USA F 1 Visa Interview Questions: Tips & Required Documents

Indian students need to apply for an F 1 student visa to pursue a full-time program in the USA. In 2021, at an acceptance rate of 86%, around 62,000 students have secured their F1 student visas. In the entire process of the USA student visa application, the most demanding step is answering F1 visa interview questions. It is on the basis of the interview session that the final visa approvals and rejections occur.

The interview is not a gruelling session but is only for understanding the intention of the student to study in USA. It is important for the students to answer every question of the interviewer conveniently and to present all the necessary documents. The interviewer does not ask for all the documents but only a few selected. Getting this interview right is the stepping stone toward studying at the university of one’s choice.

The questions asked during the F 1 visa interview process depend on the interviewer. But the agenda of the interview is to evaluate the candidate on the following parameters:

To understand the intent of the student behind applying to the university.
To evaluate the financial condition of the student to afford the education.

Here are a few sample questions that are generally asked in the F 1 student visa interview and some tips on how to answer them.

Q. Why do you want to study in USA?

This question is asked generally to understand the intention of the student behind applying to USA. You can compare the quality of education in the USA and your home country. Mention if the course you are pursuing is not available in your country.

Tip: Some courses are available in specific universities in USA. Try to focus on the specific highlights of the university and the teaching method, research etc.

Q. Why do you want to join this particular university?

To answer this question, tell the interviewer the specialization of the university, the world rankings, the global alumni base, and research productivity. Also, talk about the particular course you are taking and how it’s better than other universities.

Tip: Go through the highlights of the university and note down important points. These points will help you answer the questions about your choice of universities.

Q. How many colleges you have applied for? How many offers did you get?

Answer honestly and tell the officer how many colleges you have applied to and their names. State which universities have accepted you. Even if some colleges have rejected your application, mention that too.

Tip: This question is basically to understand your academic results and how many colleges think your academic marks are enough to get into their courses.

Q. What course are you planning to take?

This is a straightforward question. You just have to talk about the desired course that you are planning to get admitted to.

Tip: Talk about the impact of the programs on the current market and how that course can bring you closer to your goals. Also, talk about the career opportunities the graduates might get after completion of the program.

Q. Have you been to USA before?

Answer honestly to this question. If you have been to USA before, say yes. If no, then say no clearly. You have to state the reasons for visiting the USA as well whether it's for vacation, any programs, or visiting family and friends.

Tip: You have to answer honestly to all of these questions because the visa officer can easily cross-check the information. There is no point in hiding anything.

Q. How much is the cost of studying at your university? How do you plan to meet the amount?

In this question, you have to talk about the tuition fees, the accommodation charges and how you are planning to meet these expenses as well. Talk about any scholarships or sponsorships that you can get, which will help with the cost of study.

Tip: It is advised to research well about the cost of studying at the university. It’s better not to mention if you are willing to work part-time or on-campus to pay the fees.

Q. Is anyone sponsoring you? What is the profession of your sponsor?

By sponsoring, the interviewer technically wants to know how you will be covering your study expenses. Depending on your case, you can lead with details about one of the following:

If there is any scholarship that you are availing, you have to give all the relevant details regarding it to the officer.

Even if your parents or any family member is the sponsor, you have to mention it too and your relationship with the sponsors.

You have to mention the profession of your sponsor(s). The officer would like to know if the sponsor is actually capable of paying all the fees and living expenses. It is better to keep yourself informed about the sponsor’s salary structure as well.

Q. Have you taken any loans? How you are going to repay it?

Answer to this question is simple yes or no. If the answer is yes, then offer the details of the loan to the interviewing officer. Being transparent about the loan structure and repayment plan will definitely add value.

Tip: While talking about repayment, mention how you plan to take up a full-time job post-graduation. Do not give any ideas of taking random jobs in the USA. However, you can suggest that you probably will return for a job in your own country.

Q. Do you have any plans to work while studying?

F 1 Visa holder students can work part-time jobs up to 20 hours a week. It is more advisable to mention that you want to focus on your studies more, but you will consider working part-time if you are offered a job on-campus.

