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USA Student Visa Interview & Mock Interview - Complete Details

Written by  Piyush Bhartiya

Reviewed by  Priyanka Bhargava

Published: Mon, September 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  Updated: Mon, September 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  9 mins read

USA Student Visa Interview & Mock Interview - Complete Details

Written by  Piyush Bhartiya

Reviewed by  Priyanka Bhargava

Published: Mon, Sep 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  Updated: Mon, Sep 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  9 mins read
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USA Visa Interview

The US Visa Interview is one of the important steps in gaining a US Visa for student purposes. This visa gives the candidate permission to study as an immigrant and do part-time work as well. There are a number of questions asked in the interview regarding the candidate’s documents, financial status, university etc. In this blog, you will get to know various ways to ace USA Visa Interview. To get a specific date for the visa, you need to take a US Visa appointment while applying for it.

US Visa Interview Dates

The approximate dates candidates get can range from 1 month to 2 month wait – time. Many times the wait – time is shorter than expected. However, you should be ready with your documents as soon as you get a tentative date. It helps you to prepare for the interview well in advance. Given below is a list of wait time days for different kind of visas:

Nonimmigrant Visa Type

Appointment Wait Time

Visitor Visa

28 Calendar Days

Student/Exchange Visitor Visa

28 Calendar Days

All Other Non- immigrant Visa

28 Calendar Days

How to check US Visa Interview Date

After making your profile in the official website you can check the dates to book for an interview. To confirm your appointment you need to have the documents like DS – 160 verification page, email address, visa application payment receipt, and passport. After a successful login and registration, you can book your appointment dates. For more details check in to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html under check US Visa appointment availability

  • DS – 160 verification page
  • Your email address
  • Visa application fee payment receipt
  • A valid passport of the candidate

Schedule US Visa Interview

The approximate dates candidates get can range from 1 month to 2 month wait – time. Many times the wait – time is shorter than expected. However, you should be ready with your documents as soon as you get a tentative date. It helps you to prepare for the interview well in advance. The scheduling of the visa date is done on their official website.

US Visa Interview Appointment 

  • Register yourself on the official website of US Visa.
  • Determine your type of visa to be common non – immigrant visas.
  • In the next step, complete filling the DS – 160 forms with the help of guidelines provided.
  • After this, pay the visa fee. Go to the bank and payments option page for paying.
  • Now, schedule your visa appointment. There are two appointments scheduled, one for the Visa Application Center and one for the Embassy or Consulate. Keep your 10 digit barcode of DS – 160 form ready for scheduling the appointment.

Documents required for Visa Interview

Documents required for the interview interpret your purpose of visit, identity to the embassy or visa application centre. Given below is the list of documents required for the interview:

  • DS – 160 verification page
  • Your appointment confirmation page
  • Visa application fee payment receipt
  • A valid passport of the candidate
  • Documents based on the type of your visa

Visa Interview Process

The exact sequence of the visa process varies from consulate to consulate. The US Visa process after its approval takes 3 to 5 weeks. When you arrive at the consulate, you need to stand in a queue which can belong. Before entering, you need to show your original passport, appointment letter, US Visa fee receipt. Some items are not allowed inside the consulate so do take care of that. The process can take a long time if there are too many people at the same time in the biometric process. 

  • Arriving at the consulate
  • Security check
  • Fingerprint verification for US Visa
  • Wait for your turn of the interview
  • The interview 
  • Speak to the interviewer through the microphone provided
  • Answer only what is asked without any extra information
  • Verify all the information of your documents
  • Get to know your result about approval or denial of the visa
  • Take back the passport and other documents if a visa is denie

How to reschedule your US Visa Appointment

For a non – immigrant US Visa you need to either call VAC or change the date and time online. As the procedure of applying is long and tedious, it is recommended that you don’t cancel or reschedule your appointment. It is important to give a valid reason to reschedule your US Visa that the US Embassy considers.

  • For an immigrant US Visa, you need to contact the NVC and give them your valid reason for rescheduling.
  • You need to mention your application number or case number

Questions asked in USA Visa Interview

Here are few frequently asked questions along with answers which can help you prepare for the interview.

