Immigration Interview Tips
Each country has its own set of rules for immigrants coming from different countries. Immigration is a common scene in today's time when people venture out in search of better prospects.
However, countries have to gain a control over the immigrant population for various reasons. For one, they have to ensure a healthy and safe environment in the country. Immigration processes ideally help in keeping a country free of threats due to terrorism, drug trafficking, smuggling of arms and ammunitions etc.
Immigration rules and regulations formed by countries are abundant and unbending. The interview too is a grueling process, and the success of it depends largely on your documentation and rapport with the interviewing officer.
Immigration Interview Tips
There are do's and don't for every type of interview. Similarly, immigration interviews come with their set of allowance and restrictions.
Remember
- Immigration interviews are serious issues. A small mistake on your part, even though it may seem insignificant to you, may turn out to be the main reason for your rejection of application.
- Double check your paper work. Various forms, references, letters, certificates, photos of the correct size, or whatever else they have asked for, should be ready well before the scheduled interview. Documentation is one place where you cannot afford to go wrong.
- Carry extra copies of your paper work. You may be asked to submit a few for different purposes. Thus, keep photocopies and originals handy.
- In some countries, immigration rules may allow the officers to delve into the applicants' personal life. Thus, be prepared to answer a personal question without feeling embarrassed about it.
- It is the duty of every immigration officer to feel suspicious about every applicant. Thus, they will plant questions that may seem offensive to you. The basic tip to go through this entire interview process is to maintain your cool, answer sincerely and truthfully and drive away the officers' suspicion skillfully.
- Listen carefully and then answer. Do not interrupt the officers while they are talking
- If you do not understand any of the question asked, then request them to repeat/ reframe it. It is better than to provide wrong answers. All the same, try not to give out irrelevant information or talk incessantly.
- Do not bend the truth or even tell a plain lie. If you do not know what to say, admit it. Do not try to act smart and play around with words to avoid answering a question. Many applicants try this step and in return, aggravate the officers and eventually ruin their chances of being accepted.
- Immigration interviews are as good as job interview. Make it a point to reach the venue on time. Avoid rescheduling the interview without a very good reason.
- Dressing up also matters a lot. Dress conservatively for the interview. Although it is hard to believe, but applicants are examined from that point of view too.
- Bring along an attorney with you, if you feel that the interview is going to be a tough. Your attorney can help you during the difficult moments, like if you have any hitches in the paperwork, current marital status etc. Hiring an attorney can be advantageous in situations when/ if your earlier applications have been denied, you have been deported from the country or if you are suffering from a communicable disease.
- Do not argue with the officer for anything. If you disagree with him, or need to clarify doubts, do so in a polite manner.
- Do not discuss delicate matters with the officers. For example, do not question about illegal immigrants in the country, or smuggling/ drug dealing. It may sound as if you want to elicit information from them.
- Finally, do not forget that though the immigration officers are relentless and tough to please, they have nothing personal against you. Make sure you keep this in mind and appear for the interview with an open mind.
