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150 Frequently Asked F1 Visa Interview Questions and Answers 2022

Last modified about 3 years ago by . Posted in School News |

100 Frequently Asked F1 Visa Interview Questions and Answers 2020.

This is a comprehensive guide on frequently repeated questions for F1 Visa interview. In this article, i will get you covered on how to scale through F1 visa screening exercise through it’s frequently asked questions from past interviews. Ensure to read and study the questions provided on this page carefully. Goodluck!


Many candidate yearning for F1 visa keep troubling their minds on how to get frequently repeated questions for their screening.

100 Frequently Asked F1 Visa Interview Questions

Before we get started, let me quickly walk you through necessary informations you need to know about the F1 Visa.

F1 Visa is a type of visa that the non-immigrants have to apply to pursue education in the US. The various forms of educational institutions and programs that come under this visa are:

  • Language training program
  • Conservatory courses
  • Seminary courses
  • Private elementary school
  • High school
  • University or college.

Yeah.. that’s it.

N/B: It is important to understand that F-1 Visa is mainly for people who enters the U.S. on a temporary basis – either for tourism, business, temporary work, or study. Once a person has entered the U.S. in nonimmigrant status, they are restricted to the activity or reason for which they were allowed entry.

However, before we move on to the next stage. I want you to know that all student must attend the visa interview with all the necessary documentation required by the embassy interview consular. You can see F-1 Visa qualifications and requirement here.

Research has proven that majority of the F-1 visa interview are circled round these 5 unique categories;

  • Your study plans
  • Your university choice
  • Your academic capability
  • Your financial status
  • Your post-graduation plans.

Yeah, that’s the truth…, ensure to research deep on them.

F1 Visa Interview Questions and Answers.

100 Frequently Asked F1 Visa Interview Questions 2

Every interviewer is different and there are no set questions he/she might ask. However, the intent of the interview is simple enough

– One, to understand your intent – whether it is to settle in USA or to study and come back.

– Two, and more importantly, to assess whether or not you can afford your stay in USA.

The embassy interviewer will ask all student applying for F-1 Visa lot of tactical and logical questions before granting the visa approval. Make sure you prepare ahead of time with these frequently repeated questions we will be sharing with you.

Below are F-1 visa questions you should be expecting on the VISA screening by the consular.

♠ What kind of information do you have about your school of choice in the United States (USA)?

The immigration officer is asking you this question to understand the reason for which you chose the United States as the destination for your studies. You should list out the information you obtained when you researched for potential colleges to apply to.

♠ Why did you chose to study in the United States?

The reason for which the immigration officer is asking you this question is to check whether you can justify the reason for selecting the US over other countries as the place to pursue your studies. You need to mention strong points that compelled you to select this country over others.

♠ What is your field of specialization?

You will be asked the field of specialization in which you are going to pursue your education. You need to provide the full name of the course you are applying for.

♠ In which field did you do your under-graduation?

You need to mention your area of specialization in your graduation if you are going to the United States to pursue a postgraduate degree.

♠ Can I see a proof of your educational degrees?

You need to provide the original documents of all your educational degrees to the immigration officer.

♠ Why are you pursuing your Phd. in the United States?

To answer this question, you need to list the reasons for pursuing Ph.D. and selecting the United States as the country of your choice for doing so.

♠ Why have you changed the field of your study?

If you have changed your field of study at some point in your life or want to do so when you study in the states, you need to specify the reason for doing so. Your reason should be strong enough to be backed up by logical reasons.

♠ What are your career plans after you complete your degree?

This is one of the important questions that will be definitely be asked by the immigration officer during the F1 Visa interview approval process. You need to say that you will return to your home country after you complete your education in the States.

♠ Have you previously made a trip to the United States?

The immigration officer might ask you about the past trips you have made to the country.

♠ Have you written any exams like GRE/TOEFL/GMAT? If yes, please provide the score along with the detailed report.

If you have given any exams like GRE/TOEFL/GMAT, you need to provide the immigration officer with the score and detailed report specifying your areas of weakness and strengths.

♠ In which year did you graduate from your school/college and how much marks did you obtain?

The immigration officer for verification purposes might ask about the date of your graduation through school/college and your transcripts/marksheets from the school/college.

♠ Why did you choose this specific university and how will it help you in your career?

The interviewer is asking this question to determine your reasons for selecting the specific university in which you are planning to enroll. He or she also wants to know why you think completing the degree from that particular college/school will benefit you in your career. To answer this question you need to be well versed with the history and the background of the college you are taking admission in.

