VISA INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & OVERVIEW

How can a student get the Visa?

Every visa official has a list of requirements that he or she looks for a visa application. If they
are met, then the visa will be granted. If not, the application will be rejected. It is how these
requirements are met that makes a visa decision seem subjective. For instance, the
requirement for a student to return to his or her home country after completing studies
forces the students to give logical, thought-out evidence. On the other hand, if a student has
nothing substantial to show, then the visa will not be issued.
Presenting proper documents alone does not determine the visa approval or denial. The visa
officer knows that documents can be easily forged, so they can judge authenticity in less
than a minute due to the large number of papers that they process every day. Therefore,
presenting the individual case is the most important part in getting the visa. Success in
obtaining a visa depends on both the proper documentation and giving a good presentation
during the interview.

Key Factors

1. Academic Performance: U.S. universities have high standards and expectations of

international students. Therefore, having a good academic record increases a student's
chance of obtaining a visa.

2. Financial Capabilities: U.S. universities are more expensive than most of the countries in
the world. The U.S. government needs assurances that the students will not drop out of
school or take a job illegally. I-20 or DS-2019 forms will list the amount for tuition and other
expenses. It is the student's responsibility to provide solid evidence for any scholarships,
grants or loans that have been awarded. The student is also required to establish proof of
his or her relationship with the sponsor, and to submit documentation of the sponsor's
active and passive incomes.

3. Strong Ties to Home Country: Under U.S. law, all applicants for non-immigrant visas are
viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consulate officer that they are
not. It is the student's responsibility to justify the visa application and provide convincing
evidence that his or her intention is only to study in the U.S. The law states that the students
must demonstrate sufficient economic, family, and social ties to his or her home country to
ensure that the stay in the U.S will be temporary.

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 Positive Points for Applicants Negative Points for Applicants

The student proposed education or training The proposed education or training would
would be very useful in the home country. not appear to be very useful in the home
country.

The student is going for a highly valuable The indented education is already available
research-oriented education, such as drug in the home country.
discovery, or next generation technology

The students will learn international or U.S. The student is not in very good academic
business skills. standing.

The student will bring cultural or ethnic The student’s intention is most likely to get a
values and experiences to the U.S job and settle in the U.S.

The student has well-planned career goals The student is financially incapable of
with definite objectives. studying in the US.

The student has chosen a university that will The student has a poor presentation of
help him or her to attain those career goals. documents.

The student gives a good presentation of The student is financially incapable of

documents. studying in the U.S.

The student gives simple, straight-forward, Financial support for education is completely
clear and concise answers to the visa based on university funding.
officer's questions.

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 VISA QUESTIONS
Note: The questions highlighted in BOLD Characters are the frequently asked questions and
it may vary with the student’s course.

WHY UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?

• What do you know about US education?

Suggested Answer: It is more flexible, it offers practical knowledge and education
system is well renowned and accepted globally.
• Why do you wish to study in the USA and not in India?
Suggested Answer: Flexible program—Practical/Research Based Education—
International Exposure and DO NOT mention any derogatory statement s like “India
doesn’t offer such education or education system is poor.”
• What is the purpose of your trip?
Suggested Answer: My purpose is to study X course in the USA and can mention
substantial reason of returning back to India
• Have you ever been to US?
Suggested Answer: Yes/No
• Why study in USA?
Suggested Answer: Students should articulate on these major points, Flexible program—
Practical/Research Based Education—International Exposure
• How long will you stay in the USA?
Suggested Answer: It should be the duration of the program.
• Where will you stay in the USA?
Suggested Answer: Students should know the address where they will be staying even if
it is on campus/off campus. Also, it is recommened to carry the supported document (if
available)
• Have you ever gone to USA before?
Suggested Answer: No/Yes. If yes, mention the month and year and the purpose of your
visit.

ABOUT INSTITUTE/UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE

• Which University have you applied to?

Suggested Answer: I have applied to 5 universities and I have secured admission in X
university.
• What is your university yearly expense?
Suggested Answer: Students should mention the exact cost mentioned on the I-20 and
show the amount both in USD and INR.

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• Why the specified University?
Suggested Answer: Students should be able tell positive points about the university and
should mention why they are interested in the course
• How many Universities have you applied?(both admits and rejects)
Suggested Answer: Mention the number of universities you applied to and name of the
accepted universities
• Which University accepted you?
Suggested Answer: Mention the name of the university.
• Did you get any scholarship? (if not) Why haven’t you got any scholarship?
Suggested Answer: No, I haven’t as scholarships are very competitive & dependent on
various factors but I am sure I will study well and will try to get it during my studies in
the USA
• Why do you think the University is giving you a scholarship?
Suggested Answer: Because I am a credible student and students should highlight the
GRE/Academics score and highlight the course/specialization & relate their academics
with the course offered
• Tell about your University?
Suggested Answer: Students should be well researched about their desired university
and should articulate well about the university’s curriculum, subjects, current research,
professor’s name and why is current university better than the one he is not accepting
the offer from.
• Mention some professor’s names?
Suggested Answer: Students should mention the name of the professors who are related
to the field of study so that it adds a positive impact on the application.
• Do you know anyone (in USA) or in your University?
Suggested Answer: Students may wish to add that they interacted with alumni, students
or professors with the universities in USA. (During F1 visa interview, make sure the
students remember the answers in the interview form (DS160). If you have
relatives/siblings in the USA then declare that you have relatives.)

