Did you know in 2021-22, over 9,00,000 international students were enrolled at various US educational institutions? World-class education, excellent research opportunities, and bright career prospects are three factors that attract several students to the US. International students need a visa to study or work in the USA. Therefore, applying for the right kind of visa and clearing the visa interview are two requisite conditions. So, if you want to know the type of visa you need and some visa interview questions, this guide is for you.

Key Highlights

• Types of student visas
• Most commonly asked F-1 visa interview questions
• Common H-1B visa interview questions
• H-4 visa interview questions
• Visa interview questions and answers: Do’s and Don’ts

Types of student visas

• F-1: F visa is the most popular and is designed for international students willing to pursue an academic degree from an accredited US university. The F-1 visa is one of its sub-categories that allows you to enter the USA as a full-time student.
• M-1: The M-1 visa allows international students to enrol in US institutions in vocational or other non-academic programs other than language training.
• J:  The J visa is for individuals who are approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the US. The exchange visitor categories include students too.
• H-1B: The H-1B visa allows international students with specialised skills to work in the US for a specific period.
• H-4: The H-1B visa holders can bring dependent members of their families through the H-4 visa.

Most commonly asked F-1 visa interview questions

The visa interview is an important part of the US student visa application process. Knowing the kinds of questions asked in an interview can be a huge advantage and will help you prepare for the interview. Some of the most commonly asked F-1 visa interview questions are as follows:

• Why have you chosen the USA as your study abroad destination?
• What are your academic and entrance exam scores?
• Which course are you planning to study?
• Why have you specifically chosen a particular US university?
• Do you have proof of funds to study in the US?
• Are you planning to work while studying in the US?
• Does any of your friends/relatives stay in the US?
• What are your plans after completing graduation?
• Will you return to your home country post-completion of your studies?

Common H-1B visa interview questions

H-1B visa, also known as a working visa, allows international students possessing specialised skills for a specific job position to continue working in the USA after completing their studies. You can live as well as work in the USA, change your employers and extend your stay when you hold an H-1B visa.

The US consulate or embassy conducts the H-1B visa interview with the intent to know about your US employer and your education. Here is a list of questions asked during a visa interview:

• What is your highest qualification?
• Do you have any work experience in your chosen domain?
• Which company will you work for in the US?
• What will be your job responsibilities in the US company?
• What is the salary offered by the US employer?

H-4 visa interview questions

The H-4 visa allows a dependent spouse and children of H-1B visa holders to accompany them to the US. The H-4 visa holders can enter the US along with their spouses or join them later. The commonly asked visa interview questions are as follows:

• What will you do during your stay in the US?
• Who will support you financially in the US?
• For how many years have you been married to your spouse?
• Where does your spouse work in the US?

Visa interview questions and answers: Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

• Wear well-ironed and formal attire, and keep accessories to a minimum.
• Introduce yourself politely by saying, “Hello, my name is ABC.”
• Arrange all your personal, academic, professional, and financial documents in one folder neatly and carry it during your interview.

Don’ts

• Do not be late for an interview. Try to reach 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time.
• Inform the authority that you will return to your home country post-completion of the course and will not stay after your valid visa expires.

Just remember that you can easily clear a visa interview if you have prior knowledge about the interview questions and answer them confidently.

If you are facing financial constraints to fulfil your academic pursuits, seek financial assistance from Avanse Financial Services. At Avanse, we offer a hyper-personalised education loan for study abroad courses with benefits like 100% finance and flexible repayment options. So, get in touch with us today to know in detail about a loan for education!