♠ What do you know about the city in which your college is located?

The immigration officer might also ask you about the city in which the college/school you are getting admitted to is located therefore you have to be well-versed with the city where you are going to reside.

14. Which universities did you send your application to and which ones accepted it?

For the above question, provide the appropriate answer.

♠ Did you contact any professors from the college that has accepted you and were you offered a scholarship by the school/college?

Give the appropriate answer for the question above and if you have received any scholarship from the college, mention it.

♠ Do you have any friends or family in the United States?

If you have any family or friends in the United States, mention yes otherwise say no.

♠ What is the profession your parents are into and do you have any siblings?

For the above question, provide the appropriate answer.

♠ What is the annual income of your parents?

You need to answer this question honestly as the information will be subject to verification.

♠ Can I see your tax returns?

You need to give the original documents to the immigration officer that contain your tax returns.

♠ Can I see the bank statements from one of your accounts?

You need to produce the bank statements from one of your bank accounts for the immigration officer to verify.

21. Have you taken any loans in the past?

Answer the question as applicable. If you have taken any loans in the past, you have to disclose it to the immigration officer with the required documents.

♠ Where do your parents reside and do you live with them?

Answer this question with the appropriate details.

♠ Are you presently employed somewhere and what is the duration for which you have been employed?

Answer this question as applicable.

♠ Which organisation are you currently employed by and what are your roles and responsibilities?

Answer this question with the correct details. You need to explain the immigration officer the exact roles and responsibilities in your current employment. 

♠ Can you provide a reference on your current job which is written by your boss or supervisor?

You need to provide a letter of recommendation from your current employer to the immigration officer.

♠ What is your current salary?

Answer this question with the appropriate details. You will need to give the salary slip as proof to the immigration officer.

♠ Why do you want to quit your job and pursue higher studies in the United States?

This is a question that you need to answer very carefully with the logical reasons. Be honest as to why you want to pursue higher studies even though you are well settled in your job.

♠ Are you being financially supported by someone to pay for your studies in the United States?

Answer this question as appropriate.

30. Are you taking a loan to support yourself financially during the period you pursue higher studies in the United States?

If you are applying for loan, say yes. Provide the details of the loan such as its term and the interest rate etc.

♠ How have you planned your residence during the period of your course in the United States?

The immigration officer wants to know the details of your stay during the time you will study in the United States.

♠ Have you ever applied for a F1 Visa previously?

If you have applied for a F1 Visa previously, say yes otherwise say no.

♠ Why should you be granted an approval for a F1 Visa?

This is a crucial question which you need to give an appropriate answer to. List all the reasons as to why you are pursuing higher studies in the United States. Try to convince the immigration officer with your desire and determination. Give clear and concise answers and do not try to confuse the immigration officer.

How to Dress for Your F-1 Interview.

Any interview starts from the moment you come face to face with your interviewer. And the first impression is often ascertained by your dress. So before the D-Day, think about your wardrobe carefully and keep the following things in mind.

  • Keep it formal but not overdone
    • Formal Attire for Men include formal shirts and trousers and for girls it could be the same or formal Indian Attire which could be a simple sari or a ‘salwar kameez’
    • Remember, do not choose garish outfits or outfits that don’t match the weather. For instance, you need not wear a full suit if your interview is in the hot month of June. Instead, choose a simple formal shirt and trousers.
  • Choose light or solid colours             
    • Avoid fluorescent colours. Instead choose pastels when the interview is in summers or solid colours when the interview is in winters
    • Avoid shaded garments as they tend to distract
  • Minimal Accessories
    • It is important to keep your accessories to the minimal.
    • Danglers, long necklaces and bangles that jingle are a strict no for women
    • If you must accessorize due to religious beliefs, please keep it to the bare minimum – anklets, for instance, that do not make noise are advised if you simply must wear them
    • Men are advised against wearing heavy bracelets or chains that jingle
  • Make sure your clothes are clean and well ironed
    • Waiting for your interview can be time consuming, hence you are advised to wear clothes that do not wrinkle that easy
    • Needless to say that your clothes should be neat – messy clothes call out for unnecessary attention and not acceptable
  • Make sure you don’t smell – neither good nor bad!
    • While it is important to wear a deodorant or a light talc to ensure that you don’t smell bad, it is important to avoid strong colognes or perfumes; the Visa Officer might be allergic to the same and you wouldn’t want him/her sneezing through the interview or worse…being uncomfortable about the “smell”
  • Wear your glasses if the same are in your passport
    • If your passport has a picture with glasses, make sure to wear them
    • You can wear contacts if it is otherwise!