ABOUT YOUR COURSE

• What do you plan to study at the University?

Suggested Answer: Students should be well informed about the program and should
highlight why they are credible students. They should clearly explain what program they
wish to study including specialization and the major subjects offered
• If you have changed your field of specialization (for e.g. if you are BE Mechanical and
opting for MS in Computer Science) then what brought about the change?

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 Suggested Answer: It’s a difficult question!! Students should be able to clearly explain
the reason for taking a new program and how they have established themselves to cope
up with the new program.
• What steps have you taken to ensure that you will be able to perform well in the new
field you wish to change to?
Suggested Answer: Students need to add a lot of emphasis here, especially if they are
changing your field as they need to convince the VO about the courses they are taking or
have taken to update themselves to the new coursework.
• What is the scope of your course?
Suggested Answer: Students should highlight the coursework or the subjects they will
study and how will it help them in their native country. Furthermore, students can also
tell about their career goals

YOUR ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

 Where did you do your last course of study?

Suggested Answer: Students should mention the college/university name, city and the
year.
 What is your specialization?
Suggested Answer: Students should mention the specialization of the course they are
going to study and should also know about the subjects offered in the specialization
 Where have you done your Under Graduation?
Suggested Answer: Students should highlight the college/university name and should
include the course name as well.
 What is your High School, Degree or Master's percentage or grade?
Suggested Answer: Students should mention the percentage/GPA etc
 What are your subjects in last course of study (High School, Degree or Master's)?
Suggested Answer: My major subjects were XYZ and I am further planning to study ABC.
 What is your GPA/Percentage?
Suggested Answer: My GPA/percentage is X and my major GPA is Y (if applicable)

CURRENT JOB/BUSINESS (if applicable)

 Show your Experience Certificate. (if applicable)

Suggested Answer: Please carry appointment letter, In case of working - last 3 months
salary slip (to prove that you are still working), ID card, relieving letter (in case of
resigned)
 Why are you leaving your current job?(if you are working)

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 Suggested Answer: Students should articulate about their career goals properly. For eg. It
is the right time for me to advance my career as I have gained enough exposure in the
field of X industry. Also I would like to gain practical knowledge about my course which is
offered by Y University (name the university). After completing my education I would like
to work as (mention designation) and the company which is established in India.

TOEFL/IELTS, GRE, GMAT, SAT

 Could you please show me your TOEFL/IELTS scorecard?

Suggested Answer: Student should carry a clear color copy of score card.
 Why are your TOEFL/IELTS score low
Suggested Answer: I understand that my scores are low as I didn’t get enough time for
preparation, also I am meeting the minimum requirements laid my the university/I am
enrolling in the ESL program which would further help me to enhance my language skills.
 Why is your GRE/SAT/GMAT low?
Suggested Answer: The answer to this question will vary from student to student but most
students may wish to highlight the key aspects of his application like the GRE score has
gotten him an admit from the university, student was busy preparing for the exams and it
was due to the heavy course load, time management issues.

ABOUT YOURSELF & FAMILY

 Tell me about yourself?

Suggested Answer: Answer should be crisp and clear “My name is ____, I am currently
working /studying in X company/university from past X years (only applicable in case of
working) and I am planning to study Bachelors/Master’s/PHd X course at Y university.
 What does your father do?
Suggested Answer: Students should mention the designation & company of the
parents/father.
 Do you have a brother/sister or any other relative already at this University?
Suggested Answer: During F1 visa interview, make sure the students remember the
answers he/she mentioned in DS – 160 form If you have relatives/siblings in the USA then
declare that you have relatives.

SPONSOR AND FINANCIAL DETAIL

 What is your father’s income?

