QUESTIONS LIKELY TO BE ASKED BY THE VISA OFFICER:

(1)How many universities did you apply to?

REPLYI applied to 8 Universities

(2)How many admits/ rejects?

REPLY I got 5 admits, 1 reject and I am still awaiting replies from 2 Universities.

(3)What is your first choice?

REPLY My 1st Choice is University of Maryland-College Park

(4)What is your GRE and TOEFL Score?

REPLY As per your details. But always try to speak out the better score first. Like if you have a good
TOEFL score, say 110, and a GRE of 320, speak out your TOEFL first and then GRE. Keep it
short. So let the answer be: " TOEFL 110, GRE: 320". That’s it. as much as he asked for.
Makes his job easier.

(5)What are your grades like?

REPLYSir, we have a percentage system and I have secured 62% in my Bachelor Of Engineering

(6)Which was your undergraduate college?

REPLY VJTI College affiliated to Mumbai University

(7)What was your bachelor's degree in?

REPLY Sir, My Bachelor’s Degree was in Computer Engineering

(8)What is the purpose of your trip?

REPLY Sir, I want to pursue M.S. in Computer Science / Telecommunication / Electronics
Engineering

(9)Which university are you planning to go to?

REPLY University of Maryland – College Park

(10)Who is planning to sponsor you?

REPLYAs mentioned in your I-20. If you have a scholarship, say that. Else in case the I-20 says “My
Family is sponsoring me”

(11Why do you plan to do MS / MBA?

REPLY I feel that higher qualifications give a better place, a better standard in today's competitive
world. I feel that I have a good knowledge of my field, but a bit more technical knowledge will
serve me greatly, when I come back here and join the industry.

(12)Why do you wish to study in the US and not in India?

REPLYIn India, education is mainly theoretical whereas in U.S., there is more stress on Project work
and Research Work. OR
REPLYThe courses in the field I am interested in are not being offered (or very few institutions offer
such courses). In addition to that the research going on is something I would like to be
associated with. (Speak about the facilities as well). Talk about a few researches being
conducted in that field. Technical words work out well when other things don’t.

(13)Why did u select this University?

REPLY This question can be best answered when you do a bit of homework about your university.
Browse the Web page of the University, visit the pages of the professors, go through their
projects. Now remember some of the key words, like the project a professor X is working on.
Mention something about the project if the officer is listening and is giving you time to explain.
When you do such things, they think that you are pretty serious about your studies and are
really into it. Well, some people believe in mentioning about the rank of the university, or the
student to faculty ratio. Well, all these things don’t affect how you are interested in it. You can
say all these stuff such as rank and all, but you have to state what interested you and it should
 be something about research or academics. You can also show letters of correspondence
with your University professors. MY answer to this question:
"Sir, the first and foremost factor for selecting this university was the course being offered.
Telecom at UMCP is a cross-disciplinary course. Besides technical knowledge, this course
also enhances the managerial skills, which is the demand of the present-day telecom industry.
So while the professors from Computer and Electrical department will be teaching me Signal
Processing, Encoding, Communication techniques, and Networking, at the same time the
experts from School of Public Affairs will be imparting me knowledge of Present day
competition in Telecom industry, staff management and resource management."
IF time permitted, I would have added:
"Sir, UMCP is located within Baltimore-Washington DC area, one of the greatest
concentrations of research facilities and intellectual talent in the nation. "Library of Congress",
"the National Archives" and "the Smithsonian Institute" are some of the biggest research
institutes and libraries which the students will enjoy having frequent interactions with. What
else could a Student ask for??" (Remember, here you need to mention about the course
contents in this University which attracted you.)

(14)Your passbooks show that a large amount of money has recently been deposited.
How would you explain that?
REPLY We normally do not keep large sums of money in the Savings a/c since we earn a higher rate
of interest when we invest them in Bonds / Fixed Deposits. You can also say that you had
invested in private firms because they provide higher interest rates around 13% per annum as
compared to merely 8% given by Banks.

(15)What does your father do? (What if my dad has taken the VR?)
REPLY Well this does have a specific reply, but then you can put it as "Sir, my father is working with
a German collaborated company for the past 25 years as a Manager in XYZ department. The
long reply helps over here. If your father has taken a voluntary retirement, don’t mention that
he has retired. Well there are two approaches to this. One, say that your father worked with
this company for the last 30 years and now has his own consultancy dealing with (insert some
financial or technical terms). OR, say that your father worked as Asst Mgr./Mgr./GM with some
company for the past 25 years, took a VRS and now has a consultancy of his own. Never
show him to be idle, because that means your income has drastically reduced and works as a
negative point.

(16)Do you have any relatives in the US?

REPLY If none of your Blood relatives (like Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, Husband, Wife,) are in
U.S., firmly say “NO”. If anyone of the above is in U.S., tell the truth. Don’t say “My Uncle /
Aunt / Cousin / Family friend is in U.S.” unless they are your sponsors.

