The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

The interview is the most important part of your F1 visa (Student)application. This will be the make or break of your entire process of obtaining a US student visa. The purpose behind the F1 visa interview is that the consular officer wants to know more about you as an applicant aside of what the documents say about you and understand if you wish to enter the United States to study for real, or if there is any other reason behind their application.

Therefore, you must be prepared in advance for the interview. Aside from arriving in time, trying not to be nervous and wearing appropriate clothes, you should also check about commonly asked questions and try to prepare answers prior to their interview.

Quick F1 Visa Interview Tips

• Answer the questions clearly, do not take a lot of time to think, since the interview is short.
• Provide the consular with all the documents he requires to see. Organize your documents prior to your visa interview so you will not have a total mess in your hands when you go at the embassy/consulate.
• On the day of the interview eat before going to the appointment center, since sometimes you might have to wait a bit longer than foreseen.

What Are the Most Common F1 Visa Interview Questions?

The consular officers usually ask similar questions to every F1 visa candidate. This is in your favor since it helps you prepare in advance. Usually, the interviewer asks you questions related to your:

• study plans
• university choice
• academic capability
• financial status
• post-graduation plans

The most common F1 visa interview questions are the following:

1. What information do you have about universities or colleges in the United States?
   The immigration officer is asking you this question to understand the reason for which you chose the United States as the destination for your studies. You should list out the information you obtained when you researched for potential colleges to apply to.
2. Why did you choose the United States as the destination for your studies?
   The reason for which the immigration officer is asking you this question is to check whether you can justify the reason for selecting the US over other countries as the place to pursue your studies. You need to mention strong points that compelled you to select this country over others.
3. What is your field of specialization?
   You will be asked about the field of specialization in which you are going to pursue your education. You need to provide the full name of the course you are applying for.
4. In which field did you do your under-graduation?
   You need to mention your area of specialization in your graduation if you are going to the United States to pursue a postgraduate degree.
5. Can I see a proof of your educational degrees?
   You need to provide the original documents of all your educational degrees to the immigration officer.
6. Why have you changed the field of your study?
   If you have changed your field of study at some point in your life or want to do so when you study in the states, you need to specify the reason for doing so. Your reason should be strong enough to be backed up by logical reasons.
7. What are your career plans after you complete your degree?
   This is one of the important questions that will definitely be asked by the immigration officer during the F1 Visa interview approval process. You need to say that you will return to your home country after you complete your education in the States.
8. Have you previously made a trip to the United States?
   The immigration officer might ask you about the past trips you have made to the country.
9. Have you written any exams like GRE/TOEFL/GMAT? If yes, please provide the score along with the detailed report.
   If you have given any exams like GRE/TOEFL/GMAT, you need to provide the immigration officer with the score and detailed report specifying your areas of weakness and strengths.
10. In which year did you graduate from your school/college and how much marks did you obtain?
    The immigration officer for verification purposes might ask about the date of your graduation through school/college and your transcripts/marksheets from the school/college.
11. Why did you choose this specific university and how will it help you in your career?
    The interviewer is asking this question to determine your reasons for selecting the specific university in which you are planning to enroll. He or she also wants to know why you think completing the degree from that particular college/school will benefit you in your career. To answer this question you need to be well versed with the history and the background of the college you are taking admission in.
12. What do you know about the city in which your college is located?
    The immigration officer might also ask you about the city in which the college/school you are getting admitted to is located therefore you have to be well-versed with the city where you are going to reside.
13. How many universities did you apply to and how many i-20 did you get?
    For the above question, provide the appropriate answer.
14. Did you contact any professors from the college that has accepted you and were you offered a scholarship by the school/college?
    Give the appropriate answer for the question above and if you have received any scholarship from the college, mention it.
15. Do you have any friends or family in the United States?
    If you have any family or friends in the United States, mention yes otherwise say no.
16. What is the profession your parents are into and do you have any siblings?
    For the above question, provide the appropriate answer.
17. What is the annual income of your parents?
    You need to answer this question honestly as the information will be subject to verification.
18. Can I see the bank statements from one of your accounts?
    You need to produce the bank statements from one of your bank accounts for the immigration officer to verify.
19. Have you taken any loans in the past?
    Answer the question as applicable. If you have taken any loans in the past, you have to disclose it to the immigration officer with the required documents.
20. Where do your parents reside and do you live with them?
    Answer this question with the appropriate details.
21. Are you presently employed somewhere and what is the duration for which you have been employed?
    Answer this question as applicable.
22. Which organization are you currently employed by and what are your roles and responsibilities?
    Answer this question with the correct details. You need to explain to the immigration officer the exact roles and responsibilities in your current employment.
23. What is your current salary?
    Answer this question with the appropriate details. You will need to give the salary slip as proof to the immigration officer.
24. Why do you want to quit your job and pursue higher studies in the United States?
    This is a question that you need to answer very carefully with logical reasons. Be honest as to why you want to pursue higher studies even though you are well settled in your job.
25. Are you being financially supported by someone to pay for your studies in the United States?
    Answer this question as appropriate.
26. Are you taking a loan to support yourself financially during the period you pursue higher studies in the United States?
    If you are applying for a loan, say yes. Provide the details of the loan such as its term and the interest rate etc.
27. How have you planned your residence during the period of your course in the United States?
    The immigration officer wants to know the details of your stay during the time you will study in the United States.
28. Have you ever applied for a F1 Visa previously?
    If you have applied for a F1 Visa previously, say yes otherwise say no.
29. Why should you be granted an approval for a F1 Visa?
    This is a crucial question which you need to give an appropriate answer to. List all the reasons as to why you are pursuing higher studies in the United States. Try to convince the immigration officer with your desire and determination. Give clear and concise answers and do not try to confuse the immigration officer.

If you have any further concerns speak to your counselors.