Cracking the F1 US student visa interview takes some practice so you are confident to attend the interview. Knowing what you are likely to be asked also helps you stay more calm, composed, and self-reliant on the answers you provide.

The consular who will interview you is tasked with getting to know the applicant behind the application. Apart from the documents you submitted, your decision to study in the US will be explored by the consular to validate your determination to go to this country.

In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of questions asked during the F1 US student visa interview, and how you could answer them.

Questions and answers – cracking the F1 US Student Visa Interview

Knowing about the commonly asked questions gives you an idea of what you might expect during an interview. Just know that you may be asked questions that may not be on this list. A significant part of your role is to stay calm and think before you answer. Do not try to rush your answer causing you to fumble and make you sound less confident of yourself. 

Also, many questions are not linear-based, rather they have a question layered upon another. For instance, why did you choose to study in the US? Why not any other country or even your home country? If you notice, it’s not just a simple question of why you chose the US to pursue your academic goals. The consular would want to understand your reasons for choosing the US among the plethora of study destination options. It is also important for you to give a valid reason for not pursuing higher education in your home country.

So, now that you know this, let’s get started with these test questions to understand how you could answer them:

• Why did you choose to study in the US instead of pursuing studies in your home country?

I prefer to study in the United States because the universities have advanced research facilities and expert professors to teach me about my particular course. Studying in the US will help expose me to cutting-edge technology and better education resources.

• How did you decide on this university? Why do you think this university is a suitable match for your academic goals?

The University I have chosen is based on the research and master’s course I want to pursue. This is one of the best universities in the world with highly advanced research facilities where I can learn more about (name the subjects you are interested in). I am particularly looking forward to learning from XYZ professor/s and their specialization in (name of their respective industry). This has specifically got me excited the most.

For Management course-related students – I have researched all the universities offering MIS, and BA courses. Based on the curriculum offered and after researching the alumni, I have to say that I have developed more interest in studying at this particular university among all the other options. After studying this course (name the course you are pursuing), I would like to go into (name what you want to study later.) Right now, this course will help me navigate the study programs that I wish to pursue later.

• How many colleges did you apply to, and how many accepted and rejected your application?

(Be honest while answering this question) I applied to ‘x’ number of colleges, from which ‘x’ number of colleges rejected my applications. A total of ‘x’ colleges accepted my applications.

• Have you been to the United States before?

Yes, I visited the US in (year), (mention which states in the US you visited) with my parents. We have come on a vacation and we stayed at the (mention the name of the hotel where you stayed.) 

(other reasons include medical reasons, training, etc.)

In case you have not visited the United States before, you may choose to answer accordingly –  No, I have never visited the United States before. If I get an opportunity to study in the US, it would be my first visit and time spent in the country. The academic opportunities available in the US have piqued my interest for long-term future growth.

• How do you plan to finance your education and living expenses? Can you provide documentation for this?

I am taking a loan of XYZ dollars (XYZ in your home country’s currency) from a reputable bank (name the bank). I also have financial support from my parents. My loan is meant to cover most of my education while my parents will cover the remaining expenses. (Present your documentation) Here is my loan sanction letter, including my parent’s bank statement account to prove that I can cover the expenses for my tuition and living costs.

• Can you demonstrate strong ties to your country of origin? What assurances can you provide to prove that you will return to your home country after completing your studies?

My family lives in my home country so I would want to go back after completing my studies. I also have my OPT (Optional Practical Training) and STEM extension features that I would like to use to gain exposure to better training standards so I can get good career opportunities back in my home country.

• Where do you go to school now? Do you do anything for a living?

I go to (name of your school). It has (talk about the facilities your school offers and about your favourite subject, sports, etc.) If you do a part-time job by any chance to earn, you can mention the type of job you’ve taken up. Mostly, it should be related to a job that pertains to what you are taking up. Alternatively, if your job is not related to what you are pursuing academically, you can mention the reasons for it like how the skills learnt in that job will help you in the career you’ve planned for yourself.

• How do you plan to manage the cultural differences?

I have an idea of the US culture because in my home country, as kids and growing up, we watched a lot of American shows like Friends, Full House, and The Blacklist, (name other American shows that you know of…). I understand that I still have a lot to learn. Also, some universities have various activities to help international students get acclimated to the US culture, so I am looking forward to that as well. Apart from this, I continued to listen to podcasts or YouTube channels where some international students share their experiences and educate on the US culture.

• What is the significance of your chosen field? How will it contribute to any progress in your home country?

(This question demands a definite, specific, and subjective answer based on the field you choose. So, instead of answering it, we will provide you with the nature of this answer. You must talk about the field you’ve chosen and how it can fill the current gaps in your country about its respective industry. For example, a certain candidate’s home country may lack automated processes in various supply chain operations. If the candidate is trying to seek knowledge about automation and is pursuing the same type of course, they can talk about the gaps to be filled so that their home country can progress accordingly and improve supply chain management.)

• Can you explain any academic gaps that you may have had in the past or recently?

(This question is based on whether you took up a study gap in the past year or so. Be honest with your response. If you needed a break from studies or before starting your career, you needed to focus more on your application rather than taking up a corporate job, or you had personal family issues for which a break was necessary. The US has an accommodating culture and they would understand if you wanted to take a break. It’s also a common thing among US citizen students who take a study break after they complete their 12th grade.)

We hope the answers we’ve provided throughout this set of questions help you develop an idea of what to expect in an F1 US student visa interview. Do take note that the answers provided above are not for direct use at the interview. You must be transparent and honest in your answers during the interview.

FAQs

• What other questions can be asked during an F1 US student visa interview?

Other questions asked may be:

• Can you provide more details about the specific program and courses you plan to pursue in the US?

• Have you received any scholarship or financial aid for your studies? If yes, explain the terms and conditions of the plan you’ve taken up.
• What do you plan on doing after completing your studies in the US?
• Do you have brothers or sisters?
• Do you have relatives or friends in the US?

• What kind of attire should I be wearing while going for this interview?

You can wear formal clothing from a formal dress to shirts, ties, suits, jackets, or pantsuits to look presentable.

• What documents should I carry with me to the F1 US student visa interview?

Make sure to carry the following documents to present to the consular in case you are asked to submit them:

• A valid passport
• A copy of the photo for the visa
• Bank statements or other proof of finances
• School transcript and official test scores cited on your university application
• Diploma (if applicable)
• Printed copies of your DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmations
• Your I-20 form