student visa for usa from india interview questions and answers

Are you ready for your student visa interview? The most important thing you can do before the interview is research about the US education system methodology and funding issues. You should find resources that will help you answer all the expected questions from visa officers and immigration department.

Thousands of students come to the United States every year on F1 student visas to pursue their higher education. This visa category is intended for those who want to work in America while they study. It creates no obligation, after you finish your studies, to obtain a job in your chosen field or stay permanently in the United States. However, there are things that every F1 visa holder should know before coming to America such as understanding the requirements of this type of visa and knowing what is expected both from the student and the university that accepts him/her. There are also some details about the life of international students here in America which international students should be aware of.

Student Visa for USA from India Interview Questions and Answers

If you are applying for a student visa, what are the documents required?

A passport valid for at least 6 months after the expiration date of your visa

A copy of your financial statement, which shows that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in the United States (see below)

Proof that you have been accepted into an accredited school or program in the United States (e.g., official letter from the school)

Proof that you have met all admission requirements for your school or program (e.g., official transcript or diploma)

Proof that you have secured a place to live and will be able to meet all financial obligations while studying in the United States (e.g., lease agreement)

Student Visa for USA from India Interview Questions and Answers

What is your current status? Are you a student, a job seeker, or a professional in India?
How long have you been living in India and what were the reasons for coming to India?
What are your long-term plans after coming back to India?
Do you have any family members who live outside India? If so, give details about them and their occupation or education level.
What kind of visa do you plan on applying for after returning home from the USA (student visa, work visa, etc.)? How do you plan on making money while staying in the USA on this type of visa?

What is the purpose of the US visa interview?

The US visa interview is to determine if you are eligible for a visa. The consular officer wants to make sure that you have a compelling reason to travel to the United States and will return home. They also want to ensure that you have ties to your home country and do not intend to stay in the United States indefinitely.

How long will my interview last?

Most interviews last about 30 minutes, but some can be shorter or longer depending on how quickly both parties move through the questions. You should be prepared for an hour-long interview if your circumstances are more complicated than average.

What should I bring with me?

You should bring all of your documentation relevant to your application, including:

Passport or Travel Document (originals and copies)

I-20 or DS-2019 form (for F-1 visa applicants only)

Visa invitation letter from host institution (if applicable)

What is your name and date of birth?
Where were you born, and where do you currently live?
What is the purpose of your visit to the United States? (Choose one)

A: Tourism, including visits to friends or relatives (VFR)

B: Business

C: Medical/Dental treatment

D: Short-term study (less than academic year)

E: Working holiday, vocational training, or other activities authorized by a U.S. exchange program

How long do you plan to stay in the U.S.? (Choose one)

A: More than 6 months but less than 1 year

B: 1 year or more

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What is your sponsor’s occupation?

They want to know if your sponsor is really capable to cover your expenses.

Do you have any brother/sister?

If your parents will be your sponsor, then the interviewer wants to know if they would be capable to do so, or they will have to financially support other people too.

Have you got any loans? How do you plan on repaying your loan?

If you do not have any loans you simply say that you do not. Otherwise, honestly tell the interviewer about the quantum of the loan you have applied for and from where you have received the same.

You can also say that you will be able to find a good job in your home country upon your graduation and repay the same. Do not suggest by any means that you would be paying off the loan by taking up odd jobs in the US.

Will you come back to home during vacations/ holidays?

Again, the visa officer wants to know about your relations with your home country and your family. Tell them that you will be going back to your holidays to meet family and friends even if you do not. If you plan to stay in the United States during summer or winter holidays and work do not tell that to the interviewer. He will have the impression that you are going to the United States to earn money and that you might stay there even upon the completion of your studies.

Do you have relatives or friends currently in the US?

Answer honestly. Even if you have some faraway relatives that you only meet every three-four years, tell the consular about them. Or if you have a friend you have only met once or twice, you will have to tell the consular again.

What are your plans post-graduation? Do you have a job or career in mind after you graduate?

Since the F1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa, you will have to convince the consular that you do not plan to remain in the US but rather to return to your home country. If you tell him more about what you plan to do, you will most likely convince him/her that you have no intention to stay in the US after your graduation.

Do you plan on returning back to your home country? Are you sure you won’t stay in the US? Will you continue to work for your current employer after you graduate?

Try to tell to the interviewer that you have strong ties to your home country and that you will for sure return. Tell them you have your family, closest friends, or a partner in your home country if you really do. If you have any pet, tell him/her about that too. Mention any property, business, organization, etc., that you have and because of which you will return.

Why should you be given a student visa?

This is the very last question you will be asked. Try to put forward a strong case of why you should be issued a visa. Try to make a strong point of your case, and be confident. Once again, do not gibberish. Even while answering this question, try to convince the interviewer by giving him the impression you have no plans to remain in the United States and that you will return to your home country for sure.

Conclusion

If you are an Indian student who also hopes to attend college in America, our one-stop guide will go over how to apply for a student visa for the USA from India, documents required for a US student visa, where you can conduct your interview, what you need to know before you leave India, and what is required after you arrive in the United States.