Once you’ve decided to go to the USA, there are a lot more things that need to be streamlined so your stay and studies in the United States can be a comfortable stay filled with lots of experience and efficiency. We’ve written a lot about studying and staying in the USA. Check here.
But in this blog, we’ll be taking the readers through another big task that you need to pass through – the USA F1 Visa Interview.
What might be the questions that will be asked in the USA F1 Visa Interview? What are the documents required to go through the USA F1 Visa Interview? And what can be the preparation process? And a little more knowledge is what we’ve intended to share in this article.
What is USA F1 Student Visa?
This visa is a must-have for students who plan to study in the United States. And this is a non-immigrant visa that is granted ONLY for five years. Using this along with other entitlements, international students can apply for studying in universities, colleges, and other educational programs.
What documents are needed for USA F1 Student Visa?
Keeping these documents ready and with you can be handy during the process of attending USA F1 Student Visa Interview. Irrespective of whether they ask or not – it is always advisable to have these with you when you attend the interview at the allotted date, time, and place.
- Set One – Personal Information: Passport, MRV Fee Receipt, USA F1 Student Visa Interview Appointment Letter, Passport Size Photos, DS 160 Confirmation Slip, SEVIS Fee Receipt, and more.
- Set Two – Academic Documents: School mark sheets of both 10th and 12th standard, UG mark sheet (only if you are going to the USA for higher studies), marks from proficiency tests like GRE/GMAT, etc.
- Set Three – Work Experience (if needed): If you have already worked somewhere before you are pursuing to study further in the USA – you can take a copy of the joining letter, salary slips, and so on.
- Set Four – Financials: Take your educational loan approval letter (if there is any), followed by bank account statements, tax returns (if applicable), etc. As mentioned earlier, though these would be asked or not are subject to conditions – it is better to carry these for USA F1 Student Visa Interview.
USA F1 Student Visa Interview Questions and Answers
Disclaimer: These are not the exact questions that will be asked in the USA F1 Student Visa Interview. What we have compiled a set of indicative questions that have been asked and might be asked again. Also, we’ve added a tip below on every question about how you can ace that question.
And do not take the USA F1 Student Visa Interview lightly. This is the most crucial part of your US-going trip. One bad move here might break down your morale and push you to the beginning.
Q. Why are you going to the US?
Tip: Explain why you have taken the decision to study in the USA and the factors that propelled you to consider studying there. Also, say about – apart from education – what fascinates you about the USA.
Q. Where did you go to school now?
Tip: Talk about your schooling experience, the things you’ve learned, and the people (Staff, students) that played a role in shaping your career. Also, talk about your other interests… like, sports, dance, etc.
Q. Why are you planning to continue your education?
Tip: Mostly for students who are pursuing higher education in the US. You can talk about the reasoning for doing a PG course and the road ahead after completing your studies abroad.
Q. How many colleges did you apply to?
Tip: Talk about the universities you applied to. Say the features you saw/knew in each university that made you go ahead and apply. You can say a rough number and be ready to talk about the college if asked.
Q. What is your preferred university?
Tip: If this question is asked – among all the universities you have applied to – say why do you think that particular college is best for you. That can be academic excellence or scope of learning or cost factors – you decide.
Q. Do you know anyone studying at that university?
Tip: This might be a follow-up question to the above. If yes, say about the person you know and what they said about the college. If no, explain reading about the college online – reviews, videos, rankings, and so on.
Q. How will you manage the differences b/w USA and India?
Tip: Lifestyle, conditions, cultural differences, cost of living, climatic changes, transportation, and name any – the difference b/w living in India and USA are contrast. You need to explain how you’ll manage the gap.
Q. How did you fund your education for the trip?
Tip: When compared to studying locally in India, education in the USA costs a bomb. Tell practically the measures taken to fund the trip and how you’ll be managing the costs after you reach the USA.
Q. Why choose the US rather than studying in India?
Tip: Say what made you choose the USA when there is already a umpteen number of universities and top-rated colleges in India. Consider this as a crucial question and make your answer remarkably equal.
Q. Why should we approve a Visa for you?
Tip: This is more like the question we face in a job interview that goes like, Why should I give the job to you? Similarly, say the benefits for your career, family, and country that awaits after your education in the USA.
Q. What are your career goals?
Tip: Take some time to explain what are those ambitious things you want to see happen in your life. And how this education you are going to attain in the USA will help to secure your future and reach your dream.
Apart from the indicative questions mentioned above – there might also be additional questions further about your study plans, university choices, academic capability, language proficiency, financial ability, post-graduation plans, and about your career, life in general.
Make sure to dress in the appropriate way. Just remember how long you have come and you are just a few steps away from seeing your dream become a reality. Be well prepared. Face the interview with confidence.
