Your US student visa interview day in Accra: what happens, step by step

Plenty is written about the questions a consular officer might ask. Very little is written about the day itself: where you wait, who checks what, and which document you need in your hand at each point. This guide walks you through interview day at the US Embassy in Accra for students, from arriving outside to joining the queue for your interview.

Before you leave home

• Get there on time. Plan for traffic and leave early. Being late is the one problem on the day you can fully avoid.
• Print everything before the day. Getting your documents ready is part of your preparation. Don't plan to print anything near the embassy.
• Put your documents together in one folder or clear bag, in the order you will show them (see the checklist below).
• Go with only your documents. At the second checkpoint you will be asked whether you have any device on you, so leave your phone and other items at home or with someone you trust.

Outside: waiting for your turn

You wait outside until it is time for your group to be called. Two things surprise many first-timers:

• Seats for a small charge. There are individuals outside who offer a seat to sit on while you wait, for a small fee.
• Someone to keep your things. Others offer to look after your items, such as a phone or bag, while you go in for the interview. This also comes with a small charge.
• Printing. Some also offer to print documents. Don't rely on this: use it only in a real emergency.

These are private individuals, not embassy staff, and using them is your choice.

Checkpoint 1: the document queue

When it is time, you are called to join a queue where your documents are checked. Have these in your hands, not at the bottom of a bag:

1. Passport
2. Appointment confirmation
3. SEVIS fee receipt: the I-901 payment confirmation you print from fmjfee.com. How to print it.
4. DS-160 confirmation

Checkpoint 2: devices and your passport

At the next checkpoint you are asked whether you have any device on you, and your passport is checked again.

Inside: keep these ready

Once you go inside, make sure you have all of these with you:

1. Passport
2. Form I-20
3. Appointment confirmation
4. SEVIS fee receipt
5. DS-160 confirmation
6. Passport picture, 2 × 2 inches (about 5 × 5 cm)

At this checkpoint, applicants whose visa is based on a petition are also asked for it. A petition is filed for you by someone in the US, such as an employer for a work visa, and its approval notice is Form I-797. Students on an F-1 visa don't have one, so you can skip this.

Your photo, then your fingerprints

1. Photo. Your picture is taken, and you are asked for one of the documents above.
2. Biometrics. Next, your fingerprints are taken.

The interview queue

After biometrics you join the queue for your interview with the consular officer. Keep your documents in order while you wait, so you can hand over whatever you are asked for without searching.

Not sure what else to bring for your own case? See what documents to bring to your interview.

Checklist: what to hold, and where