50+ US Visa Interview Questions and Sample Answers

1. Why do you wish to study in the USA?

This is one of the most common f1 visa interview questions and answers the interviewer will ask you when they are meeting you for the first time. Note that this interviewer already knows that you are going to the US for studies, but they ask this question because they want to deduce if your intentions of studying in the US are genuine enough, or if you just picked the country because you wanted to travel out. This is your chance to prove that a study in the US is important to your growth, education, and career-wise; that this country is the only country that can offer you these things.

Sample Answer:

I want to study in the US, because it is one of the most popular study destinations for higher education amongst foreign students, and it has some of the best universities in the world. Universities in America support their international students, they have a flexible education system, are culturally diverse, have high-ranking programs, and give students the opportunity to study and work as well. Another reason I want to study in your country is that the US has a diverse student community, and I would love to connect with other students from all over the world, and also improve my English speaking skills. 

2. Why did you choose the course you are applying for?

Questions about the course are a question to expect in f1 visa interview questions and answers 2022. Here, the interviewer wants to know what inspired you to select the discipline you chose to major in, and most importantly if it is aligned to your career goals.

Sample Answer:

I am passionate about studying Clinical Psychology (insert your course here), and I would love to expand my knowledge of it. In my country, we do not have many experts in this field, but I believe that what I learned during my studies would help me improve the existing systems in my country and equip me to stand out as well. Furthermore, this field is new in my country and as such, there is a shortage of experts in it. This will help me establish a career once I come home.

3. Why have you decided to go to school now, instead of starting a career?

Among the f1 visa interview questions and answers 2021, is the question about continuing your career. Keep in mind that if you are a minor who is going to university for the first time,  nobody will ask you this question. However, if you are an adult who has attended a university before, this question might be for you. The interviewer wants to know why you wish to further your education instead of taking a career path.

Sample Answer:

I wish to further my education, because the course I have chosen for my postgraduate studies, will further enhance my knowledge about the career I am in now. I strongly believe that the program I am applying to study in, will provide me with the know-how I need to excel in my career path.

4. How many universities did you apply to before you got accepted and why?

When you are asked this common f1 visa interview questions and answers 2022, no need for you to panic. Remember, you are currently at the embassy because a school in the US looked at your profile, and deemed you fit enough to invite you to study with them. So when the interviewer asks this, they simply want you to walk them through your journey to studying in the US, so that they can know how committed you are. Whatever knowledge you gathered when you were researching schools, this is the time to use it.

Sample Answer:

Before I got accepted to study at MIT, I also applied to Harvard University and New York University. I chose these schools because, during my research, they proved to be the best universities in the world that offer an undergraduate program on Robotics Engineering. 

5. Which universities did you apply to? What are their names? 

Again, this visa interview questions and answers for students is not asked by the interviewer to cross examine you, it is simply to understand your process from deciding to study abroad, up until the point of the interview. They want to know which choices you made and how it influenced your decision to study in the US.

Sample Answer:

I narrowed down my search to the best schools which were a good fit for my career path, and had the best provisions for my programme. I applied to Harvard University, Duke University, University of California, and Stanford University. 

6. Did you get accepted by all the universities?

It has never been a crime for a visa applicant to get an offer letter from multiple universities, so if you are asked this question, it is still because the interviewer wants to understand your journey to deciding to study abroad, and why you finally chose your ideal school. The f1 visa questions best answer to give is for you to answer accordingly, don’t lie.

Sample Answer:

Yes I got accepted to all the universities.

No, I did not get accepted to all the universities.

7. Which schools rejected you and why?

Even your interviewer understands that rejections are bound to happen, so if you get asked this f1 visa interview questions and answers 2022, be honest and be willing to share which schools rejected you, and also highlight which ones accepted your application. 

Sample Answer:

Of all the schools I applied for, I was rejected by Duke University and University of California. My rejection was due to the fact that they didn’t find me a good fit for their program.

8. What are the names of the universities you got accepted to?

These common f1 interview questions and answers are in response to the questions about rejections, and schools that accepted you as well. Do not overthink it.

