Documents to Carry
- Interview appointment letter [Done]
- I-20 (signed) [Done]
- SEVIS fee confirmation [Done]
- DS-160 confirmation [Done]
- Passport [Done]
- Offer letter from UNL [Done]
- SSC certificate [Done]
- HSC certificate
- BSc certificate [Done]
- IELTS score card [Done]
- Visa payment slip [Done]
- Covid vaccination card
- Photographs
Make sure they are complete, up to date, and well-organized in a folder or envelope.
Research the Interview Process
Learn about the interview process and what to expect during the interview. Find out the typical questions asked and understand the purpose of the interview. This will help you feel more confident and prepared.
Practice Common Interview Questions
Prepare answers for common interview questions related to your purpose of travel, your ties to your home country, your financial stability, and your plans during your visit. Practice answering these questions confidently and concisely.
Be Familiar with Your Application
Review your visa application thoroughly, as the interviewer may ask specific questions based on the information you provided. Ensure consistency between your application and the supporting documents.
Research the Country
Familiarize yourself with the country you intend to visit. Learn about its culture, customs, and social norms. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the country and may help build a positive impression during the interview.
Dress Appropriately
Dress professionally and conservatively for the interview. Your appearance should convey respect and seriousness. It’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Be Punctual
Arrive at the visa interview location well in advance to avoid any unnecessary stress. Late arrival may create a negative impression.
Stay Calm and Confident
During the interview, remain calm and composed. Speak clearly and confidently. If you don’t understand a question, politely ask for clarification.
Be Honest and Clear
Answer all questions truthfully and provide clear and concise explanations. Avoid volunteering excessive information unless specifically asked.
Practice Good Body Language
Maintain good eye contact, sit up straight, and use appropriate gestures. Non-verbal communication is important, as it conveys confidence and sincerity.
What Are the Most Common F1 Visa Interview Questions?
The consular officers usually ask similar questions to every F1 visa candidate. This is in your favor since it helps you prepare in advance. Usually, the interviewer asks you questions related to your:
- study plans
- university choice
- academic capability
- financial status
- post-graduation plans
The most common F1 visa interview questions are the following:
Why are you going to the United States?
I will be attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to pursue a PhD in Physics.
What will you specialize in for your degree?
I will specialize in the field of Condensed Matter Physics.
Do you know about the weather there?
Compared to Bangladesh, Lincoln experiences much colder temperature during winter with an average high temperature of below 8$^{o}$C.
Do you think you can handle that?
I have spoken to some Bangladeshi students who are studying there and, based on their feedback, I believe I can adjust to the climate.
Where did you go to school? What do you do for a living?
I am a full time student, and I completed my BS degree from Khulna University. I grew a passion for physics and I aspire to build a successful career in this field.
Why are you planning to continue your education?
I want to enhance my knowledge and skills in physics and pursue better career opportunities.
Can you not continue your education in your home country?
I believe that studying in a diverse environment like the United States will provide me with a global perspective and exposure to advanced resources.
Why choose the United States of America?
The main reason to choose USA is that UNL has one of the top physics department in the world and cutting edge researchers in the field of my choice. Moreover, the US is home to a diverse community of international students, which will give me a unique experience.
Why not choose Canada or Australia?
While Canada and Australia also have excellent educational institutions, the US offers a wider range of programs, more opportunities for research and funding, and access to top-notch facilities in my area of study.
How many colleges did you apply to? How many schools did you get admitted to? How many schools rejected you?
I submitted applications to four universities, but I only received an admission offer from one, and unfortunately, the other three universities rejected my application.
Do you know your professors at that university? What are their names?
I became acquainted with Professor Kirill Belaschenko, a well-known researcher in the field of spintronics, during the COVID pandemic through an online seminar that he conducted.
Do you know about any notable alumni of the university you have been admitted to?
- Donald J. Cram : 1987 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner
- Alan J. Heeger : 2000 Nobel Prize for Chemistry winner
- Jay Wright Forrester : Inventor of magnetic-core memory
- Richard Hamming : Turing award winner; Worked on Manhattan project
- Evan Williams : Co-founder of twitter; Founder of Blogger and Medium
- Warren Buffett : World’s most successful investor
- Kārlis Ulmanis : 1st Prime Minister of Latvia, 4th President of Latvia
- Gene V. Glass : Statistician, inventor of the term meta-analysis
Have you been to the United States before?
No, I have not had the opportunity to visit the United States yet. However, I have always been interested in experiencing the American culture, meeting new people, and exploring the diverse landscapes of the country.
What are your test scores (GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS)? What was your previous GPA?
I have a 7.5 score in IELTS. (L-8.5; R-8.0; S-7.0; W-7.0)
How do you plan to fund the entire duration of your education?
As you can see from my I-20, I am fully funded by the University through teaching assistantship.
How much does your school cost? How will you meet these expenses?
The tuition fee amounts to a total of 1786 USD. However, I will be receiving 2202 USD per month through my teaching assistantship, which will cover both my tuition and living expenses. Moreover, the university will be covering 79% of my health insurance costs.
Will you come back to home during vacations/ holidays?
Yes. I will be coming back home during the holidays and long breaks.
Do you have relatives or friends currently in the US?
I don’t have any relatives. But I have seniors from my previous university who are studying in the US.
What are your plans for post-graduation? Do you have a job or career in mind after you graduate?
Upon completing my post-graduation, I plan to pursue a career as a lecturer at a university in Bangladesh. Additionally, I will actively seek out post-doctoral opportunities at reputable institutions around the world.
Do you plan to return to your home country? Are you sure you won’t stay in the US? Will you continue to work for your current employer after you graduate?
Try to tell the interviewer that you have strong ties to your home country and that you will for sure return. Tell them you have your family, closest friends, or a partner in your home country if you really do. If you have any pets, tell him/her about that too. Mention any property, business, organization, etc., that you have and because of which you will return.
Why should you be given a student visa?
This is the very last question you will be asked. Try to put forward a strong case of why you should be issued a visa. Try to make a strong point of your case, and be confident. Once again, do not gibberish. Even while answering this question, try to convince the interviewer by giving him the impression you have no plans to remain in the United States and that you will return to your home country for sure.