Many students are nervous before the visa interview, yet it only takes 1-2 minutes. With the right attitude – smiling and cheerful, dressed in smart casual clothes – you introduce yourself to the consuls, tell them who you are and why you want to go to the USA.
So what questions do they ask?
There are a few basic questions you can prepare for, but of course they won't necessarily be exactly these. They can always ask you something different. So relax, keep smiling and you'll get your long-awaited visa.
- Where do you study? What’s your major? Why did you choose this major? Can you describe your major? How many years do you have to/until your graduation? Which is your favorite discipline? Why? Did you take all your exams?
Many of the questions revolve around what you study. Check how your major is translated into English; you should be able to explain in a few words why you chose it, what year you're in, what subjects you study, and whether you have a favorite subject and why.
- What do you like to do at your free time? Tell me about some of your interests/hobbies?
Think in advance about what you'll say you do in your free time, because in the moment you might get nervous and not think of anything specific.
- Tell me something more about your family? What’s your parents occupation? Do you have brothers or sisters?
Perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions at the visa interview in recent years is what your parents do for a living. Prepare your answers in English, because most students find it hard to explain the specific positions. Also find out what exactly they do and how big the company is. If you have brothers/sisters, you should know what they're doing at the moment – school/university/work.
- Why do you want to go to the USA?
Keep in mind that this is a cultural exchange program and try to connect your personal goals with the idea of the program.
- What will you work in the USA? Describe me your duties? How much will you take per hour? Where will you stay in USA?
What your job position will be, what the pay is, what tasks you'll perform, where you'll live – these are all questions you should naturally be able to answer. You can find these details in the job offer you signed, or ask the consultants at your agency.
- What do you want to visit in USA?
Think about where you want to go, so that when they ask you, you can name a few places and say why you want to visit them. After all, you're not going only to work, but also to get to know their culture.
If you don't hear one of the questions, don't be afraid to ask and they'll repeat it for you.
Broadly speaking, these are most of the questions asked at the visa interview. Remember, everyone is very nice and friendly and there's no reason to worry.
Good luck to everyone, and may your summer be full of adventures!