Sample Answer:

I got accepted into Harvard University and Stanford University.

9. What is the name of the college or university you want to study in and why did you choose it?

This question is one of the common f1 visa questions and answers, you are most likely to be faced with. When it is asked, please keep in mind that the interviewer is asking this  question because they want to know why you chose to study in a particular university in the US, instead of in another country. This is not the time to praise the US for being a powerful nation with a good economy, so that the interviewer won’t think you want to live there after your studies. Do well to answer like this instead:

Sample Answer:

I chose to study in this university, because it has some of the best faculty members in my field of study whom I greatly admire. The professors who I would have the privilege of studying under should you grant me this visa, are respected experts in their field and I have been following their work closely since I showed interest in this school. Furthermore, the university itself is a high ranking university and my dream faculty is globally reputed and has produced some of the finest alumni in the world.

10. Where did you complete your high school/bachelor’s degree?

This is one question that gets asked as an f1 visa interview questions and answers for undergraduate students, and as a matter of fact it is pretty straightforward. Simply tell them where you completed your high school/secondary education. On the other hand, if you are going for your postgraduate, tell them the name of the school where you obtained your bachelor’s degree.

Sample Answer:

I completed my high school at (insert the name of your high school).

11. Why don’t you want to study in your home country?

What is it the US has that your home country doesn’t? You already studied in your home country throughout your undergraduate years, why do you want to study abroad now? Your country is reputed as a reasonable place to study by the rest of the world, so why are you travelling out now? These are the things an interviewer means with this f1 questions and answers visa interview process.

Sample Answer:

Yes, my country is reputed globally for having a reasonable educational system, yet it cannot be compared with that of the USA. The US is home to the majority of the high-ranking universities in the world, and obtaining a degree from one of those world-class institutions is a feat I hope to achieve one day. Additionally, the field of study I wish to major in is not taught in my country (only use if applicable to your case), and when it comes to course structure, facilities, and faculty, the schools in the US have more advantages than the schools in mine.

12. Why are you changing your field? 

The subject of changing fields is one of the popular f1 student visa interview questions and answers you will be asked, especially if you are undertaking a postgraduate course that is different from what you studied in your undergraduate. Please answer in a way that is applicable to your situation.

Sample Answers:

I have decided to change my field, from Journalism to Computing Science because for the past two years after my graduation, I have been working in an IT company where I have taken UI/UX courses and learned basic web designing techniques. I believe that practice, and the experience I have gathered in the last 2 years, have given me enough knowledge to go into the field I am switching to. I now wish to attend a university for it, so that I can get professional guidance and certification.

13. Did you get any scholarships? 

No interviewer will deny you a visa because you did not get a scholarship. The main reason for asking these basic study visa interview questions and answers is to know what means you intend to use in funding your studies abroad?

Sample Answer:

Yes I got a scholarship.

No, I did not get a scholarship.

14. Do you have any loans?

Your interviewer wanting to know if you have enough funds to cater for your education and cost of living in the US, and how you intend to get that funding, is one of the standard fi visa interview questions and answers you should expect to be asked. It is your duty to let the visa officer know that you are financially able to fund your education, by telling them which loans you have or do not have.

Sample Answer:

Yes, I have a loan (insert type of loan and which organisation).

No, I do not have a loan.

15. Who is sponsoring your education?

Sponsorship questions is one of the sample f1 visa interview questions and answers to look out for. Besides the loan and scholarship organisers, who else is sponsoring your education to the US? Is it your parents, a relative, community, or your workplace?

Sample Answer:

My parents will be the ones sponsoring my education and funding my cost of living in the US, for the duration of my studies.

16. What do your parents/ parents do?

This question is common and can be found in most f1 interview questions and answers pdf created for visa applicants. It usually comes after you have revealed to the interviewer that your parents or parents would be the one sponsoring your education. When it is asked, do well to portray your sponsor as being financially capable of funding your studies abroad. And please be honest.

