Number of students visiting Happy Schools Blog in recent days who are appearing for US Visa Interview (Student F1 Visa) for Fall 2009 semester is increasing. There are over 50 articles that are specific to US F1 Student Visa interview and Bank Statements for Visa Interview.
Most of you preparing for F1 Visa interview will have some amount of tension. Some amount of tension is good, but too much tension will affect your performance during Visa Interview at US Consulate. There was an interesting comment from Akshay
Akshay @ F1 Student Visa Interview Tips
hi friends,
This is akshay n my visa date is 29th july. I’ve got i20 from Fairleigh Dickinson University only. I’ve applied for MS in Biology. So what should i do if VO asks me why only this university? Pls reply quick i m really tensed…
Note – While writing a letter or question introduction should be like Hi Friends, not hi friends. If you happen to write an email to Professor or during job search to HR, they are not going to consider replying to you. Hope you take this suggestion in nice tone.
VO – “Why this University”
It not just you, every student in your situation will have to to find answers to this question. But I know exactly why it is so hard to answer that question.
You didn’t do much research while selecting the university. Mostly a consultant could have picked up Farleigh Dickinson University along with few other universities. If you have applied to US Universities for Grad School admission by yourself, then your friend could have had admission from FDU for similar score. So, you applied and got admission.
Now you are finding it tough to answer the question “Why you selected Farleigh Dickinson University”. If you have done your proper research about the University before applying for grad school, it will be much easier to answer this question. By now, you will know the name of the few Professors, their research areas, student contacts and should have exchanged few email with Professors with University.
Without all the above, its hard to give the true answer to the question during US student visa interview. [ Sample US Student Visa Interview Questions ]
Visa Interview Question and Answers
You can answer this question in multiple ways, but any answer you provide will not be true answer right? Because you are going to come up with made up answer.
But, if you lie during US Visa interview, they can find out from the way you answer the question. So, never try to make up an answer while attending US Visa interview. If you were caught lying, your entry to US can be banned for lifetime.
Since you don’t have much time, try to find more information about FDU from their website and try to answer the question. If you have other admits, try to compare both the schools and say FDU is better than other admission. In this way you will not give false answers.
I’m Really Tensed for US Visa Interview
There has to be certain level of tension, else there will be overconfidence. So, some amount of tension is good.
- Prepare to face all possible scenarios
- Answer with smile
- Be confident and look confident.
- Read the visa experiences posted by other students. If you read 5 to 10 Student Visa interview experiences, you can see a pattern of what kind of questions VO asks and why do that ask. So, understand the pattern and expect to face the questions.
- Remember – Always smile and answer the questions with confidence.
- If you don’t understand their question, ask them to repeat it again.
Image Credit – Stephen Poff
Related posts:
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
My response to HSB follower’s blog
==========================
Alright !!!! I accidentally came across this blog and found this thread interesting. I came to USA in mid ’90 s as grad student. I can tell you that its not the university or college choice or number of I-20s but its your CONFIDENCE that gets you visa. In my Visa interview , I greeted lady consulate officer in French ( knew little bit back then ) I can still vividly remember the joy on her face in encountering somebody different as to my surprise she spoke french fluently. She didn’t asked me a single question about school or funds or scores . I told her mumbai weather was foggy and how much I hated standing in a line and getting up at 4 am in the morning and catching a local train and then cab to consulate from my hotel ( I lived in a different state ). I scored on empathy factor . After getting american student visa , I extended my stay for 5 days in mumbai and even got visitor visa to United Kingdom ( I visited UK for a week before landing in usa ) . Anyways, my one and only one I-20 was from some shitty business college ( barely a university ). My GRE score was indeed poor ( school didn’t even required gre ) . My toefl was allright. But its my sheer confidence that made the difference. Needless to say , after coming to usa , I changed my school in 3 months and got my grad in computers from a reputed university. I went thru hoops F1->H1-> GC but thats a different story. I teach in a state college these days .. ( getting old .. its hard to compete with fake ‘h1b coolies’ these days ). I guess you can say consulate officer made a right choice ( wink wink).
All I can say is that USA is not for weak hearted. America is not for people who blame on others for their failures. America is for those who are brave and who face challenges and eventually overcome obstacles ( trust me there will be plenty over the coarse ) .
