Visa Interview Tips: Do’s and Don’ts You Must Know

Visa Interview Tips: Securing a visa is one of the most important aspects of planning your trip away. Wherever you are applying for, be it a student visa, work visa, or even a travel visa for Singapore, the visa interview can have a huge impact on your immediate plans. Many applicants can come off quite nervous at this stage, but with preparation and practice, you will find that you can go through the process confidently. Below is a short overview of some of the main do’s and don’ts for a visa interview.

Be Prepared with the Right Documents

The leading reason for a delayed or denied visa application is missing documents. Refer to the official checklist for your visa category and gather all documents into a neat folder. When traveling to Singapore with a travel visa, you will likely need some things: your passport, application form, hotel bookings, your ticket of return flight, proof of funds, and any invitations letters (if necessary). It is also wise to have extra photocopies of everything so that you are not rushing around last-minute and stressing out.

Wear formal clothing and plan to arrive early

First impressions are important. If you choose to dress simply in formal clothing, that sends a message to the interviewer that you are taking the interview seriously. When you plan to arrive at the embassy or consulate 30 minutes or more before your interview, you will be more relaxed and certainly without any sense of urgency, e.g., if you had to wait through two hundred people in an elevator before returning back in time for the interview. For instance, if you are applying for a travel visa for Singapore arriving early lets you fill in any additional paperwork.

Do: Be Straightforward and Direct

When the visa officer poses a question, answer it as directly, clearly, and honestly as you can. Do not attempt to conceal anything or throw the visa officer off the trail – visa officers are experts at identifying inconsistencies. When in doubt, it is best to politely admit to the fact you don’t know the answer rather than making up an answer.

Try Eye Contact and Being Polite

Your body language says a lot. Make sure you are making eye contact with your interviewer when you answer their questions and try not to be too fidgety or look nervous.

You should talk with confidence and politeness, and don’t argue, when they ask difficult questions. Your calm and polite attitude goes a long way in showing that you are a true traveller.

Don’t: Offer Unsolicited Information

Stick to the questions they ask you. You can confuse them by providing misinformation, or by providing too much information they will want to ask more questions only causing issues for your situation. For example, if you are applying for a travel visa to Singapore and the officer at the Embassy asks you about your travel dates, you answer specifically to that – do not tell them any other unknown plans.

Do Not: Bring Restricted Items or Use a Phone

Embassies and consulates have very tight security protocols. Do not take anything sharp, extra bags, or devices. Using your phone while you wait is pretty much okay, but – do not use your phone during the interview. Turn your phone to silent so you are not interrupted.

Do Not: Argue, Be Defensive

In some cases, visa officers will ask the same question, or something similar to test for consistency in your application/ interview. If you believe a question is unfair, or that the same question should have been asked previously, take a breath, and cool down. Do not get defensive, and don’t argue; instead, keep calm and stick to your facts. If you express frustration with the situation, then you will lessen your chances of acceptance.

Make sure you review your documents prior to going away.

After your interview is over, make sure you have all your original documents, passport, receipts too. Many candidates leave important documents at the embassy because they were nervous. A quick last review will help stop you from getting into a lot of stress later on.

If you know what to expect then a visa interview should be less stressful. By following these dos and don’ts, you now have greater confidence, to approach your visa interview for travel to Singapore or a student or work visa with greater confidence and likelihood to success.

Be honest and well-prepared, and remember to stay calm, and you will do fine at your visa interview. Good luck and safe travels!