Sample Answer:

My mother is a nurse with the public health organisation in my state, and my father is a police officer.

17. How much do your parents/parents earn?

There is no reason for you to lie about how much your parents earn in a visa interview, so when faced with this common US embassy interview questions and answers for f1 visa, tell the interviewer the exact amount your family earns.

Sample Answer:

My parents earn up to 3 million annually. 

18. Do you have siblings?

The visa officer asks this common f1 visa sample questions and answers because they want to know if your parents or sponsors have any other children, child, or dependent they have to support while still funding your studies, and if they have the capacity to do so.

Sample Answer:

Yes I have other siblings.

No, I do not have other siblings.

19. Do you have relatives in the US?

The subject of having sponsors is among the vital immigrant visa interview questions for minors, especially for the ones who are travelling to the US alone. When they ask this, they want to know if you have any immediate relatives or relatives living in the US you could stay with. A hint for you, the visa officials already know the answer to this question so don’t lie.

Sample Answer:

Yes, I have an Aunty I can stay with in the US.

No, I do not have any immediate family in the US.

20. What is your undergraduate Academic GPA or Percentage?

Most countries usually favour student visa applicants who attain a certain score in their final exams over others, so do not be surprised if you are asked f1 visa interview questions and answers 2021 for undergraduate. The interviewer wants to know if you are academically sound enough to excel in your chosen course.

Sample Answer:

For my undergraduate, I made a 7.62 GPA, graduating with a First Class Distinction in my course.

21. What are you planning to study?

Now is the time to tell the interviewer what you want to major in. If it is medicine you want to go and study, or  a business major.  Business students especially should note that this would suffice as f1 visa interview questions and answers for mba. By confidently answering this question, you will prove to the interviewer that you are a legitimate foreign student who genuinely wants to study in the US.

Sample Answer:

I want to major in business because business degree programs are versatile and provide high-paying career options.

22. Did you contact any professors at your university? What are their names?

This  is among the common f1 visa interview questions for phd students, especially those who would be part of fellowships. The interviewer asks this question to know if you are truly serious about your course and how much effort you’ve made to meet and interact with your mentors. If you haven’t met your professors before, knowing their names is also good.

Sample Answer:

I know Professor Alicia, she is an expert in Forensics and Mental Health, she has many publications, of which I have read a few. I haven’t contacted her personally, but I am really excited to learn from her.

23. Have you visited the US before?

You visit the US or not is one of the most straightforward visa interview questions. The interviewer just wants to know if you have gone to the US before and in what capacity. Was it for studies, vacation, conference, training, or medical reasons, to make it known. If you have not gone before, also make it known.

Sample Answer:

Yes, I have been to the US before for a conference organised by a company.

No, this would be my first time visiting the US.

24. What are your reasons for coming to the US for studies?

Yes, the interviewer already knows that you picked the USA over other countries because it is a top study destination. But this question continues to resurface, not just because it is one of the most popular f1 student visa questions and answers, but because they want to know the depth of your decisions for coming to study in their country. What influenced your decisions? What can the USA give you that the UK or Canada won’t?

Sample Answer:

I didn’t just pick the USA because it is a top attraction site for students, but I chose to study here because the university I want to study in, is the one that is aligned with my future the most. There I won’t just be an expert in my field, but I am also guaranteed to get a job with the degree I earn, in my home country or anywhere else in the world. Plus most of the mentors I admire so much, studied at this school, and the US is as close as I can get to them.

25. How long do you intend on staying in the United States?

Duration is one of the frequently asked visa interview questions and answers. When an interviewer asks how long you would be staying in the US, what they really want to know is how long your course of study is. In fact, the only response you should give is the duration of your course. Do not include the years you wish to stayback in the USA after you graduate.

Sample Answer:

I intend to stay in the US for four years, which is the alloted duration for my course.

26. Why did you apply to this university and not others? How did you hear about this university?

This question is your chance to prove two things. One, why the school you have decided to study in is the best in the world and two that you did your thorough research on finding a school, rather than pick one at random simply because you want to go to the US.