Tip: The officer should not get any doubts about your intention to study in USA. You have to make him/her believe that you don’t have any intention of seeking jobs in USA.

Q. What are the scores that you have secured in GMAT/GRE, TOFEL/IELTS?

Even if you are already accepted into a university, the visa officer can still ask about your grades and scores on your standardised tests. You should honestly state the exact marks you have got in GMAT or GRE exams, in TOEFL or IELTS exams, and in SAT or ACTs.

Tip: By this question, the officer basically wants to get an idea about how you have prepared yourself for study in USA.

Q. What was your GPA in previous academic years?

The officer can also ask about your academic performance in your previous academic years. Students are also advised to keep documents with them to show to the visa officer.

Q. How comfortable are you with the English language?

As an answer to this question, you can share their TOEFL or IELTS scores with the officer. It will be proof of your reading, writing and speaking skills.

Tip: Also, mention that your English skills will grow further when you start your coursework and get to be a part of the international community of the university.

Q. Do you have any friends or family members who live in USA?

The answer to this question will be in simple yes or no. If you have any relatives or friends or family members living in the USA, provide their details. If you have no contacts in USA just say no.

Q. After graduation do you plan to come back to your country?

Talk about your connection with your family, relatives, connection to birthplace and country. Be sure to have strong facts like property, business or even a pet so that the officer can understand that you have a reason to come back home.

Tip: You have to make the visa officer believe that you are coming back to your home country after graduation. If the officer gets any hint that you have any plan of working in USA after your graduation, getting a visa will not be easy.

Q. Will you come back home on holidays?

Just say that you will come back home on holidays even if you are not planning to do so. You can talk about how you love your culture and festivals, and how much you love to spend time with your family.

Tip: If you have plans to stay in USA over academic breaks and work for some time, the visa officer should not get any idea regarding that. In that case, he/she can get the impression that you have a high chance of not coming back to your country after graduation.

Q. What are your post-graduation plans? Do you have any career in mind?

As an F-1 Visa holder, you will be entering USA with a non-immigrant status. You have to clarify that you don’t have any intention to stay back after graduation. It is more advisable to talk about a career plan in your own country to convince the visa officer.

How to Prepare for F 1 Visa Interview?

An F 1 visa interview is just a normal interview between the interviewer and the candidate. However, like any other interview, it is important to prepare for the process of studying abroad. Here are some tips that can help in getting ready for the interview:

Mark the files properly and compose all the documents neatly in a folder. The interviewer may not ask for the documents but it is advisable to take all the documents in an arranged manner.
One must go through the course that he/she has applied for and all the universities that he/she has applied to (accepted and rejected). Know the highlights of the university, the faculty, and the legacy.
Go through the essays and SOP that were submitted at the time of application. It is important to talk about the topic and the facts mentioned in the essays.
Know thoroughly about the state where the university is located and the locations around it.
Students must have a proper understanding of financial documents and be clear about how they are going to pay for the university education.

Documents Required for F 1 Visa Interview

Students need to carry a list of documents for their F-1 visa interview. The interviewer may or may not ask for the documents but the student should carry these. The list of common documents required for the F 1 visa interview is as follows:

Valid passport
Acceptance letter from the university
Transcripts of high school or university attended
English language proficiency test scores
Passport size photographs
Financial documents

Here are some more questions for you to practice before appearing for your visa interview. Go through the questions carefully and prepare for them.

Questions About Your Study Plans

Why are you planning to go to USA?
What will be your specialization?
What will you take as your major?
Where is your previous school?
Are you currently employed? Tell me about your work.
Why do you want to continue your education?
Why can’t you have further education in your country?
How is this program beneficial to you?

Questions About Your University Choice

How many colleges have you applied to?
How many colleges have accepted you?
How many colleges have rejected you?
Have you visited USA before?
Do you have any contact in the university? Do you know any professors from that university?
What is the location of your school?