F1 Visa Interview Questions & Answers

Question 1. What Course Are You Applying For? Why?

Answer :

Answer to the point. For ‘why’ you can answer as one of the following:

• Passionate about that subject and want to gain more knowledge in it.
• There are not many experts in this field in India, The knowledge I obtain while studying in college name will help me stand out once I return to India.
• Upcoming field, there is a shortage of experts in this field in India, so this will help my career once I return.

Question 2. Why Did You Choose This University?

Answer :

Do some research on this, List out the pros of the University.

For eg:

• Their CS department is very reputed; they have many international publications.
• I am a big fan of this professor (list out his achievements), I am excited to learn from him.
• This university is well known for research in your field.

Question 3. What About Scholarships? Did You Get Any?

Answer :

Answer to the point. Yes or No.

Question 4. Did You Contact Any Professors? What Are Their Names?

Answer :

• Be honest, don’t lie.
• It’s good to know names of your professors, even if you haven’t contacted them.

You can reply as follows: I know professor name, he is an expert in field, he has many publications. I haven’t contacted him personally, but I am excited to learn from him.

Question 5. Have You Been To The U.s Before?

Answer :

Answer Yes or No.

Question 6. Why Don’t You Stay Back And Study In India?

Answer :

Again, its good to do a little research on your university, course, and professors.You can answer as following:

• University has a well know dept name, They do a lot of research and have a lot of international publications. I feel this is a great opportunity for me to learn from these professors.
• Wanted to get global exposure.
• Course work for your field is far superior in your university, compared to what’s available here in India.

Question 7. What Are Your Plans After Graduation?

Answer :

Never mention: I want to stay in the US and look for a Job.

You can answer as following:

Will come back and take up a job, my degree will help me stand out, and it will be easy for me to get a job here.

Question 8. Why Is Your Score Low (if You Have A Low Score)?

Answer :

You can answer as following:

• My undergraduate course was very heavy for the final 2 years, so I found it hard to focus on Gre.
• My focus on mention project, this was a great learning experience for me, I was dedicated my entire time to it.This affected my preparation.

Question 9. How Much Money Will They Be Providing You With?

Answer :

Explain your finance, How much of it is the loan and how much of it is your parents/personal money.

Question 10. If Your Father Spends Most Of His Savings On Your Education, What About Your Family’s Expenses In India?

Answer :

You can mention: Apart from the bank balance, your parents have other assets such as property, policies, etc.

Question 11. Why Does Your Passbook Have Only 1 Page Filled? Is This A New Account?

Answer :

Be honest; You can tell this is the first time you are traveling abroad.

Question 12. What About Your Living Expenses And Accommodation Fee?

Answer :

Your i20 shows the entire amount for one year i.e., course fee plus living expenses. You should have arranged for this money to be in your bank statement before your interview either from your parents or bank loan.

Question 13. Do You Plan To Work In The U.s While You Study, May Be On-campus?

Answer :

You are legally allowed to work for 20 hours on-campus. You are not allowed to work off-campus.

You can answer as following:

I am not keen on an on-campus job. I want to focus on my course work. I would like to try for a TA or GA.

Question 14. So How Come You Decided To Become An Engineer?

Answer :

You can mention what you like about engineering and people who inspired you do become an engineer.

Question 15. Considering The Current U.s Economy, Why Do You Want To Go There?

Answer :

US job market doesn’t have an effect on me; I am only going there to study.I apply what I have learned here in India.

Question 16. Most Applicants Like You Turn Out To Be Potential Immigrants. What About You? Do You Plan To Come Back To India Once You Finish Your Course?

Answer :

Yes, there is a huge shortage of skilled labor here in India.There are plenty of well-paying opportunities here for my qualifications.My entire family is here; I would most definitely come back.

Question 17. If You Run Out Of Money In The U.s, What Will You Do?

Answer :

I have enough money to cover my course fee and living expenses.So this situation won’t arise

Question 18. Will Your Relatives In The U.s Give You Dollars To Help?

Answer :

No.

Question 19. Why Do You Seem Scared And Nervous?

Answer :

Be confident. There is nothing to be scared off.

If they ask you this question, you can answer as follows: No, Officer I am not scared or nervous.I am an introvert, don’t talk much, maybe that’s why I came across like that.

Question 20. Are Your Parents Supportive Of Your Decision To Study In The U.s?

Answer :

Yes, the are very supportive. They feel it will be a great experience and I can learn a lot.

Question 21. What Is Your Opinion About The U.s?

Answer :

They have great universities, some of the best research is done here.The best place to study.

Question 22. Will Language/communication Be A Problem For You?

Answer :

No, English was taught to me since I was 5 years old. All my courses are in English.I also scored well in my Toefl.

Question 23. Have You Visited/browsed Through Websites Related To This Interview?

Answer :

I came across several websites, but since U.S travel docs declared that it’s the official website for visas, I followed the rules of only that website.

Question 24. Once Back, What Kind Of Job Will You Get In India?

Answer :

Do your research. Check which jobs you are qualified to get.

Question 25. What Salary Will You Get?

Answer :

Mention a good salary, say of 1-1.5 lakhs per month.

Question 26. But In U.s You Will Get More, Why Don’t You Think Of Taking Up A Job There After Your Education?

Answer :

No, opportunities in India are equally good. I will be qualified to get a well-paying job here. My entire family is settled here.I wouldn’t want to work in the US.

Question 27. Where Are You Planning To Travel And What Locations Would You Like To Visit In The U.s?

Answer :

I haven’t thought about this.My primary focus will be my course.This will take up most of my time.I might travel a bit during the seem breaks.But I really haven’t thought about this.