One of the most nervous steps for foreign students who want to come to Turkey to study is the visa interview process. In fact, a visa interview is a short meeting where the visa officer at the consulate or embassy evaluates your application. During the interview you provide information about whether your goal is really to study, your financial situation and your plans in Turkey.
What is a visa interview and how does it work?
The visa interview is a formal interview to understand who you are, what you will do and why you want to go to Turkey. There will be thick glass between you and the visa officer and the interview is usually conducted in English. If you don’t understand a question, feel free to ask for it to be asked again.
The Interview Process with the Visa Officer
In this process, you will be asked most questions about your education plans, your financial situation, and the length of your stay in Turkey. Staying calm and giving honest answers is a critical step during the visa interview. The interview usually lasts between 1 and 5 minutes and you may be asked about details such as your program, school, class, major and GPA.
Visa Interview Preparation: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
There are some basic questions that the visa officer may ask you during the interview. Here are some of them and how you can respond:
| Question Title | Suggested Answer |
|---|---|
| Purpose of Travel | Explain clearly and sincerely why you want to go to Turkey. Don’t forget to include the name of your school, your department and its connection to your studies. |
| Financial Situation | Support with documents how you will cover your study and living expenses. If sponsorship is available, state this clearly. |
| Duration of Stay | State clearly how long your study program in Turkey will last and in which period you will return. |
Explain Your Travel Objective and Plans
The visa officer wants to understand whether you really want to come for study or for some other purpose. So clearly explain your school, department and program.
Clarify Your Financial Situation
Be prepared to provide documentation (bank statements, sponsorship letter, etc.) explaining how you will cover your expenses during your stay in Turkey.
Duration of Stay and Your Training Program
Clearly stating the duration of your planned study program gives you confidence at the visa interview.
Common Mistakes in Visa Interview and Ways to Avoid Them
Excitement and stress during a visa interview can lead to common mistakes. However, knowing these mistakes and taking precautions will help your application to be successful.
Control Your Excitement
Maintaining a calm demeanor is very important. The visa officer is trying to understand whether you are really going to Turkey to study. Control your excitement and focus on giving clear and calm answers to questions.
Give Short and Clear Answers
Giving too long answers or going into unnecessary detail during the visa interview can create confusion. Give short and clear answers to the questions asked.
Visa Interview Appointment and Application Process
One of the most important steps for students wishing to study in Turkey is to make an appointment for a visa interview. The appointment process and application documents are critical for both the fast progress of students’ applications and the smoothness of the process.
Where to Make an Appointment and How to Apply?
Fill out the online application form on the website of the authorized embassy or consulate of the Republic of Turkey. Make sure that your personal information on the application form is correct and complete. The e-visa system for foreign students wishing to study in Turkey can also be used in some countries.
For details: The e-Visa System for Students in Turkey: How to Use?
You can find the most up-to-date and official information about making an appointment for a visa interview and the application process on the Republic of Turkey Consulate Appointment System.
Consulate and Embassy Processes
Once your application is complete, the relevant consulate or embassy will give you an appointment for a visa interview. On the day of the interview, make sure you have a printout of your application form, your school acceptance certificate, documents showing your financial situation and your passport.
Types of Education Visas and Residence Permits in Turkey
It is very important for students who want to study in Turkey for a long term or short term to know about the different types of visas and residence permits.
Short Term Study Visa Options in Turkey
The Short-term study visa in Turkey is very popular for students attending short-term study programs. This visa is usually issued for up to 90 days and is valid for summer schools or short-term courses.
For more information: Short-Term Study Visa Options in Turkey
How to Get a Long Term Residence Permit
It is necessary to obtain a long-term residence permit in Turkey for students whose study period is longer than one year. The application for a long-term residence permit is made through the Directorate General of Migration Management after arriving in Turkey. In this application, student certificate, lease or dormitory registration and financial status documents are requested.
Get Tax Number for Students in Turkey
Another document that students studying in Turkey often need is a tax number. The tax number is required for opening bank accounts, lease agreements and some official transactions.
What is a Tax Number and Why is it Necessary?
In Turkey, a tax number is a unique number given to students to make financial and official transactions. For example, you need this number to open a bank account or to sign a lease.
Teps of Tax Number Application
After the visa interview process is completed, you can go to the nearest tax office when you enter Turkey and apply with your passport. The application takes a few minutes and the number is issued immediately.
Visa Negotiations in Turkey: The Final Word and Step into Your Dreams!
In conclusion, the visa interview process is an important step towards your dream of studying in Turkey. Staying calm and giving honest and clear answers will increase your success. If you are planned and prepared, your educational adventure in Turkey will not be a dream.
Visit our Road to Study website for more information and support on the study process. Now is the time, take one step closer to your dream education!