Now here is the other interesting story about my brother who was rejected 4 times ( twice by in person interview and twice by mail decision ) by US consulate in Mumbai in early 90s ( 91 ) but never gave up. He wrote a detailed letter to consulate officer ( supervisor ) highlighting technical flaws in visa officer’s decision and was finally granted interview on technical grounds and a visa. He came to america as student but realized in 6 mths that America is “Not” for him . He went back to india without finishing his studies and started his own business from scratch with as little as 5000 rupees ( and modest bank loan ) that he had saved working as sales rep in india .( My parents were middle class govt employees and contributed nothing ). In 20 years of economic boom , he has worked hard to be an Indian millionaire. Lives in a 5 bed big house, 3 new Japanese ( toyotas ) cars and business is still growing . He has somebody to walk his dogs, chef, driver, gardener and a house maid . ( how many of us in america can afford that luxury?). He has 3 large format machines that were imported from usa ( Yes Made in good ole USA. Each costs little over $100,00 ) . He refuses to buy chinese crap. As such he deals with American multinational companies in india and they expect same quality in india too . He nowholds multiple entry Business Visa and can choose to visit ( usa ) whenever he wants to . He uses it to visit trade shows in vegas etc .
So the bottom line is .. Mr. Hsb follower ( or whatever your name is ), Don’t be a follower of others rationale . Be a leader . Don’t think Negative . When you go for visa interview, go there with a huge smile and positive thoughts in your brain (think in your mind about returning to india that you love so much
Don’t think about getting h1bs and greencard or citizenship..thats in far far wishful future ) . Tell them that you “chose” American University because United states has the best graduate schools in this world . ( take I-20 from one school only. No need for 5 I-20s ). Tell them that besides education, You wanna learn and interact with american students/ people and their culture and way of life which will give you broader perspective and edge over others when you ‘return’ to india ” after ” your education ( not just degree ) . When you say that, say it with HOPE and that sparkle in eyes and a smile instead of acting like a nervous paranoid dork with a mustache & glasses . United states visa officers are aware of the fact that out of roughly million indian students that went for grad study , hardly 1 percent have returned in last 25 years. But I can tell you that they don’t want morons in their country !!! 
))
So Good luck . Give it a shot . Apply again even if they rejected you twice . If america rejects you. So what ? Its not the end of world. Try canada. try australia . But don’t give up trying ..
May Force be with you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Note: Also I ‘d like to add that I was an average student in india but I had that desire to study. I have 2 simultaneous college degrees from india . I could beat the indian system by attending morning college and a different evening tech college ( different university system. So it was ok . Please don’t ask me details how one could’ve done that ).
I came to america on F1 and converted my F1 to H1 ( I miss those Dot com years ). I was able to study part time while working and thus able finish my college degree as I was no longer subject to stupid F1 rules about full time courses, insurance etc. I have 2 college degrees in america so far. Maybe will earn Phd someday too if I get motivated to return to school
p.s . To my aging parents…… Everything I wrote here is truth !!!!!
Universities offering M.S. in automotive/automobile engg?
Hey my visa date is on 2oth Aug. I got I20 without Gre/Toefl.
So if he asks me why dis university wat shud i answer???
dude just tell them that its not required by school . GRE & Toefl are corporate run ( private as they say in india ). They are Non Profits but money they raise helps to pay their employees and research staff. By staying Non Profit ETS ( ?) are probably on Tax Exempt status . Most universities / colleges don’t require Gres etc . To my knowledge Harvard don’t care about your test scores but your achievement in previous schools !!!!!!!!!!
Take Your I-20 and go get that damn visa . Goodluck
Hello guys !
Can I approach USA EMBASSY ON IELTS SCORE 5.5 ? for my MASTERS PROGRAMME IN MBA OR MBA IN ACCOUNTING.???
SPEAKING IS 7 Band and LISTENING IS 6 And rest is 5 & 5.5.
& I GOT DUBAI,U.A.E 3 yrs work experience…..
AND IN CALIFORNIA ITU University IS GOOD OR BAD ?
PLEASE HELP ME GUYS !!!
Hi
I m Bachelor Of Commerce Graduate with 62 % & have DUBAI,U.A.E 3 yrs of work experrience.
Can any one suggest me IS MBA IN USA AND MASTERS IN ACCOUNTING IN USA IS ONE AND SAME ???. OR THEY BOTH ARE DIFFERENT.