FAQ’s about F-1 Visa Questions.

  • Why do you plan to do an MS/MBA/UG/PhD? 139 Visa Interview Questions
  • Why Study in USA? 139 Visa Interview Questions
  • Why this course? 139 Visa Interview Questions
  • What brought the change of specialization from XYZ? What steps have you taken to ensure that you will be able to perform well in the new field you wish to change to?
  • How many colleges you have applied to & how many admits have you received?
  • What was your first choice? 139 Visa Interview Questions
  • Tell more about UFL/ Gainesville?
  • Why is your verbal score is so low in GRE?
  • What is your Undergraduate GPA/Percentage? Why so low?
  • Name some professors at your University? 139 Visa Interview Questions
  • Why have you not applied to RIT/ NJIT even though you have sent your GRE score?
  • Financial – Do you have sufficient funds?
  • Why is your dad’s income so low? 139 Visa Interview Questions
  • Why has there been such a big transaction into your sponsor’s account lately? Why are the entries in the passbook recent?
  • What is your sponsor’s annual income?
  • Why is your grandfather sponsoring you?
  • Family – Is that a reason to come back?
  • What are your father, mother and brother doing?
  • How many brothers/ sisters do you have? What are they doing?
  • Do any of your relatives stay in USA? Do you know anyone else in USA?
  • How many kids does your sponsor have & what are they doing?
  • Future – Why Come Back?
  • What are your future plans? What will you do after coming back?
  • What guarantee do you have that you will come back to India?
  • Will you come back to home during summers?
  • If you are offered a job in U.S. will you do it?
  • Do you plan to work in the US…Supposing on-campus?
  • After completing your studies what will be your designation in the organization in which you plan to work?
  • Even in this condition of economic recession, you want to go US. Why?
  • Do you plan to do MBA?
  • You look like potential immigrants OR I do not think you will come back to India.
  • What if I reject you?
  • What if you get a US degree, would you like to go to US again for higher Studies?
  • Why did you select US for higher studies? Isn’t this course offered by any university or college in India?
  • What is the purpose of your trip?
  • Have you ever been to US?
  • Can you tell me some details about your university?
  • Can you tell me the location of the university/college?
  • Why did you choose this institute and how did you find about it?
  • Can you mention the names of some professors?
  • Did you receive any scholarships?
  • Why did you select this course? Is it relevant to your previous studies?
  • What is the scope of your course?
  • What benefit will bring this course to you?
  • What is the course commencement date?
  • Where will you stay in US?
  • What are your subjects in last course of study (High School, Degree or Master’s)?
  • How will you finance your education funds for 4 years? (Generally you have to prove that you can fund the first year of your education but we suggest that you be prepared with this answer)
  • What are you plans after completing your studies?
  • Have you researched your career prospects?
  • What will you do after coming back to Home?
  • How much money can you earn after your completion of studies?
  • Do you intend to work in US during or after completion of your studies?
  • How can you prove that you will come back after finishing your studies?
  • Do you have any relatives in the US?
  • Do you know anyone (in USA) in your University?
  • Why should I grant you US VISA?
  • What will you do if your US Visa is rejected?
  • Have you ever visited any other country?
  • Will you come back to home during summers?
  • What will you do during the off period/semester?
  • Which University?
  • So overall what percentage?
  • What kind of job will you work in?
  • What is your CGPA?
  • When did you graduate?
  • What have you been doing since graduation?
  • Working, why do you want to quit and pursue higher studies?
  • Why did you change your University?
  • How many universities have you applied to?
  • Do you think that your certification is useful for your studies? (some extra certification)
  • Attending for the visa interview for the second time? What happened last time?
  • Whose is sponsoring you?
  • What does the sponsor do?
  • What does your mother do?
  • Why not an education loan?
  • How did you come to know about this university?
  • Attending  SUNY Buffalo, nice, Why did you apply to NYU Poly? (they may ask questions about your other Admits)
  • Have you travelled to any other country?
  • What’s your purpose of travel?
  • So why did you choose NC State amongst other admits?
  • Why do you choose this subject?
  • What’s the duration of the course?
  • What is your area of interest?
  • What have you changed from the previous interview?
  • Is this your first master’s?
  • Did you apply to any other country?
  • Why do you want to study in USA?
  • By the way which cities you plan to visit in USA in your first 6 months any travel plans made?
  • Why are you going to the US?
  • What will you specialize in for your degree?
  • What will be your major?
  • Where did you go to school now?
  • Who is your current employer? What do you do?
  • Why are you planning to continue your education?
  • Can you not continue your education in your home country?
  • How will this study program relate to your past work or studies?
  • How many schools did you get admitted to?
  • How many schools rejected you?
  • Do you know your professors at that university? What are their names?
  • What are your test scores (GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS)?
  • How will you manage the cultural and educational differences in the US?
  • How good is your English?
  • Why do you want to pursue a degree in the US?
  • Why not study in Canada, Australia or the UK?
  • What do you know about US schools?
  • Can I see your high school/college diploma?
  • What is your monthly income?
  • How do you plan to fund the entire duration of your education?
  • How much does your school cost?
  • How will you meet these expenses?
  • What is your sponsor’s occupation?
  • How else will you cover the rest of your costs?
  • Do you have a copy of your bank statements?
  • Did you get offered a scholarship at your school?
  • Can I see your tax returns?
  • What was your major in undergrad? / What was your concentration in Bachelor’s?
  • When and from which university did you graduate?
  • Can you tell me some good things about this university?
  • Do you happen to know about the city you will be going?
  • Where do your parents live?
  • Who is your currently employer?
  • What is your role and responsibilities?
  • Since how long you have been working for this company?
  • How big is this company? (Number of employees)
  • Well, your current employers sounds strongly established, why do you want to leave?
  • Do you plan to study PhD after MS?
  • Your brother is working in USA, would you do the same?
  • Where did your brother/ parents complete their studies?
  • You have sisters and brothers and how do you think your sponsor will pay for your education
  • Do you have girlfriend?
  • Show your work experience letter
  • How much do you have in savings?
  • Why did you choose US but not Canada or Germany?
  • What kind of good things do you know about America?
  • What do you expect after returning back?
  • Why are you applying for Fall only?
  • Will you come home during summer?
  • Why do you think the university is giving you a scholarship?

