Visa
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SAMPLE QUESTIONS
STUDENT VISA INTERVIEW SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Personal & Academic
Q: Why do you want to study in USA?
Q: How many universities did you apply for?
Q: Which universities accepted you?
Q: Where did you do your bachelor’s degree from?
Q: What is your Undergraduate GPA/Percentage?
Q: Have you ever been to the US?
Q: How can you prove that you will come back after finishing your studies?
Q: Why do you wish to study in the US and not in India
Q: When did you finish your under graduation?
Q: What are you doing since then?
Q: What is your GRE/ GMAT/ SAT score?
Q: What is your IELTS/TOEFL scores?
Q: Why Less Academic/ GRE/GMAT/SAT/ TOEFL/IELTS
Q: What will you do after completing MS?
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
Q: (If you have changed the field of specialization, e.g., you have bachelor’s degree in Mechanical engineering and are going for masters in computer science) Why do you want to change your major?
Q: What steps have you taken to ensure that you will be able to perform well in the new field you wish to change to?
Q: Why do you think the university is giving scholarship to you?
Q: Do you have any relatives in USA
Q: Have you travelled abroad before?
Work Experience
Q: Since when are you working?
Q: What’s your designation and Which company?
Q: What’s your job profile?
Q: What’s your Annual Income?
Q: Why Studies again?
Q: How is your job related to the course you are going for?
About the University
Q: Why this University?
Q: Can you tell me some details about your university?
Q: Can you mention the names of some professors?
Q: Do you know anyone (in USA) or in your University?
Q: What do you plan to study at the university?
Q: Which Program are you going for?
Q: How many Credits are there in this course?
Q: What are the Specializations in your course?
Q: How is the Weather over there?
Q: What is the nearest airport?
Q: Where would stay during your Studies
Finance
Q: What is the tuition fee of the University?
Q: Who is sponsoring you?
Q: What does your father do?
Q: What is your father’s annual income?
Q: How many brothers and sisters do you have?
Q: Are your parents retired? If yes, how will they pay for your education expenses?
Q: How much Saving you have?
Q: You have xx brothers and sisters so your father’s savings are for all, how will he finance you?
Q: Where do your parents live (if they live in USA)?
Q: How will you finance your education funds for 2 years or 3 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).
IMPORTANT POINTS FOR VISA INTERVEIW
Message from HOC
Congratulations!!! On the successful completion of your first stage in your educational voyage to United States of America [Application Process]. We understand that it’s a very important and extremely delicate phase of your educational career. The reason why I want to convey this message is because the information about visa procedure is wrongly perceived and is surrounded by lot of myths and unverified, unsubstantiated information. This has led many students to go for unsolicited advice and procedures which in turn reduce their chances for visa and in some cases even harsher results. I have mentioned few myths & facts about visa procedure below for your kind reference:
Myths:
Visa is all About Luck: It’s a very wrong notion which is prevalent among the students. Since the time duration for the interview is very short, the visa officers don’t dwell into every aspect of the applicant. However, they are extremely well trained and can judge the candidate in that short duration. Of course, there are few aberrations but are very few and far between. They are looking for smart, ambitious, well qualified students who can be an asset to their economy.
Chances of Visa are enhanced by:
- Going to Expensive Schools: There is no data to proof this myth, in fact it would tougher for the student to show more funds.
- Going to state Universities: The US Consulate doesn’t differentiate between State or Private Universities. Infact most of the top ranked universities are private universities now. Rather, it’s a combination of Students overall profile along with the university he is applying for which affects his visa chances.
- More no of I-20’s: At the visa Interview, you apply using only 1 university. So, rather than no of I-20’s visa officer is more keen to know the reason why you have chosen a particular university.
- Showing More Funds: The visa officer is satisfied if you have funds or potential resources to cover your expenditure [Tuition + Living] during your stay at USA. More funds won’t influence his decisions in any way.
- Letter from a Higher Authority/Minister: Visa officers don’t allow any outside influence to affect their decisions. Most of the time this would bring negative results.
Hiding Information about relatives in USA: Many students tend to hide about Brothers/ Sisters or other relatives in USA. Please note that it’s not a negative factor in visa decision. Infact, it is a plus as the same visa office have granted them visa and you have someone to fall back upon in USA. Ex. 2 sisters who got visa in same intake [Spring’13]. Additionally they have one more sister who is studying over there.
You need to Speak with an accent : The visa officers are aware about influence of our mother tounge and don’t expect us to speak with American accent. Few students have it by virtue of their education or job experience. This isn’t a factor in determining the visa chances. Rather, focus on speaking clearly and to the point.
Less TOEFL/IELTS leads to Rejection : Visa officer would grant visa if they are convinced about all other aspects and visa applicant has less scores in IELTS/TOEFL [going for ESL classes].
Visa Officers Don’t give enough time to speak : We need to understand that Visa Officer has to handle hundreds of applicants every day. We have to keep our answers short, crisp to the point. They stop applicants only when they are speaking irrelevant or speaking answers prepared by others. As an adult they expect you to know what is best for you and why you want to go for a particular course.
Students with 3 Year Degrees Don’t get Visas : If any university is giving you an I-20, you have equal chances of visa. You may need to explain the circumstances in details.
You Can’t Change your Stream of Education: Again, it can’t be a factor for visa rejection provided you can justify your choice. Both, through reasoning and documentary evidence.
Loan Reduces chances of Visa : Banks will approve you a loan only if your sponsor’s are financially stable. So, it’s a big plus point as it provides sufficient proof to the visa officer about your financial status.
Blacklisted Universities : There are no universities which are blacklisted. It’s the kind of profiles they attract which results in rejection for students.
Important Points During Interview
- Dress Neatly and Smartly. Although there is no code, formal dressing is beneficial.
- Avoid strong odours, perfume.
- Reach at the consulate atleast half an hour before the appointment time.
- Carry all documents neatly in a folder, with clear markings.
- Avoid unnecessary chatter and gossip near or inside the embassy.
- Don’t jump the queue.
- Speak clearly and slowly, emphasizing on each word. [ They face the same level of difficulty in understanding accent as you do]
- Keep answers Short, crisp and to the point.
- Wish the Visa Officer, irrespective of his reaction
- Maintain eye contact and avoid being fidgety.
- Don’t lean over at the counter try to stand 4-6 inches away from it.
- Try to concentrate on his words and speak with a nice smile on your face looking into his eyes.
- Try to know everything about the university, program and location since you are going to spend considerable amount of time and money on it.
- Please give your unique answers. Don’t copy from various websites or blogs as many other students would be doing the same thing.
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