USA F-1 Visa Interview Questions & Answers for International Students in 2024

What is an F-1 visa? What are its uses? 

Before delving deeper into the F-1 visa interview questions and other aspects, you should first know what it is all about. The F-1 visa permits international students to enter the USA and pursue their education at SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certified educational institutions. The burgeoning number of searches for F-1 visa questions is the popularity of the visa type. You may only apply once your academic institution has accepted your application. The duration of the stay in the country will depend on the program, and the expiration date will be mentioned on the University’s I-20 form. 

Start Your Study Abroad Journey with upGrad Abroad

Top 15 Commonly Asked Questions

There are several common visa interview questions for students that you can prepare for. Do not worry unnecessarily; many of these F-1 visa interview questions and answers are easy to absorb. 

Here are some of these F-1 interview questions that you can expect- 

• Why do you wish to study in the United States? 
• Why were you unable to keep studying in your country of residence? 
• What is the discipline that you are planning to pursue? 
• Have you visited the United States previously? 
• Why did you select this particular University? 
• How many universities have you applied to date? 
• Where is the location of your school? 
• What are your scores on tests? 
• Can you display your transcripts from high school? 
• How do you want to sponsor your education? 
• Who is your sponsor? 
• What is the sponsor’s profession? 
• Do you want to work while you are studying in the USA? 
• Are you planning to return to your home nation after your education? 
• Do you have any career or job you wish to pursue after graduating?

5 sample answers to five different questions

1. Why have you chosen this particular University? 
2. The world ranking and other accreditations of the University. 
3. How do you feel that the University and its programs will help you progress in your chosen career or academics in the future?
4. The University’s reputation for academics, co-curricular activities, faculty profile, and alumni will help me progress in my chosen career. 
5. Which universities did you apply to? 
6. As per my desired educational course, I have narrowed down my list of universities and applied to (number) universities. This institution was one of my top choices, and I consider myself fortunate to get admission into the same. 
7. Where have you finished your bachelor’s degree? 
8. I have completed my bachelor’s degree at (name of institution) in (subject) between (tenure). 
9. Who is your sponsor? 
10. My sponsor is [your parents (father and mother-mention their profile or sponsors who are providing your scholarship if you have one]. 
11. Do you have any career or job you wish to pursue after graduating? 
12. I wish to pursue (name of field or career) after I graduate from the University. I have always wanted to work as a (name of the job position)/pursue research in (name of research field), and I hope to do that after graduating. 

Get all your Study Abroad doubts clarified Now for FREE: Fix an Appointment Now

Qualifications for F-1 visa

• Certification from the educational institution. 
• English language proficiency score. 
• Full-time enrollment proof. 
• Ample proof of funds. 
• Valid passport.
• Residency in the home country. 

Tips for cracking F-1 visa Interview

Here are some F-1 visa interview tips that you should keep in mind: 

• Dress in formal outfits like suits, shirts, ties, jackets, pantsuits, and the like without going over the top with your jewelry, fragrances, and other accessories. Make sure that you are well-groomed, though. 
• Make sure that you have all your documents, including the visa appointment letter, DS-160 visa application form, I-20/SEVIS form, recent passport photograph, and passport. You should also have the SEVIS receipt fee and visa application fee, transcripts, test scores, proof of funds, return proof after completion of your course, relationship with the sponsor, bank statements, etc. 
• Give clear answers without taking excessive time to think about the same. 
• Offer all the documents whenever the consular officer requires them. Make sure that they are neatly organized beforehand. 
• Stay calm and composed above all else.