Non-Immigrant Intent
Under U.S. law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas are viewed as intending to be immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. Therefore, you must be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States. They may ask about your home country ties, "ties" to your home country are the things that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence: job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc. You should be able to clearly articulate your plan to return home at the end of your program. If you are a prospective undergraduate, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family, or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-range plans, and career prospects in your home country. Each person's situation is different and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter, which can guarantee visa issuance.
NOTE: If your spouse is also applying for an accompanying F-2 visa, be aware that F-2 dependents cannot, under any circumstances, be employed in the United States. Be prepared to address what your F-2 spouse intends to do with his or her time while in the United States. Volunteer work and attending school part-time are permitted activities.
English Proficiency Points
Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview. You should be prepared to speak on your own behalf. It is recommended that you conduct your interview independently. If you are not able to articulate the reasons why you are wanting to study in a particular program in the United States, you may not succeed in convincing the consular officer that you are capable of studying at a U.S. institution. You should also be able to explain how studying in the United States relates to your future professional career when you return home.
Documentation
It should be clear at a glance to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they signify. Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you may only have about 2-3 minutes of interview time.
Behavior
Remember to be polite and courteous. You should treat your visa interview as if you are interviewing for a job. Be professional. If you are denied a student visa, the consular officer may provide you with a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal. Do not engage in an argument with the consular officer. You will receive a letter stating the section of the law under which you were refused. If it says 214(b), it means that the consular official was not convinced of your non-immigrant intent.
Time-Point
Because of the volume of applications received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick efficient interview. They will make decisions on the impressions they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point.