(17)Your brother/sister is studying there too. How will your parents support both of
you?
REPLY We have a flourishing Business of Garment Exports since last 20 years and my family has
the necessary finance to fund our education.

(18)Why is your GRE score low?

REPLY I do admit that my GRE Score is average. However, the University has considered by
Quantitative score which is pretty good. You can show that the other sections are stressed
upon by universities while selection for admission (Say this only when you think the situation
is getting tense). You can also say that you have a decent TOEFL Score.
Besides GRE is just one of the many aspects that the universities look at for admission (Say
this only if you think you are drowning).

(19)What are you plans after Graduation?

REPLY Be really well for this prepared question. This answer is not fool proof, but its you who can
make it seem so. The basic things are:
Your field is on a roll in INDIA
 Your field has great opportunities
You get better opportunities once you do your MS
Show foreign companies coming to INDIA investing in your field
State some technical words expressing the advancements in your field
"Sir, Telecom industry is booming today in INDIA. Various Multinational companies like
HUGHES, Orange, AT&T, Hutchison are investing huge amounts of research funds and are
looking forward to launch advanced Telecommunication Systems in INDIA. Besides them,
various Indian Telecom Giants like RELIANCE TELECOM, Bharti Telecom, VSNL are also
investing huge money into this field. Sir, I believe that better technical knowledge will help me
to achieve greater heights in this field, having deepened my technical knowledge after
completing my studies, I wish to get into this seemingly vast arena of Indian Telecom Industry"
I was also selected by RELIANCE TELECOM, but sir, deeper technical knowledge would
surely enable me get better results in the competitive field, and I have seen that there is a
dearth of persons with greater technical know-how in this field, and whosoever has it will be
benefited highly. So I wish to complete my MS and strengthen my technical know-how and
grasp the opportunity"
OR:
REPLY I plan to start the Export Division in my Family Business when I come. Sir, Indian Garments
are renowned worldwide and there is tremendous demand Overseas for our product.

(20)Why are you changing your stream?

REPLY This generally occurs because people having done their BE in Civil go on to pursue MS in
Computer Science. I am giving this reply specifically for transfer to Computer Stream. Sir,
during my third semester, when I was introduced to programming languages, I had a great
exposure to computers. I gradually developed a liking for it and wished to deepen my
knowledge in it.
I mastered a number of languages on my own, and am also into Web Designing and software
debugging (push in technical words).
I always had it in my mind, that once I strengthen myself in my field, I will go on to enhance
my skills in the field of Computers.
Always try to show that you have an interest for that subject. Never project that you are taking
this up because the market is strong. This is because you are changing your stream. They
might end up thinking that you just used your BE to get to this stage and that you did not do
that on interest. They'll think you are not strong mentally and not a serious student. Show that
you do everything with your interest, you even did your BE in Civil or any other field because
you had interest in it, and now Computer Science is your interest too.

(21)What is your father's annual income?

REPLY This question often decides your ability to pay for your expenses. They think that money can
be put into banks, but annual income is a proof, which they heavily rely upon to decide the
parent’s capability to spend for his educational expenses.
Whatever the officer asks. 1) What is your father's annual income? OR 2). What is your
family's annual income? The moment the words 'Annual Income" creeps in, state your
complete family annual income, i.e. If your mother is also an earning member, if you have
agricultural income, if you have rental income plus the interests and dividends...State all of
them together. Don’t commit the blunder of stating just your father's income. Many a times it
hampers your chances if it seems low to them. Obviously a total sum of mother's income, your
father's income, agricultural (if u have), rental income will be much more than a single one.
And if they ask for the IT returns, hand over both of your parent's return statements, plus the
agricultural papers plus the rental receipt (duplicate) at the same time. And if he/she just
argues (usually they don’t) that you were asked about your father's income then say, "Sir, My
family is sponsoring me. Along with my father, my mother is also an earning member and an
income tax payer.

(22)You look like Potential immigrant OR I don’t think you will come back to India
REPLY This is a real tricky question. Many lose their senses as how to tackle this question. Stay
calm and think what all you can say like: “I am from a very well-to-do family. I stand to inherit a
lot from my parents (say this if u have lots of property) so staying and working in the US is out
of question. The only thing I lack is this Masters (or whatever degree) which will make me a
 better software professional. As far as opportunity is concerned, because of the recession
most of the Multinational Companies are turning to the Indian companies for their software
solutions. Most of the Indian companies have tie-ups with US Companies (give some
examples). So I am certain that with my degree, I will get an equivalent opportunity and pay
packet in India.
OR
REPLY We are well settled in India having our own Business where we have over 50 employees
working with us. With the contacts that I will be able to develop during my stay in U.S., I am
confident that I will definitely succeed in starting the Export Division. So there is no reason
why I should stay back in U.S. and search for a job.

(23)Why is your father sponsoring you?

REPLY My Father loves me a lot. He has sponsored my Education throughout. He trusts that I will
come back and take care of him after retirement, which I certainly will.

(24)Why didn’t you apply to MIT?

