10 Common Student Visa Interview Questions and Answers

1. Where are you going?

This student visa interview question seeks information about your destination (school), the purpose of your stay (course and research work), and the duration of your stay in the country you plan to visit. Ensure to wrap your response up in at most three sentences unless the visa officer cuts you.

Sample Response:

I am going to Oklahoma State University for a Doctoral degree in XYZ with a concentration in ABC where I will be working with Professor EFG on the research which focuses on ABCD.

2. Why this school?

Provide details about your interest in choosing the institution. It could be faculty members research interests, world rating of the institution or the serene and beautiful environment of the institution.

Sample Response:

I chose Oklahoma State University because of the research interest of Dr. XYZ which focuses on ABCD. Studying at Oklahoma State University will best equip me with the expertise and networking opportunities required to work as a Research Analyst at XXX upon the completion of the program.

3. Why this program/course?

This visa interview question asks you to clearly state what inspires you to pursue this course and its importance upon completing the program. To answer, be precise and concise.

Sample Response:

I chose to study mathematics due to my passion to develop and apply mathematical models for eco-friendly engineering and the research interest of Dr. ABC.

4. What is your study plan? Or Tell me about your program?

A detailed study plan reassures the visa officer that you are well-informed about the courses you will take each semester and the tasks ahead. Programs funded by the US government typically require maintaining a minimum CGPA of 3.5/4.00 per semester for the renewal of funds. Additionally, graduate students may need to serve as Teaching or Research Assistants to retain their funding.

Sample Response:

I will be pursuing a Master’s degree in Chemistry program at Ohio State University for 2 years. The program starts on September 18, 2023 and ends on January 15, 2025. I will be working with Dr. XYZ on his research on ABC and teaching undergraduate students for 20 hours per week. Also, I will be attending 9 credit hours full of courses.

5. What do you do?

This question seeks the alignment in your current daily routine to your program/course study plan. To answer this student visa interview question, your current job role and previous courses taken must sync with your intending program.

This visa interview question aims to determine how your current daily routine aligns with your program or course study plan. To answer effectively, ensure that your current job role and previous courses taken are relevant to the program you intend to pursue.

Sample Response:

Currently, I work as a Research Assistant at the Department of Chemistry in ABC University. I am responsible for (tasks and responsibilities).

6. Can you tell me about your academic background?

When students pursue postgraduate courses that differ from their previous degrees, visa officers often inquire about the reasons for the change in course. This student visa interview question provides an opportunity to highlight good grades and research experience gained.

Ensure your response is well-structured, detailing all degrees and certifications acquired, along with the corresponding dates.

Sample Response:

I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at ABC University in May 2015. I graduated at the top 4% of my class with certification in X, Y and Z courses after which I proceeded for my Masters degree at DEF University.

7. How do you plan to finance your education?

Financing your program can be achieved through full or partial funding by the government or organizations, or through self-funding. In your response, clearly state which option applies to you.

Sample Response:

I have been awarded a research and teaching assistantship which covers the total cost of attendance of my program which include tuition, stipends for living expenses and health insurance.

8. How many schools did you apply to altogether?

This visa interview question helps to understand your application strategy and measure the seriousness of your academic pursuits, rather than seeking to enter the country through less legitimate means.
Your response should provide insight into how well-prepared and realistic you are about your academic and career goals.

Sample Response:

I applied to three schools which are Oklahoma State University, Ohio State University and Alabama State University. I have been admitted to Oklahoma State University and Ohio but I chose Oklahoma because of its well structured Biology Program and the research interest of Dr. XYZ. The 18:1 students to faculty members ratio of the university and the perfect ambience for learning are all I have been looking forward to.

9. Do you have anyone in the country you’re going to?

This visa interview question aims to determine if you have any relatives who migrated illegally to the country you are heading to. Having an illegal immigrant relative in that country could be a red flag and might result in visa denial. Therefore, your response will depend on whether a relative has mentioned you during their visa interview or if they have migrated illegally.

Sample Response:

No, I do not have anyone there.

10. Who is covering your deficit?

This question is for students admitted with partial funding or no funding at all. The US government may cover a portion of their cost of attendance, leaving the remaining amount to be covered by the student’s personal funds or family sponsorship.

To answer this student visa interview question, clearly state how you intend to cover the remaining expenses and specify the source(s) of the funds. Provide evidence to support your response, such as a statement of account showing sufficient funds for the duration of the program or documentation of the funding provided.

Sample Response:

I will be covering the remaining expenses from personal savings which were garnered from working as a XXX at YYY with an annual income of ABC.