Visa Preparation

Intention of the Interview

We cannot say it often enough – every interviewer is different and there are no set questions
he/she might ask. However, the intent of the interview is simple enough
One, to understand your intent – whether it is to settle in USA or to study and come back.
Two, and more importantly, to assess whether or not you can afford your stay in USA.
Categories of Typical Questions
Why did you choose to study in the united states ?
Your Study Plans : What are you going to study at university ?
Your University choice : Why did you choose this school/university ?
Your Academic Capability: What‘s your academic background?
Your Financial Status : How will your studies be financed?
Your Post-graduation plans : What will you do after you graduate /ur graduation?
What have you done to prepare for this ?
Q. Why Study in USA?
Tip: Visa officer wants to understand your intentions to go to USA. As you are applying for
student Visa so you should only talk about how USA offers quality education which would help
you bring the best of the world to your country. Focus on highlighting the infrastructure
available, the research and the method of teaching. Instead of the country, try to focus on the
University and the course to highlight that it is only about education.
Q. Why have you chosen this specific University?
Tip: You should go through the website and handbook of your university carefully. Pen down
some highlighted features such as World ranking, the research facility, the faculty profile, Alumni
profile ,support services etc. Visa officer wants to know the reason behind joining the particular
University. Also, reason like – because I only got admit from that University is not acceptable.
Choosing the university should not come out like it did not matter which university you got
through. You should be excited about going to that particular university.
Q. Which all universities did you apply to (both admits and rejects).
Tip: Visa Officer wants to know if you are really serious about your education. Even if you
applied to 4 and were accepted in 1 and got 3 rejects, honesty is the only way. Be honest about
which all Universities you chose. Be confident about the selection process you followed and in as
short a statement as possible, suggest how you were really happy with the accept. For example,
Basis my specific course requirement I had shortlisted and applied to four universities. This was
amongst my top two choices and I was lucky to get an admit from the same.
Q. Where did you complete your high school/bachelors from?
Tip: Mention the name of the course and the university. If the university has high ranking or
some specific feature, mention that too. Keep it crisp and to the point.
Q. What will you do after completing MS/MBA/UG? Tell me how can you prove that you are
going to come back?
Tip: If you intend to work after completing your course then say so. Tell them you are looking
forward to working with some companies back in Nepal. It would be good to mention the names
of the few companies. If you were working, you could mention that you have an offer of joining
your last organization back after completing your education. If you are inclined towards
continuing your education and pursuing research, mention the same as well. But do provide a
hint that your family continues to be in Nepal and you would want to come back to them once
your academic pursuits are over.
Q. Have you received any scholarship? Why has the University granted a Scholarship to you?
Tip: You should know how much scholarship you are getting and probably the reason university
is giving scholarship to you Visa Officer wants to know if you are aware of the scholarship
programs and financial aid. Also if you have submitted any Statement of Purpose for scholarship
then mention about that and carry a copy of the same.
Q. Who is sponsoring you?
Tip: If you have scholarship to study in USA, say that. Else mention the name of your sponsors,
you may add that your father and mother are supporting you for your higher education as per
the financial documents.
Q. What does your father/mother do?
Tip: Visa officer basically wants to verify the financial capability of the sponsors. You are advised
to go through the Income tax returns, and supporting documents of your sponsors carefully.
Have a good idea of the income source of your father, mother and any other person who is
sponsoring you. Also do not simply suggest that he/she is in business or service. Be very clear
about the nature of their work and their specific role
For example:
He is the Senior Branch Manager with Himalayan Bank, Pulchowk Branch.
Or
She is a Professor at Kathmandu University, she teaches Sociology.
Q. What is your father's/mother’s/ sponsor’s Income?
Tip: Visa Officer wants to know if your sponsor’s annual income is sufficient enough to meet
your expenses of studying abroad. They think that money can be put into banks, but annual
income is a proof which they heavily rely upon to decide the student's sponsor’s capability to
meet his/her educational expenses. You should mention the annual income as per IT Returns
filed and submitted to the University for your I-20.
Q. How many brothers and sisters do you have?
Tip: Such kind of questions is basically to verify whether your family has other members for
whom your parents may have to raise fund later on. Basically such questions are asked to
evaluate the balance of income and expenses of the family.
Do you have any relatives in USA?
Tip: Be truthful at this instance. Visa Officer will have full record of this (about your brother/
sister/ mother/ father) with them. If your distant aunt or uncle stays there, then you don't have
to say about them. All that matters is your immediate relatives i.e. own brother, sister, father or
mother. Any of your relative overstaying their legal permitted stay in USA is not favourably
considered.
Q. Have you got any Loans? How do you plan on repaying your Loan?
Tip: Answer about the quantum of the loan you have applied for and from where you have
received the same. Also, as to repaying the same, suggest that you are confident to find a good
opportunity in Nepal after you graduate and you have all the intent to pay it off with your
income. Do not suggest you would be paying off the loan by taking up part-time jobs in the US.
Q. Will you come back to home during vacations/ holidays?
Tip: Visa officer wants to assess your ties to your home country and family. You can say that you
plan to come back to meet your family and friends here in Nepal. You should not say that you
plan to work in USA as that shows you are not financially strong and you are going there to earn
money. This will make the Visa officer believe that even after completing your education, you
would like to take up a job in USA and try to settle there.
Additional Questions
How did you come to know about this university?
When did you apply to the University?
Explain a little more about your degree?
When did you receive your i20?
Did you use services from third party?
Do you plan to work in US?
What is your job?
Where are you planning to live in US?
Required Documents
Passport (all previous passports)
DS-160
Appointment letter
SEVIS receipt
I20
Academics (all transcripts)
2x2 size photo (2)
Extra certificates (if any)
Dressing for your interview
Keep it formal but not overdone
Choose light or solid colors
Minimal Accessories
Make sure your clothes are clean and well ironed
Make sure you don’t smell – neither good nor bad!
Wear your glasses if the same are in your passport
Dos and Don’ts
DO DON’T

Smile Be Nervous
Speak English Speak English with forced accent
Look at Interviewer Stare
Carry your documents Offer your documents unless asked
Finally ,Be alert for 3 Requirements to get VISA :

1. You intend to depart the U.S after you complete your

THANK YOU