Suggested Answer: Students should know both the annual and monthly income of the
parent/father in INR/USD
 How will you finance your education for 1/2/4years?(generally you have to prove that
you have sufficient funds for the first year education but I suggest you be prepared
with the answer)

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 Suggested Answer: Students should mention about the funds available and it is suggested
that students mentions about the loans at the end of the statement. For eg. My parents/I
will be sponsoring the education for the first year with their/my savings/loans worth
30000 USD, additionally we have assets in form of properties/gold/deposits worth
90000USD for the subsequent year.
 Who is paying for your education and what is his/her income? (if the sponsor is a third
party, then student should establish a strong connection)
Suggested Answer: Be Confident! Students should mention the relationship with the
sponsor and why is she/he sponsoring the education. Also, students should mention
 Have you got any loans?
Suggested Answer: Student should mention the exact loan amount, bank name and it is
recommended to add the available savings at the end of the statement.
 What are the sources of income of your sponsor?
Suggested Answer: Student should know about the sponsor’s profession and also
highlight the annual/monthly income.

FUTURE PLANS (CAREER PROSPECTS)

 What will you do after completing MS? /plans after Graduation? (Important)
Suggested Answer: Students should be able to clearly explain that he wants to come back
to India primarily for professional reasons and not personal reasons like family is here and
we have a lot of property. (For eg. I would like to come back to India (mention the city)
and would like to start up my own business or would like to work with X companies in
India as it offers a lot of potential for growth. Moreover, I would be closer to my family in
India.

 Will you come home during summer?

Suggested Answer: Students should check if their program has any CPT or capstone, if not
then they should say “Yes I will come home, since it will have been long since I left and
coming back will rebind the family together.”

 What are your expectations after returning back to your native country?
Suggested Answer: Students should emphasise on the professional reasons and how they
are going to utilize the knowledge they have acquired during their studies. For eg, I would
like to work with companies like Flipkart, Snapdeal etc. in Banaglore as a Data Ananlyst
(keep in mind that your course & job are inter related) as the way Indian market is
booming, it will have an abundant of growth oppurtunities and will be a good stepping
stone for my career.
 Do you intend to work in US during or after completion of your studies?
Suggested Answer: Students should never mention about any internship/job opportunities
before/during/after studies until they are part of the program like CPT, Capstone etc.

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 How can you prove that you will come back after finishing your studies?
Suggested Answers: Students should highlight strong professional ties to the home county
and may also include the personal ties as secondary reason. For Eg. I would like to work
for an developing country like India which offers a lot of growth opportunbities instead of
a well deceloped country like USA. Also, while working in X city, I will also get to stay
closer to my family.

VISA OR REFUSAL

 Why should I grant you U.S. Visa?

Suggested Answer: Students should genuinely & smartly let them know the reason of
chosing the program, how you fit as per the university requirements. Also ensure to
highlight the intention of coming back & how it will help you achieve/boost your career
goals.

 What will you do if your US Visa is rejected?

Suggested Answer: It’s a tricky question!! So students should not lose their confidence and
keep their calm. It is recommended that students mention that “It’s my wish to study in
the USA & I will apply again as I have prepared hard for my application.”

MISCELLANEOUS

• What are your hobbies?

Suggested Answer: Students should mention about their areas of interest and also try to
relate it with the university extra curriculars. For eg. I love to play basketball and
interestingly X university (the one student is planning to study) also has a very well
reputed basketball team in the the state/country which I would also like to be a part of.
• Where do you plan to be in 5 years from now?
Suggested Answer: Students should establish a a very strong connection of their career
goals and the program outcome.
• Tell about your achievements?
Suggested Answer: Students should mention about their academic/professional
achievements first. In the absence of the above, then relate it with your personal
achievements.
• What are your strengths?
Suggested Answer: Students should mention their strong points in the application which
may include a good GRE/TOEFL etc.
• What are your weaknesses?
Suggested Answer: Students should address his weaknesses which may include a low
GRE/TOEFL/academics but it should also be supported by the applicants strengths and
how does he wish to overcome the weaknesses.
• How did you prepare for this interview?

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 Suggested Answer: I have checked a couple of websites like www.immihelp.com and the
sessions conducted by US counsulate or USIEF and I have also taken help from my
friends are studying abroad.
• Why do you plan to do MS?
Suggested Answer: I wish to further strengthen my knowledge in the field of X (mention
about the course you are going to study) as I see this course has a lot of potential in the
Indian market. (Students should be well researched about the job prospects in India for
the course they are planning to study)
• Why are you changing your stream? (if applicable) .
Suggested Answer: During my college days, apart from my coursework in college I learnt
ABC courses out of my own interest and I have strengthen my knowledge in the field of
X. To further, enhance my knowledge in the field of X, I wish to study Y course
• What are your career goals?
Suggested Answer: Students should well establish a connection between their applied
course and job opportunities offered in India. For eg. After acquating the X skills during
my education in the USA, I would like to work as a Project Manager in Y company in
India(Be honest!! As VO might cross check if the such kind of jobs are available or not)
• Why are you applying for Fall only?
Suggested Answer: The answer may vary from student to student but students can
mention about the course availaibility in Fall semester only, retaking the tests, don’t
want to waste a year etc.