
If you fail your visa interview, what comes next is visa denial, take these steps after.
- Understand the reason for failing your interview: After the interview, if your application is denied, you’ll receive a letter (or notification) explaining the reason for the refusal.
During my failed interview, I got an email with the reason for failing my interview correctly stated in it.
It was simple; the officer was not convinced that I’d return after my studies.
You’ll get a notification as well.
Read it and know what convinced the officer (during the interview) that you do not deserve a visa.
- Resolve their concerns: Once you know why you failed the interview, you can work on fixing those issues.
This could be that you need to get more supporting documents, improve your financial proof, or provide proof of stronger ties to your home country.
After failing my interview and being denied a visa, I took some time to assess my responses during the interview, and the overall presentation, plus my general application.
This, plus the reply I got from the authorities helped me identify areas that needed improvement – you can do the same thing.
Do not reapply if you have not improved your application.
In my case, I immediately included more evidence that I’d return after my studies – because the visa officer wasn’t convinced that I’d return to my home country after my studies.
Do the same thing, improve your application. Whatever the reason for failing your interview, work on it.
- You can get a professional to help you: If you feel overwhelmed by the whole process, you can work with an immigration agent.
They’re helpful.
- Reapply: After addressing the issues that made you fail, you can apply for the visa.
Read also: Do I have to enter the country that issued my Schengen visa?
Remember, there’s no rush; take all the time you need, so you can get it right.
Common reasons for failing a visa interview
If you fail your visa interview, it can be due to:
- Lack of confidence or poor communication: You’ll fail your visa interview if you’re unable to communicate the reason for travelling properly.
- Inconsistent answers: If your answers don’t align with your application or the information in your documents, you’ll fail your visa interview.
- Lack of proof of funds: If you fail to prove that you can fund your trip, you’ll fail your visa interview.
- Insufficient ties to your home country: In most visa interviews, you’re expected to provide proof of your ties to your home country, if you fail to do so, you’ll fail the visa interview.
To improve your chances of passing your visa interview, practice potential interview questions and be prepared to clearly explain your travel plans and ties to your home country.
The key to passing your visa interview after failing is addressing what made you fail the visa interview.
Do not reapply or attend a visa interview if you’re not prepared, especially if it’s your first time or if you’re applying for visas like a student visa or work visa.
Read also: How early can you enter the UK on a student visa?
In addition, in whatever you do during the whole visa application process including the visa interview, avoid providing false information.
If you submit false information, the immigration authorities will find out, and your application will be rejected.
Read also: What happens when an international student drops out of college?
You can even be barred from future applications.
During a visa interview, you’ll be asked questions about your travel plans, financial status, ties to your home country, and other relevant information.
If you fail to give the visa officer enough evidence that you meet the visa requirements, you’ll fail the interview and your application will be rejected.
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