1.Choose Wisely: When choosing a program of study pick something that is not commonly offered in your home country. You are more likely to be granted a Visa if the officer feels there is a good reason for you to study abroad. If the program you select is something that is available in your home country, ensure you have good reasons to support your choice to go abroad.

2.Know Your Program: Ensure that you are familiar with your program and how it will fit into your career plans back in your home country. If the consular officer is convinced that you are not planning to study but to immigrate they may deny your visa.

3.Make a Good First Impression: Consular offices receive a large volume of applications and are under considerable time pressure to review all applicants. Officers will often make a decision within the first few minutes of your interview. Keep your answers short and concise.

4.Intent to Return Home: Applicants from countries suffering economic problems will have greater difficulty in getting visas. Applicants from those countries are often more likely to become immigrants and remain in their country of study. During the interview it is more likely they will be asked about job opportunities at home after their study abroad.

5.Employment Abroad: Your main purpose in going abroad should be to study, not to work before or after graduation. Many students will work off campus to support their institution fees but such employment is required to complete their education. You must be able to clearly express your intention to return home at the end of your program.

6.Dependants at Home: If your immediate family is remaining in your home country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. If you are the primary source of income for your family this can be difficult. During the application, if the consular officer gains the impression that your family will need you to send money from abroad to support them, your student visa application will most likely be denied.

7.Be Prepared: It is possible that the application interview may be held in the language of your destination country. If you are heading to Canada or the US be prepared to have your interview in English. It is suggested that you practice English conversation before your interview.