US Student Visa Interview Questions

This is just a representative list of the kind of questions which a Visa Officer is likely to ask. This is
not an exhaustive list of questions though. In most cases, being confident about your answers is the
key to successfully interviewing with the Visa Officer. Remember, your intent is to study and come
back and not to work in or immigrate to the US.

1. What is the purpose of your visit to the US?

2. Have you visited US before?
3. Have you travelled abroad before?
4. What university do you intend to attend?
5. What program have you applied for?
6. Why do you want to study this subject?
7. Why do you want to study this subject at this University?
8. Why do you want to study at this University?
9. How do you intend to fund your education in the US?
10. Tell me some details about the university ...
11. Where is the university located?
12. Why did you choose to apply to this university and how did you come to know about it?
13. Please name some professors at this University ...
14. How many universities have you applied to? How many accepted you?
15. If applied to only one university: Why did you choose to apply to only one university?
16. Did you receive a scholarship to attend this university?
17. Why haven't you received any scholarship?
18. Why do you think the university is awarding you a scholarship?
19. What were your SAT/GRE/GMAT (or any other Standardized Test) scores? What was your
IELTS/TOEFL score? Can I see a copy of the score report?
20. Why are your scores so low?
21. How many backlogs (even if you've cleared those backlogs) did you have during your
undergraduate degree? Can I see your marksheets and degree certificates ...
22. What do you intend to do after graduating from this university?
23. I do not think this university is good enough for you ...
24. Why do you want to study in the United States and not in India?
25. When does your program start?
26. If applicable: Why are you applying this early/late?
27. What will you do if your visa is rejected?
28. What is the structure and the content of this course?
29. Why don't you pursue your Graduate studies in India?
30. Who will sponsor your education in the US?
31. Why is he/she sponsoring your education?
32. Who is paying for your education and what is his/her income?
33. How much money can you earn after completing your degree?
34. Do you have any relatives in the US?
35. Do you know anyone at your University (in the US)?
36. Do you intend to work during your studies in the US?
37. Do you intend to work in the US after your studies?
38. Who else is there in your family? What do they do?
39. What is your highest level of education currently?
40. What subjects were taught during the final year of your studies?
41. Where will you stay in the US?
 42. What is the annual cost of your education in the US?
43. What is the total cost of your education in the US?
44. How long will the program last?
45. How will your studies in the US be helpful to you in India after you come back?

Important: Do not panic even if your Visa is rejected! Yes, it is bad news but it is not the end of the
world and you can reapply for the Visa.