REPLY Sir, honestly speaking, at my GRE Score, it would have been a waste of resources, if I had
applied to MIT. Or The specialization which I am interested in, is not offered at MIT.

(25)Why are you not joining I.I.T.- Bombay?

REPLY Most research in this field takes place in USA and therefore I never thought of joining IIT
Bombay

(26)Suppose you meet someone in the USA whom you like, would you consider
marrying her?
REPLY No. My Parents will be finding a suitable Partner for me after I return back.

(27)What will you do if your Visa is rejected?

REPLY I will try to analyze what went wrong and would then reapply for the second time after taking
the necessary corrective action.

(28)Will you come back to India during Summer Vacation?

REPLY I would prefer to take up extra courses during summer vacation and take maximum benefit of
my time in the USA. Or I would love to come back and meet my Parents.

(29)What are your goals?

REPLY SAME ANSWER AS Question No.19

(30)When did you plan for USA?

REPLY I planned to study in USA about two years ago (or in My 3rd Year of Engineering or Bachelors
Degree)

(31)Your parents had so much money in just 2 years?

REPLY My Parents have always believed in saving their resources and investing them in building my
career. All our Finances have been built over a period of 30 years.

(32)Why have YOU selected this particular area of specialization?

REPLY Here you can mention about the Potential in India, in your area of specialization.

(33)Where does your area of specialization apply in India?

REPLY Mention all the areas where your specialization would apply in India and also name the
industries / Companies where it is used / implemented / required.

(34)What was your project in the final year?

REPLY Explain your project in detail, if you done any. (Carry your project report)

(35)What do you know about city where you are going?

REPLYYou can mention about the Population, Climatic conditions, the ideal environment for studies,
the people, the city life, etc
 (36)How is the weather in the city where you are going? What are the temperatures?
REPLY Mention the minimum and maximum temperatures, in Summer and Winter

(37)How will you be able the cope with the severe climatic conditions there?
REPLY Sir, I do not have any health problems and I am comfortable in any kind of weather.

(38)What salary do you expect on returning back?

REPLY Sir, Minimum Rs. 5 Lakhs per annum

(39)What is the basis of your expectation of such high salary?

REPLY Normally, that is the industry norm for someone who has an American degree.

(40)Why will you not work in the U.S. after your studies?
REPLY Similar answer as Question No.22 (I don’t think you will come to back to India.)

(41)What if you get placed during the course of studies?

REPLY I want to work in India and therefore do not intend to apply for placement.

(42)I find it difficult for you to recover all the money that you are going to spend in US?
REPLY Sir, any investment on Education definitely yields returns in the long term.

10. From where have you got Rs. 12 Lakhs in your Father’s Bank Account? Can you show me the
Documentary evidence of it?

(43)Why didn’t you get any scholarship?

REPLY I feel that probably because of my GRE score, they would not have considered me for a
Scholarship.

(44)How will your family sponsor your sister’s education?

REPLY Sir, My Parents have sufficient income and Assets to fund her Education as well.

(45)How are you funding for both the years of your studies?
REPLYFor the First year, we have sufficient funds in the Savings account and for the second year,
we have sufficient funds in Fixed Deposits.

46.Where are you working presently?

47.What is your Job profile?
48.What is your present salary?
49.Why didn’t you apply to the Universities where your GRE Score was sent?
50.How will this degree help you?
51.Why is your verbal score low?
52.Why don’t you hire some MBA’s here?
53.Even in these conditions of economic recession, you want to go US. Why?
54.How did you come to know about your University?
55.What are the courses offered?
56.Name some of the Professors in your University?
57.Do you have any siblings (brothers & sisters)? What are they doing?
58.What are your Parents doing?
59.Do you have a Car?
60.Do you have a Business?
61.How many employees do you have?
62.What is the Annual turnover of your Company?
63.What is the Annual Profit of your Company?
64.What are your duties in your Company?
65.How much tax do you pay?
66.What do you manufacture?
67.What kind of machines do you have?
68.What is your Business Address?

The Most Important Factor

The most important factor is "CONFIDENCE". Whatever the answer be, if you are confident and show
that you are not nervous, that will really help you get through. Complete Documents, Convincing
Skills, Confidence and Presence of mind is what you have to demonstrate. These are the keys to
getting through the interview successfully. Many do get through because of sheer luck, when some of
the casual officers just seem to be in a hurry to get through with the troop of VISA aspirants facing
their counter.

But then I believe that your parents do all the job of putting together all the financial documents and
stuff. The only thing you need to do is to put a confident self of yours over there. Its not that all the
questions I have put here are the only ones, they might come up with any other questions. But then
presence of mind and spontaneity is what helps under those situations. You have to be prepared with
an answer the moment he shoots a question at you.

Don’t make a face as if you just committed a sin. Hand over the documents and look at him eye-to-
eye. Eye contact is very essential. Remember, the answers mentioned above may differ from
individual to individual as per circumstances.

ALL THE BEST!!!