After countless sleepless nights, vigorous studying, and getting accepted to your dream college, you've made it to the final step—the F1 visa interview.
This is where an immigration officer asks you why you want to study in the United States and what kind of education will be available in your chosen field at that school. You'll also be asked if there are any issues with your health or criminal record that could make getting into the country an issue—and if so, how those issues can be resolved before entering the U.S.
As an applicant, you need to make sure that you convince by asking the questions that you are fit to get the F1 visa. To be eligible for the F1 visa, the applicant must be:
- Enrolled in an 'academic' educational program, a language training program, or a vocational program
- Accepted in the course of study at a SEVP-approved school in the US
- Proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
- Have proof of financial funds to support the education course
- Live outside America from where you can apply
F1 Visa interview questions
Now that you know what an F1 visa is and the eligibility criteria let's talk about how to nail that interview when you walk into that room.
First, it's important to remember that this is a particular situation. You'll be being interviewed by someone who knows more than you do about the application process, so they'll ask questions they can easily fact-check with the appropriate departments.
Because of this, it's also important not to be intimidated by the situation—they're just trying to get an idea of whether or not you're qualified for this opportunity.
Second, ensure you've done your research before coming in to talk with them! You should have read over their website or looked at their LinkedIn profile before calling them so that you can answer every question with confidence and ease when you walk into their office and sit down across from them.
Thirdly: don't forget to smile! You don't want them thinking this isn't a good fit for either side—so remember that even if things don't pan out for whatever reason (and sometimes it will), having fun on the way can only make things better later on down the road.
What are some of the most commonly asked questions during an F1 visa interview?
About your US college/university
- What is the name of the college or university you will study at, and why have you chosen this specific university or college?
- What is the name of the course and the degree you are planning to study?
- How many colleges/universities have you applied to, and why?
- What are the names of those universities you have applied to?
- Did you get accepted by them, and if yes, what are the names of the universities you got accepted to?
- Which universities have rejected your application?
- What is the university name where you have completed your undergraduate degree?
- What was your GPA or percentage in your undergraduate course?
- In which year did you complete your undergraduate degree?
- What are your academic achievements? And what is your academic background?
- Tell me more about your university and which degree you pursued?
- Why do you want to study in the US?
- For how long do you intend to stay in the US?
- Do you wish to study for a Ph.D. in the US after completing your master's degree?
- Are you in touch with any professors from the US university, and what are their names?
Based on the finances of your course
This is perhaps the most critical aspect of your F1 visa application, where the interviewer will ensure you have funds to sustain your education. Carry all your relevant documents to support the same. Some of the questions that can be asked are:
- Who is funding or paying for your education?
- What is their source of income and professional background?
- What are your father's/mother's profession and income?
- What is the monthly income of the person who is paying for your studies?
- What is the annual income of your sponsor?
- Have you taken a student loan?
- What is the annual fee of the university you have applied to?
- Please show us your current bank account statement.
- Please explain the recent depositions of large portions in your bank statement
F1 visa interview questions related to your work experience
- Why do you plan to leave your current job and study in the US?
- What is your annual salary at the present job?
- After completion of your intended course, do you plan to work in the US?
- What are your savings?
- Do you plan to continue working while studying?
Other F1 visa interview questions
The key to answering these questions successfully is to remember the details you have furnished in the Form DS-160. Some of the questions that might be asked during your F1 visa interview are:
- How many siblings do you have?
- Do any of your family members/relatives live in the US?
- Where does your brother/sister live in the US? Do they study or work there?
- Would you, too, like to stay in the US to work like your brother/sister/family member?
- Are any of your family members/relatives studying at the same university you plan to attend?
- What is your marital status?
- Do you have children?
- Who will take care of your children's education during your stay in the US?
Some Pro Tips to keep in mind before your F1 Visa interview
Everyone will have a different experience while going through their F1 visa interview. There might be instances where you may feel that the questions asked by the interviewer are a little too personal, but that is only because they are trying to determine if you are the right candidate to receive the visa or not. Here are a few suggestions for having a successful F1 visa interview:
- Dress in formal attire
- Be presentable and have a pleasant disposition during your interview
- Appear confident and make an excellent first impression
- Answer the questions in a precise and concise manner
- Make sure that you have a resemblance to your passport photo
- Prepare well for the interview. You can refer to the list of visa interview questions for students we have shared above
- Practice mock interviews
- Be calm and be honest with your answers
The road ahead
The road to landing an F1 visa interview was long and difficult, but it is essential to remember that you have only started your journey towards your dream future. Your F1 visa interview is the precursor to determining what your dream life will look like in the US. Therefore, you must nail this on the first go.
While you prepare for your F1 visa interview, it is time to check your US finances off your list. Zolve provides students with a high-limit Credit Card and Bank Account with zero joining fees, zero percent APR for the first six months, and zero annual charges. All you need to do is provide us with your basic information, passport, and visa, and you are all set for a valid US Credit Card and Bank Account even before you reach the land of your dreams!