Visa Interview — Sealing the Deal

Overview

The interview confirms that you qualify for an F-1 visa and intend to study, can fund your stay, and will depart after your program. Be concise, consistent with your documents, and confident.

The 3 Pillars Officers Assess

1. Purpose of Study: Why the program, why this school, timing, academic fit, and outcomes.
2. Financial Capability: Who pays; proof of liquid funds for Year 1; credible sources.
3. Non-Immigrant Intent: Ties to home (family, property, career plan) and return intent.

Common Questions — Add Your Answers Below

How to use: Below every question, type your answer where the blank lines are. Use <br> for line breaks if you’re editing raw HTML.

Program & University Fit

• Why do you want to study in the U.S.? Why this university and program?
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• How does this course align with your past academics/work and future goals?
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• Why now (e.g., “Why master’s now?” / “Why UG in the U.S.?”)
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• What courses/professors/labs excite you most?
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Financials

• How will you fund tuition and living expenses?
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• Who is your sponsor? Relationship and occupation?
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• What proof of funds do you have (bank letters, scholarships, assistantships)?
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Non-Immigrant Intent

• What are your plans after graduation? (jobs/roles in home country)
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• What ties bind you to your home country? (family, property, career)
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Campus & City Awareness

• What do you know about the city where your university is located?
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• What is your university mascot or a campus tradition you like?
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Background & Misc.

• Do you have relatives in the U.S.? If yes, who and status?
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• How many siblings do you have? What do they do?
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• International travel in the last five years?
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• Awareness of current travel/health rules (if applicable)?
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Interview Tips

• Be concise: 15–120 seconds per answer is plenty.
• Consistency: Answers must match DS-160, I-20, fee receipts, and financials.
• Professional: Dress neat, maintain eye contact, be polite.
• No over-documentation: Offer documents only when asked.
• Practice out loud: Record yourself to tighten answers.

Day-of Checklist