Sample Answer:

I have chosen Duke University because they have one of the best packages for international students, which I could conveniently benefit from. Duke offers me a 50% merit scholarship upon applying, plus a comfortable and neat environment for me to stay in while I study. The school also hosts interstate excursions, which allows me to explore other parts of the country and they have an overseas exchange program which I can opt for at no extra cost. I found out about this school in an educational fair.

27. Where is the location of your school?

More f1 visa interview questions and answers 2021 for you could include the location of your school. They want to know if you know in which city or state in America your school is located. Answer with the exact city or town your school is located and give some facts about the place. If you don’t know anything, do thorough research.

Sample Answer:

The university I wish to attend is located in Manhattan, New York. It is a city with pep and has a collection of some of the most fashionable people ever. Plus New York is America’s most interesting state and I for one would love to live the New Yorker lifestyle.

28. Tell us about your academic background?

What courses have you studied in the past? Does it align with the course you are going to study now? Are you switching majors, these are all details you are expected to give when asked, one of the most essential embassy interview questions and answers for student visa.

Sample Answer:

For most of my academics, I have been an art student, majoring in pure arts and social sciences in secondary school. During my undergraduate study, I took a triple major in Journalism, Psychology, and Optional English, and I have a Bachelor’s degree.

29. Will you study a Ph.D. in the US after completing your master’s degree?

A student’s intent after studying one course, is among the immigrant visa interview questions asked to foreign students. Here, they want to know if you would be coming back immediately after your studies or if you would be taking another degree in the US. Answer wisely.

Sample Answer:

No, I will not be undergoing a Ph.D. after my masters degree in the US.

30. Why did you decide to take this major in your university of choice and not others?

If you find that this question is recurrent in your f1 visa interview experience 2021, it is because it is a crucial topic. The US is bursting with opportunities and many schools that rank highly in the world, so why did you choose your school? Was it a random choice or was it informed?

Sample Answer:

Of all the universities that offered my major, Harvard was the school that aligned with my future the most. Also, they have better infrastructure and more experienced faculty than the other universities.

31. What did you score on your tests?

English language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL and other necessary tests like GRE are a vital part of your f1 visa interview experience. When asked for your scores, simply reveal the scores you got for each of the tests you took.

Sample Answers:

I took the Test of English as a Foreign Language test and I scored 95. 

I took the International English Language Testing System exam and I scored 7. 

I took the GRE and I scored 340. 

I took the GMAT and I scored 700. 

I took the ACT and I scored 32. 

I took the SAT and I scored 1200. 

32. How well do you speak English?

English language proficiency is a requirement for most English speaking countries like the US, so the officials trying to know your competency on this, always shows up as a one of the f1 visa questions. Your interviewer from speaking to you already knows that you understand English, so whenever they ask this question what they really want to know is if you understand English by American standards. That is, will you be able to understand the accent, phrases, and expressions Americans use when speaking to them, and will they understand yours as well. If you have already taken your IELTS or TOEFL test and met the required score needed to prove your English Language proficiency, then no need to panic just use that to form the basis of your answer.

Sample Answer:

Sir/madam, I can speak English well, and also studied for most of my life in English. Prior to my interview, I took the IELTS examination as a way to improve my English language writing, reading, and understanding ability for the USA, and I was able to score 7.5 which is the average required score for this test. However, I also look forward to improving my English-speaking skills further, through being a part of the international community in the US and by constantly interacting with my professors and classmates who are citizens of America.

33. What year did you get your Bachelor’s degree, from which university?

This is another one of the straightforward f1 interview questions which you will encounter during your visit to the embassy. When asked about this, what they want to know is simply which year you finished school, and which educational body certified you in your current major. This question could also be to deduce if you really completed the duration of your bachelor’s degree like you claimed and if the certificate you have is genuine and if it is from an accredited recognised body in your home country. Do not lie, because they will check it.

Sample Answers:

I got my bachelor’s degree in Journalism in the year 2018, from Bangalore University, Karnataka, India.

