Is it possible to have a skype interview instead of visiting?

[pepelotas2]

I have been invited to an interview weekend in the US, but I am currently in the middle of an internship in a country that is not mine, and due to visa limitations, I cannot leave and return. I have asked the program if I could take a Skype interview. Do you think that could be possible? Will it be really bad for my application in general?

[avflinsch]

It would be up to the program you applied to, but under the circumstances I would think it would be acceptable, and shouldn't have any negative impact on your application.

 

[fuzzylogician]

It's up to the program to decide but most programs are accommodating and I think your case would be an easy one, it's hard to imagine anyone saying no. It's generally better to do interviews in person just because people usually tend to do better in person than on Skype, and also because you usually get to interact more with the faculty and students and get a feel for the place when you visit, but there is no reason why you can't be successful with a Skype interview. Maybe they can fly you out for a visit when you're done with your internship, after you are admitted to the program.