Visa Interview Preparation: Tips and Practice Questions

General Advise

The visa officer is trying to determine three (3) things: 

  • What will you do in the United States?
  • Can you afford to live in the United States?
  • Will you return to your home country upon completion of your degree program?

It is important for you to:

  1. BE CONFORTABLE: Get a good night of sleep!
  2. BE CONFIDENT: Smile and give eye-contact!

Here is a list of DONT's:

  • DO NOT LIE!: The officer is trying to determine if you are telling the truth in your answers.
  • DO NOT MEMORIZE!: The officer will see this as a sign that you are trying to lie.
  • DO NOT TALK TOO MUCH!: Long answers can make the officer ask you more questions.
  • DO NOT ASSUME!: If you can't understand, it is better to ask them or tell them you don't understand!

Sample Questions - Short Answer

  1. What is your US school? "Millersille University."
  2. Where is your US school located? "Millersville, Pennsylvania."
  3. What state is your university located? "Pennsylvania."
  4. How long are you studying in the US? 
  5. What grades are you in? "Freshman/Sophomore/Junior/Senior."
  6. Can I see you transcript?
  7. What is the name of your program?
  8. Do you work hard?
  9. How many hours do you study in a day?
  10. Have you been to the U.S. before?
    • What did you do?
    • Where did you go?
    • Where do you want to visit in the U.S.?
  11. Do you have any family in the U.S.?
    • What do they do?
  12. Do you have family picture? Please show me.
  13. How many hourses do your parents have?
    • Where are they located? 

Sample Questions - Open Answer

  1. Why did you choose to study at this university?
  2. Do you really need o study in the U.S.?
  3. How long are you studying in the U.S.?
  4. Do you think English is important for your studies?
  5. What will you do to improve your English?
  6. Why do you study _______ major?
  7. What are you going to do after your finish your study in the U.S.?
  8. What are your hopes for your U.S. study?
  9. What are your fears or anxieties about your U.S. study?
  10. Who will pay for your studies?
  11. How much is your parents' salary?
  12. What is your mother's name?
    • What does your mother do?
  13. What is your father's name?
    • What does your father do?
  14. Do your parents support your study in the U.S.?
  15. What are your hobbies?
  16. What is your favorite movie? Music?