1.Why did you choose to study in the US OR Why study in the US, why not the UK or Canada?

Academic experience from any US university is highly valued around the world. Also, US universities provide brilliant research opportunities through many assistant-ship programs. On top of that, having global exposure tremendously helps to advance my career.

2. What will be your specialization in MS OR What will be your major in MS?

Answer it honestly with a reason.

3. What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to go back to my native country and begin working in a firm in my city as a software engineer as the demand for individuals in this profession has kept increasing.

4. Why are your TOEFL/IELTS /GRE scores so low?

Mention a genuine reason as to why you got low scores. The test took place during my college exams so I was not well prepared. Despite my low GRE score, my verbal TOEFL score is pretty good.

5. Why do you have several backlogs in initial years?

During a certain time period, I was unable to manage my studies and co-curricular activities which is what damaged my performance report. But I have the determination to not repeat my mistakes.

6. Why only this university?

I have interacted with few seniors or current students who pursue their Masters at this University. I have been advised by them that it's one of the universities that offer great research opportunities in the field I will be studying and on top of that, it has great experienced faculty.

7. Why do you think we should grant you visa to study in the US?

I think I must be granted a visa as I am very dedicated to pursuing my studies in the United States and will make full use of this opportunity and in turn enhance my career.

8. Well, your current employers sound strongly established, why do you want to leave?

In this competitive scenario, having global exposure through abroad studies is important in advancing my career and it also, enhances my knowledge, my ability to work with different cultures.

9. Why do you want to change your academic background now?

I have always been keen about environmental science and by pursuing this degree, I will be able to step into a field which I truly enjoy instead of continuing one I chose due to high pay.

10. What was your major in undergrad? OR What was your specialization in Bachelors?

I have completed B.tech in the Computer Science stream where I learned about the concepts of engineering in computers and technology. 

How to crack USA Student Visa Interview

Here are a few tips to crack the student interview. Make sure you follow them and prepare accordingly.

  • Practice English speaking as often as possible
  • Prepare an explanation for everything
  • Talk about your return to your home country
  • Be clear that you will return home after graduation
  • Listen carefully to the question and then answer. Be calm
  • Talk about ties to your home country
  • Speak for yourself
  • Know about the program and how it fits your career plans
  • Be concise
  • Dress formally
  • Bring your supplemental documentation
  • Answer about your country well
  • Don’t focus on your answer about employment, you’re going to the USA for studying
  • Maintain a positive attitude
  • Focus on your body language

Tips for USA Student Visa Interview

Though your selection and visa approval chances are pretty good, there are few things you might need to consider during your interview:

  • Dress professionally
  • Keep answers to the point
  • Be honest
  • Prove your commitment
  • Adapt to your interviewer

FAQs

Q1. How can I pass my student visa interview?

As the interview is an integral part of the US Visa. In the embassy make sure you follow all the rules and be clear about your documents. Be confident and clear with your answers.

Q2. How can I prepare for a Visa Interview?

Before attending the interview, go through a list of anticipated questions. Practice them once or twice. Make sure all your documents are verified and all in place.

Q3. Can international student students renew their visa in the US?

All international students except Canada must have a valid visa when they come to the US. To renew it, you must contact the U.S Embassy or consulate of your home country. They make the arrangements for the renewal or your visa.

Q4. What questions are asked in a visa interview?

Questions about your studies, career plans, and the reason to visit the US are asked. They can ask about why you wish to continue your education in the US? Or why you chose a particular university for your higher studies.

Q5. How long does a visa interview take?

The interview ranges from 3 to 5 minutes for a B1 / B2 visa and about 7 to 10 minutes for other kinds of visas. It depends upon the process of document verification, question/answer session etc.

About the Author
PB
Piyush Bhartiya
Study Abroad Expert & Co-Founder @ AdmitKard
Piyush values education and has studied from the top institutes of IIT Roorkee, IIM Bangalore, KTH Sweden and Tsinghua University in China. Post completing his MBA, he has worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group and focused on building sales and marketing vertical for top MNCs and Indian business houses.