34. Can we see your high school transcripts?

If you didn’t already know, transcripts are your official certified records throughout the course of your study, which contain information like your full enrollment history, courses you studied, grades earned for each course, and degrees and awards conferred to you. That is what the visa official expects to see with these student visa questions and answers. Remember to go to the embassy with your high school transcripts and other documents while attending the interview, so that whatever you are asked for, you can submit.

Sample Answer:

Yes sir/ma, I have my high school transcripts here, you can see it. 

35. Why do you have a low score?

f1 visa questions and answers about applicants having a low score only applies if you do have a low score. This is usually asked because for students wanting to study in their country, certain countries expect specific score averages from them to determine if you can cope with schools over there. And if you do not meet that requirement, we have left a way for you to answer below. Keep in mind that this question can apply to both your high school or undergraduate or postgraduate results. Answer truthfully.

Sample Answer:

During my undergraduate final year, I focused solely on finishing my (name of the project) project, which was a great learning experience for me, yet affected my preparation because I couldn’t juggle my other school work and project efficiently.

36. How much income do you earn from your job?

F1 visa interview questions and answers about your job, mostly applies to working postgraduate students, or applicants that would be sponsoring themselves in the US. However, if you are already working as an undergraduate and asked this question, we’ve left how you can answer below.

Sample Answers:

From my current job, I earn 150,000 naira which is USD 365.36 a month.

37. Which company do you currently work for and what’s your role? 

Like we said earlier, visa questions regarding your employment status only applies if you are a working applicant or professional who wishes to study in the US after working for the years leading up to your studies. Please note it is not uncommon for visa applicants to have jobs, so there is no reason for you to lie about already having a job.

Sample Answer:

My current company is called ScholarshipTab, it is a website where students from any country can find scholarship opportunities as well as informative study tips. I currently work  for them as a content writer.

38. From your bank statement we can see that several large amounts were recently deposited. Can you explain where all this money came from?

Questions about funds are common with the visa interview experience, so if you are asked this, unless you are engaged in fraudulent activities or stole the money you are now posing in front of the official, then there is no need for you to panic. If the money was a recent transfer from all your life savings to one account, or as a result of a contribution from your friends and family towards your education, please say so.

Sample Answer:

Before this interview, I made a recent transfer of all my funds from my other savings accounts to the bank which owns the bank statement you are seeing now. That is why the recent transfer amounts are high.

39. Why is only one page of your passbook filled? Is this a new account?

Again, enquiries about your funds are part of the questions asked during visa interviews, so unless you are engaged in fraud then there is no need for you to be afraid to answer. If your pass book has only one page filled because it is a new account then answer, if it is one page filled because you don’t use a passbook frequently as you do more of online banking transactions, then say so as well.

Sample Answer:

Yes, only one page of my passbook is filled because it is for a new account.

My passbook only has one page of it filled, because I don’t use it all the time, as I do most of my transactions using internet banking.

40. What is the tuition of the university you wish to study in?

This question can be a part of your f1 visa interview experience 2022, because the visa official wants to understand if the money reflected in the bank statement you provided would be enough to fund the tuition fee of the school you wish to attend.

Sample Answer:

The tuition of the school I want to attend is $49,563 a year for an undergraduate course.

41. What about your living expenses and accomodation fee?

F1 visa interview questions and answers about your living expenses and accomodation fee are a mere standard procedure to ensure that you will still have enough funds to cater for yourself for the duration of your stay in the US, even after paying the tuition fee. They also ask it because they want to know how much you have allocated towards this cause and if it will be enough.

Sample Answer:

The living expenses and accomodation fee I have allotted for the duration of my stay in the US are stated in the bank statement, they are the same amount which is advised for a student to have to live comfortably in the country. Also, anything else I need, my parents who are sponsoring my education, will provide for me.

