Visa Interview Questions – Tips for a Successful Visa Interview

Visa interview questions: The US visa interview is an important step through which the consular officer decides whether you are eligible for a visa. Proper preparation, relevant documents, and a confident demeanor are very important in this interview. Before the interview, you should fill out the DS-160 form and print its confirmation page. In addition, you should collect the visa appointment confirmation, valid passport, financial documents, employment or education certificates, and sponsor information if necessary.

Some basic questions are usually asked in the interview, such as why you want to go to America, who is sponsoring your trip, what you do, how long you will stay, and whether you have relatives in America. The answers to these questions must be truthful, concise, and clear. You should not over-talk or hide information, because the officer already has your information.

Read more: Tourist Visa USA Requirements

Visa Interview Questions

America visa mainly depends on its interview. If you can answer well in America visa interview and please the consul, then your visa is guaranteed. It is completely impossible to get a visa without consular satisfaction. So let’s know how to answer and please the consul and get America visa. If you are applying from Bangladesh, then you must go to the US embassy in Bangladesh and please them with your answer.

• Why did you choose this particular university?
• Have you applied to any other universities? If so, which ones?
• Why this major?
• Who is your sponsor?
• What does your father/mother do?
• Do you have any friends or relatives living in the United States?
• Have you ever traveled outside of your home country before?
• What do you plan to do after completing your studies?
• What courses are you taking this semester?
• Why did you choose to study in the United States instead of your home country? Why not choose Canada or Australia?
• Have you been awarded any scholarships or financial aid? How did you manage that?
• Do you have any brothers or sisters? If yes, what are they doing?
• What will you specialize in for your degree? What will be your major?
• How did you find this university?
• Have your sponsor ever been outside Bangladesh?
• Have you researched the city and state where your university is located?
• If I issue your F1 visa today, when do you plan to travel to the US to start your studies?
• Do you plan to pursue additional education in the US after completing your program?
• What was your score on the SAT or IELTS/DET/TOEFL?
• Are you planning to visit your home country during breaks or holidays?
• Do you plan to live off-campus or on-campus?
• What extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
• How does your academic background relate to your chosen field of study?
• What were your grades in school?
• What are you doing at present? What have you done last 1 year?
• Tell me, was it always your plan to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in the United States?
• How do you plan to stay in touch with your family and friends while in the US?
• What aspects of the local culture and environment are you most excited to experience?
• Are you planning to pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) after completing your studies?
• Do you understand the importance of maintaining your legal status in the US?
• Are you familiar with the rules and regulations for F1 visa holders?
• How do you plan to cope with homesickness?
• How do you plan to handle cultural differences?
• Do you know your professors at that university? What are your professors’ names?
• How did you prepare for your English proficiency test?
• Do you understand the restrictions on employment for F1 visa holders?
• Why your parents are spending all of their savings on you?
• Why should I give you visa?
• What will you do if I reject your visa?

Tips for interview success: 

1. Be confident, answer in a natural manner in the interview and avoid unnecessary stress.
2. Keep the answers honest and correct, visa officers have a purpose behind every question. So give the right information.
3. Be prepared with information, go to the interview knowing details about your university, major, sponsor, and career plan.
4. Carry the necessary documents, financial documents, admission letter, and scholarship related documents.

Conclusion

Consular officers don’t have much time for each interview, so keep your answers short, simple, and to the point. Don’t go off-topic or give too much detail. Stick to answering the Visa interview questions asked and only elaborate when requested.

When preparing for your interview in advance, it’s also important to avoid memorizing answers that might make your answers seem fake. Instead, focus on knowing the key messages you’re trying to communicate, but let your answers flow naturally. Be open and honest, and share your personal experiences.