BR,
SAIF KHAN
HYDERABAD
Hello every body
What should i say if the Vo askes me why i haven’t choosen universities where my sister(sponser) lives?She lives in New york and there are bunches of universities who gives the field of study i have choosen
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer me
Ma
Hai, HSB and Viewers. Here, is my experience of visa interview got rejected on 21st of July. Here’s the Conversation Between Me and VO
ME: Good Morning Madam,
VO: No, Reply
VO: Pass U r Documents
ME: Passed In
On seeing my i20 and data base
VO: Y NPU?
ME: told
VO: Wtz ur B.tech %
ME: 62.12
VO: How many Backlogs
ME: 8
VO: How many Universities Didu applied?
ME: 3 . I named them
VO: Have u Taken ur GRE
ME: S
VO: Wts the score
ME: 540
VO: Sorry, U got rejected she gave a signed paper Better Luck Next Time .
According to me,
My positives —- i had scored 108 in TOEFL and first class degree with 62.12%
Negative —- Low GRE – 540, 8 backlogs.
Plz suggest me, How to give my best answer to VO question regarding my negatives. Frankly, i never experience this type of standard exam ever in my life. so, being tensed i scored low in GRE but, after i build up my confidence and done well in TOEFL..
Lastly , Plz give a gun shot answer to my negative make them look positive to VO’s
Hello friends,
I need your views on my visa rejection . I got admitted to UT arlington , lamar and NJIT. I opted to goto UT arlington. The VO after knowing about my acceptances asked ” Why did you reply to Lamar?” , I said I applied to many colleges in Texas and Lamar was amongst them. He then said ” I didn’t asked about which colleges you applied in Texas but why did you apply to Lamar” and i got paused for a while. He then rejected me. I want to know has it got anything to do with the Lamar university because I had a good admit from UT arlington.
Please Leave your comments on how you examine the situation and I’ll really appreciate your guidance. Maybe some of you will also benefit from this discussion.
from the explanation/you wrote..that you didn;t understand the question properly..so you gave inaccurate answer..bt the VO has given another chance to you ..and asked the question clearly..,, then why u struck at that time…..
it shows that u can say only prepared answers….
bt the thing is VO needs genuine , spontaneous , accurate and confident answers..
still if u prepared any stuff before visa..say that as u r generally speaks to ur friend,,,
Never repeat this mistake again..and moreover u need present mindness at the time of interview…and be confident ,,n have little bit smile on u r face..
no doubt u will get it..
ALL THE BEST…
Dear Friends,
I have MSc in Chemical Engineering.I have 6 years work experience in National Iranian Oil Company.
I get admission in MBA from Georgia Southern University.
I have 2 questions:
1- My uncle works in Georgia Southern University, Is it ok if I say I choose this University because of my Uncle?
2- I applied for PhD in several University in USA , Unfortunately I dont get admission from each of them. Is it negative point in my Visa Interview?
Kind Regards
Hi HSB members,
Please kindly advice for me to get an I20 without any consultant. I want to do MBA in US. I have done my IELTS and have secured band 7.0 over all. I have not done my GMAT and dont want to do as well. Please kindly advise what is the possibility of making it up for Fall 2010 or Spring 2011. Please advise good univ with job prospects, specialization in MBA or general along with Univ and procedure to get I20 online. I have got my B.E. in CSE from Anna Univ and currently working in UAE.
CONATCT 9594780106 to get admisison without GMAT
Hi Friends,
I am Jay and i got acceptance from STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, NJ and CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY, OHIO. I want to pursue my Master’s in Electrical Engineering and i am confused about selecting college for the same so please tell me which university i should go for and why?
and i got 1000 (Quant:720, Verbal:280) in GRE what should i answer if VO asks me about my low GRE score?
Regards,
JAY.
Buddy You should apply to Steveons as this univ is famous for Engineering programs and also consider internatioanls tudents for scholarship..with your decent score in GRE YOU ARE LIKELY TO GET VISA..BEST OF LUCK..
Hello…………….frds
I did try for a number of days but I did not get the slot for Student Visa interview so
I am going for Emergency slot on July 1st …Am I going to face any problem?
What type of questions can I expect?
Please do reply to this………..
Do not stand fro an visa interview with anemergency date..without sufficient reason you will be REFUSED….
On a more serious note it does not have to be Hi Friends but Hi friends dear HSB. Couldn’t resist sorry!
i really read all the comment questions and answers…. But i’m so sure for questions, everyone are worry including me because i will get visa interview next week. I’m not ready but i just guess maybe specific questions are one sponser and purpose….
who can tell me about more serious questions that usually will be asking?