42. Do you have any loan you took out for your studies? How will you repay this loan?

f1 visa interview questions and answers 2022 tend to include inquisitions about loans, mostly because students intending to go to the US have several funding opportunities that allow them to do so, and one of these means happens to be loans. And since they have to be repaid after your studies, you will need to explain to the interviewer how you intend to do that. If you did not take a loan simply say that you did not, but if you did tell them the amount you took and describe how you will pay. You can say that you will find a good job in your home country to pay off what you owe, but do not under any circumstances say that you will pay your dues by taking up odd jobs in the US.

Sample Answer:

I have taken  a 5.5 lakh loan from a bank in my home country, which is equivalent to $1,339.66. After my graduation, I intend to get a good paying job in my country to pay off the loans.

43. What will you do after graduating?

f1 visa questions and answers about what visa applicants want to do after they graduate are necessary as they give the officials a good idea of what your plans are to put whatever you have learned from your school in the US to good use. If you will get a job after graduation say so, if you will start your own company say so as well. Are you returning to your country? Say so too.

Sample Answer:

After graduation I will be returning to my home country to take a job as a therapist, using what I have learned in school. 

44. Do you plan to work while studying in the US?

This is one of the most common topics discussed in f1 visa interview questions and answers pdf, and the good thing is that it can be answered to your liking. The thing is,  as a student holding an F-1 student visa, you can work part time on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week during an academic term when school is in session and then on your academic breaks you can work full time until school resumes again. So, this is how you answer:

Sample Answer:

During my studies I would prefer to focus on school, but work on campus if I get the opportunity to do so. 

45. Considering the current state of the U.S. economy, why do you want to go there?

f1 visa interview questions and answers 2022 could carry enquiries about the current state of the US economy especially due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. When officials ask this question, they want to know how you would cater for yourself in a shaky economy and whether it would affect your studies and living in the US.

Sample Answer:

The US job market does not have a direct effect on me as a student, I am only going there to further my studies and apply what I have learned here in my country towards contributing to American society.

46. If you are planning to stay in the US  for 2 to 3 years, how will you finance your education and cost of living?

Yes, the interviewer has seen the bank statement you provided and the funds you have, but the reason why this visa interview questions and answers for students are coming up is because they want to be really sure that you will not at any time run out of funds during the course of your studies. You will need to assure them that you have more than enough to take care of yourself, so that it doesn’t look like you are unprepared.

Sample Answer:

The funds I have allotted for my studies should be more than enough to fund my studies in the US, and I doubt that I will ever run out. Also, I have my family here in my country who have stable businesses and jobs, who could cater for me if they need to.

47. Most applicants eventually turn to potential immigrants. What about you? Will you be returning to your country after your course?

f1 visa interview questions and answers about student applicants turning into full-time immigrants are not uncommon, so if you are faced with this particular question, answer in a way that guarantees the interviewer that you have no intentions of overstaying your welcome in the United States after your visa expires. Remember, it is better to leave the US on good terms with the officials so that you can always return, than to be deported.

Sample Answer:

Yes, I wish to return to my home country after my studies in the US. There is a large shortage of skilled professionals who major in the course I am now going to study in my country, with my qualifications I could make a huge difference in my community. Also my course is in high demand and I can find good paying opportunities for myself. I have family here as well, who I would be coming back to see.

48. Are you sure you will not stay back in the US?

This question is part of the commonly f1 visa questions and answers, and is the same as the one above. Again, the officials want to measure your intent about staying back in the US as an immigrant after your studies. Be honest while sharing what your plans are after you graduate. Do you have a job or business waiting for you? Or family? 

Sample Answer:

When I graduate, I will be coming back to my home country to take up a managerial position in my family business, so I will not be staying back in the US.

49. If you run out of funding in the U.S, what will you do?

You could find this point in an f1 visa interview questions and answers pdf. 

It is because the cost of living in the US is quite high, so it is possible that you might need a bigger budget to pay for your studies and living expenses as well. How you will manage these costs is what they want to know.

Sample Answer:

Before I applied for studies, I was concerned about the cost of living in the US, so I made sure that I have enough funding to cater for the duration of my stay here.