Q: Why did you choose to study in US? / Why you want to pursue

your degree from US?

A: Academic experience from a US university is highly valued

around the world. Also, US universities offer excellent research

opportunities through many assistant-ship  programs. On top of

that, having global exposure tremendously helps to advance my

career.

Q: What do you know about American universities? / Why study in

US, why not UK or Canada?

A: American universities are well known for their quality of

education and research opportunities. Their programs are well

designed with equal importance on theoretical knowledge along

with strong practical skills.

Q: What will be your specialization in MS? / What will be your major

in MS?

A: Answer appropriately (eg: I will be majoring in Computer Science)

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: Answer appropriately (eg: I will return back to India and would

like to work as Software Developer)

Q: Are you sure you will be coming back to India after studies? / Will

you be coming back to India after graduation?

A: Yes! India has great opportunities in the field of my study. The

advance degree I will be pursuing from US will be a great asset in

advancing my career here in India. 

Related: 7 Mistakes To Avoid in a US Visa Interview

Q: Have you been to the States before? / Have you ever been

outside India?

A: No! I have never been outside India.

Q: Can I see your Bachelor’s diploma?

A: Sure! (Provide the diploma)

Q: What was your major in undergrad? / What was your

concentration in Bachelor’s?

A: Answer appropriately (eg: I did Bachelor’s in computer science)

Q: When and from which university did you graduate?

A: I graduated in XXXX(year) from XXX university

Q: Can I see your marksheets/transcripts?

A: Sure! (Give office your transcripts/marksheets)

Q: Do you have your GRE/TOEFL/IELTS/GMAT score reports?

A: Yes! (Provide the originals)

Q: What all universities did you apply?

A: Answer appropriately (eg: I applied to 3 universities)

Q: Which universities did you get admission?

A: Answer appropriately (eg: I got admission from all 3 universities)

Q: Which university are going to?

A: Answer appropriately

Q: Did you get any scholarship?

A: Answer accordingly (eg: Yes! I was awarded XXXX dollars

scholarship)

Related: Latest F1 Visa Interview Experience

Q: Can you tell me some good things about this university?

A: I have interacted with few current students who are pursuing

their Masters at this University. They  advised it’s one of the

Universities that offers great research opportunities in the field I will

be studying and on top of that, it has outstanding faculty.

Q: Did you contact any professors from that university?

A: Yes! I did speak with couple professors. I inquire about their

course curriculum

Q: Do you happen to remember those professors names?

A: Name couple professors

Q: Do you happen to know about the city you will be going?

A: Know about the place (e.g: I heard Houston weather is very much

similar to Indian weather. So that definitely helps me to get adjusted

to it pretty quickly).

Q: Do you have family in the US?

A: I do not have any family

Q: Do you have friends in US?

A: Yes! I do have couple friends

Q: What is your father?

A: Answer appropriately

Q: Do you have siblings?

A: Answer appropriately

Q: Who is sponsoring your studies?

A: Answer appropriately (eg: My father is sponsoring my education)

Q: What is your father’s income?

A: Answer appropriately

Q: Can I see tax returns?

A: Sure! (provide the documents)

Q: Can I see Bank Statements/Passbook?

A: Sure (provide the documents)

Q: Did you take any loans?

A: Answer appropriately (If yes, give the officer your loan approval

letter)

Q: Where do your parents live?

A: Answer appropriately

Additional questions for those who are currently working and going for MS in

US

Q: Who is your currently employer?

A: I am currently working for ABC company.

Q: What is your role and responsibilities?

A: I work as a System Analyst. I design, develop, and test

applications for the clients (Answer appropriately)

Related: Most Valuable Tips for a Successful Visa Interview  

Q: Since how long you have been working for this company?

A: I have been working here for X years

Q: How much is your salary?

A: Answer appropriately

Q: How big is this company? (Number of employees)

A: It has about XXX employees

Q: Well, your current employers sounds strongly established, why do

you want to leave?

A: In this highly competitive world, having global exposure through

abroad studies is important in advancing my career and it also,

enhances my ability to work with different cultures.  

Questions about your study plansThese questions will be similar to your university application essays and interviews. Simply enough, they are interested in your choice of pursuing higher education rather than joining the workforce. They are also interested in your choice to study in the US versus your home country or any other place.

Why are you going to the US? What will you specialize in for your degree? What will be your major? Where did you go to school now? Who is your current employer? What do you do? Why are you planning to continue your education? Can you not continue your education in your home country? How will this study program relate to your past work or studies?

Questions about your university choiceSimilar to your study plans, your choice of university is of interest to your interviewer. These questions will look to shed light on your qualifications as a student and future professional. Higher caliber university choices will be better regarded than little-known colleges or universities.

How many colleges did you apply to? How many schools did you get admitted to? How many schools rejected you? Have you been to the US before? Do you know your professors at that university? What are their names? What city is your school located in?

Questions about your academic capabilityNot surprisingly, you will need to prove your capability to succeed in a US university during your interview. Your test scores, previous GPA, and previous study abroad can all be evaluated to determine your likelihood of success during your program.

What are your test scores (GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS)? What was your previous GPA? How will you manage the cultural and educational differences in the US? How good is your English? Why do you want to pursue a degree in the US? Why not study in Canada, Australia or the UK? what do you know about US schools?

Can I see your high school/college diploma?

Questions about your financial statusThis is the most important piece of obtaining your F-1 visa. Regardless of your academic qualifications, you cannot be awarded an F-1 student visa without the means to finance your education. The cost of education in the US is much higher than other countries. It is important to investigate and have a solid financial plan. This plan should include more than just tuition expenses. You should consider housing, food, transportation, health insurance, and all other relevant expenses.

What is your monthly income? What is your sponsor’s annual income? How do you plan to fund the entire duration of your education? How much does your school cost? How will you meet these expenses? Who is going to sponsor your education? What is your sponsor's occupation? How else will you cover the rest of your costs? Do you have a copy of your bank statements? Did you get offered a scholarship at your school? Can I see your tax returns?

Questions about your post-graduation plansTechnically, the F-1 student visa is only granted to those who plan to return to their home country after graduation. Although it is not impossible to stay in the US after your graduation, through programs such as OPT and H1B, it will be important for you to prove that you have ties and obligations, including family, property, or a job offer, that will lead to your return to your home country.

Do you have relatives or friends currently in the US? What are your plans post-graduation? Do you have a job or career in mind after you graduate Do you plan on returning back to your home country? What are your plans after graduation? Are you sure you won't stay in the US? Will you continue to work for your current employer after you graduate?

What is an I-20 and how do I get one?

A Form I-20 is a government form that tells the U.S. government that you are eligible for F-1 Student Status. It certifies that (1) you are or expect to be a "bona fide" student2) you meet the American Educational Institute's admissions requirements(3) you will pursue a full course of study(4) you proved to the college/university that you have enough money to study and live in the U.S. without working illegally or suffering from poverty.

The i-20 is sent to you by the university/college you have been accepted at. You need this form to apply for the student visa.

What is SEVIS?US implemented the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, known as the SEVIS. Universities issuing I-20s have to enter international student information in the SEVIS database and this information is then accessed by US consulates worldwide. So If your university does not enter your information in the database, your visa may not be issued . In this case, inform the university and request them to enter your information in the SEVIS database.

When is the right time to apply for the student visa?

One can apply 120 days before the date of enrolment mentioned in the I-20 form.