Hi friends………….
This is charan…………….
I got admitted into University of New Orleans and Lamar U of TEXAS for MS in CS. Can you suggest which one is better for studies?
and Which one has better Visa rating?
I got I20 from both Univ. I am going attend interview with in this week only please give reply
to me as quickly as possible…………
Go to Lamar.
Hi Friends,
Fabulous website for F1 Visa.
I am appplying to M.S. in electrical engineering to a few universities. What should I answer to the VO if I am admitted and choose to attend them?
Dear friends and HSB I seriously want a career in research and possibly I want to settle in German after completing M.S. and then phd in US. My background is M.Sc. in Physics. What should I answer to the Visa Officer?
Should I tel a lie?
From my personal experience and that of friends who’ve applied for MS in Biotechnology or related courses, I would suggest that you do not mention anything about your research experience(s) and not show any inclination towards pursuimg research in the US when you answer the VO’s questions. As soon as the VO hears the word ‘research’ alarm bells ring in his ears. In my case he wanted to see my resume and acceptance letter from the university as soon as he heard me say biotechnology. A friend of mine going for the same course was put on some kind of waitlist for the visa. So guys keep mum on the research bit, be confident and relaxed.
@PNM:
I agree with you. The VO doesn’t have any technical idea about the “research” that we would mention. Just on the basis of a few terminologies and our expressions, he/she decides whether or not to send one for the additional check that results in the delay.
I have posted detailed comment regarding the same in http://www.happyschoolsblog.com/f1-student-visa-delayed-security-chec/comment-page-1/#comment-16407
Warm Regards,
Tanushree
@Sazal : Thanks a lot for your response. I feel much. Just hope that my visa arrives in time. Thanks once again!!
@Tanushree:
Usually students who had their visa approved but delayed for some reasons, get their visa BEFORE the class start time(according to I-20). So you dont need to be much worried. Hopefully you shall get visa before your class start date.
Best of luck.
Hey!!
I was asked the same question on 15th of July and I had gone all prepared for my interview. My true reason for having chosen University of Houston was that my sister was there but since I was asked by one and all not to mention that as my reason, at that point, I did hesitate a little. I told her that it was because of their research facilities and some of the professors have the same research interests as mine.
Now, this lead to the 2nd question which was “what are your research interests?” and that was another thing that I was uncertain of answering as I had moved from Metallurgical Engineering to Software Engineering during my professional life and then I wished to get back to Materials Engineering. I faltered with the answer but did mention a few areas as my interests.
At this point I noticed her writing my name on some green-form. Along with that she started asking me other straightforward questions as “Who will be funding?”, “What does your father/sister do?”, “Where does your father/sister work?”, “How long has your father been with the company?”. I was confident about these answers but the green-form was already on its way.
At the end of the interview she asked me to wait saying that some more information would be required for the processing of my visa. I thanked her and waited till my name was called from the first counter that had verified my visa forms earlier. Here, I was told that my ‘visa was APPROVED but was DELAYED’ and it can take a MAXIMUM period of 2 months for its processing. They needed details regarding my research/work experience, my areas of interests, my past projects and publication details, plan of research I wish to pursue in US.
I submitted the documents over email on that every evening. I have my classes beginning on 24th of August and if I do not get my visa by 21st of August, I would have to get my admission deferred. I have no clue as to how to expedite the process(as there is no option for that). Only thing that I can do is to check my visa’s status online. I had inquired at the visa collection center the following day and one of them informed me that it can take a week or 15 days but the exact time cannot be said. When I mentioned about the maximum period of 2 months that was told to me, he said that generally for student’s visa it happens faster. Things are so very uncertain right now for me and I feel more and more anxious everyday.
I just wished to share this experience with Happy Schools Blog so, that other students can learn from it and avoid making the same mistake. If any of you have had a similar situation, kindly tell me how long had the visa processing taken in your case.
Kind Regards,
Tanushree
Hi all,
I remembered my situation when I applied for F1 Visa last week.The VO should make sure that you are applying for a certain University for something you need.So, you should act like one has constantly have chosen this University for a purpose .Therefore,I urge you to answer with confident and eye to eye contact because most of lairs emotionally/unintentionally will make a certain move or eye glance that would send a lie message to the VO and you will be denied right away.
I understand these fairs and I answered these questions accordingly with straight and honest answers.If you are serious student that would give you a bonus and don’t worry you will give the right answers with a convincing point of view.
Good look