Tips for Succeeding in Your F-1 Visa Interview.

Apply and Submit Your Application Successfully – If you are applying to a university in the US, visit the American Embassy in your home country to submit the application for category F-1 student visa. If you are looking to study in Canada, visit the Canadian Consulate in your home country to apply for a study permit. You can also apply for a study permit online.

Practice Your English by Reading Good Books – This will help you communicate with the officers in the embassy or consulate. This will also be helpful in your future studies. There are many ways you can practice, for example by watching American TV shows, listening and translating your favorite music songs, reading books in English, and many others.

Gather all the Documentation You Need to Take to the Interview – This is one of the most important steps in your preparation for the interview. During the visa interview you must present enough evidence for you to get a visa. Some of the documents you must present include: your visa application, university acceptance letter, I-20 form in the US or study permit in Canada, as well as evidence that you have enough money to support yourself. You can also include guarantors, like your parents, who will help you support yourself while you are abroad.

 Be Bold and Try to Visualize Yourself Getting a Visa – Picture yourself successfully completing your interview and getting your visa. This visualization will give you a positive outlook and provide mental support.

♠ What to do During the Interview – You should dedicate your full attention to the officer or the translator at the interview. Make sure to listen carefully, think before you answer and keep your answers short and to the point. You can research online the most common questions at the visa interviews to prepare yourself and your answers.

♠ Prepare an Explanation – It is important to prepare an explanation for some of the most common visa interview questions. Common questions can include: why you want to go to the university you chose, what you are going to study, what your career goal is after you graduate, and others similar to these.

♠ Talk About Ties to Your Home Country – The officers at the embassy or consulate will often ask about the ties to your home country. This is done to make sure that you have enough things that hold you back and that you will eventually come back to your home country. Typically these include: your job or business, family, property you may own, or anything else you can think of.

♠ Talk About your Family and Love Ones – If you have a spouse or children, make sure to mention them and explain how they will be supported while you are abroad.

Above all, place God your creator in high esteem and be confident.

Thanks for spending your precious time on our website today.

Wish you all the best folks.

Hope you find this guide helpful, if yes, don’t hesitate sharing this information with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp and Google +.

NG Team.

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