F1 Visa Preparation: 50 Essential Questions to Ace Your Interview

If you wish to come to America for education, you’ll have to apply for an F1 visa. This applies to all Day 1 CPT universities too. To be eligible for a non-immigrate type of visa, applicants must demonstrate their intention to return to their home country after completing their studies, provide evidence of acceptance into a US educational institution, demonstrate sufficient financial support, and establish strong ties to their home country.

Due to its special curriculum design, Day 1 CPT universities allow their students to engage in paid jobs while studying. Some students worry that in the eyes of USCIS officers, this might imply the wish to stay in the U.S. after graduation. Haven said that, with sufficient preparations, most students from Day 1 CPT universities aced their visa interview without a problem. The acceptance rate for the F1 visa can be challenging. It varies depending on individual circumstances more than the nature of institutions that they are accepted, assembly all these institutes are legit and accredited.

During the F1 visa interview, applicants can expect questions regarding their choice of university, financial resources, family background, employment plans, and future aspirations. It is advisable to dress formally, ensure all required documents are prepared and brought to the interview, and make a positive and professional impression.

Following are some typical questions our students have encountered during their visa interviews.

Questions related to your study in the U.S.

1. What is the name of the college or university you have chosen, and what factors influenced your decision to attend this specific institution?
2. How many universities did you apply to, and what were the reasons behind your choice to apply to those institutions?
3. Can you please provide the names of the universities you applied to?
4. Were you accepted by all the universities you applied to?
5. Which universities have accepted you, and can you please provide their names?
6. Where did you complete your undergraduate or graduate degree, and which university was it affiliated with?
7. Do you know your undergraduate academic GPA or percentage?
8. Could you provide us with more details about your university, such as its location and the degree you pursued or intend to pursue?
9. Can you share the names of the professors at the US university whom you have been in contact with?
10. In which year did you obtain your Bachelor's degree, and from which university?
11. What are your reasons for choosing to study in the United States?
12. How long do you plan to stay in the United States?
13. Why did you specifically apply to this university and not to others? How did you become aware of this particular institution?
14. Please provide more information about your academic background.
15. Are you considering pursuing a Ph.D. in the United States after completing your master's degree?
16. The major you have chosen is offered by other universities as well. What influenced your decision to select this university over the others?

Finance Related

1. Who will be funding your education?
2. How do they have the financial means to support your education?
3. What is their professional background?
4. Could you provide more details about your father's/mother's occupation, their income, and the duration of their employment with the company?
5. What is the monthly income of the individual sponsoring your studies? Additionally, could you share information about your sponsor's annual income?
6. What is the annual cost of tuition at your university?
7. Does your sponsor cover the entire cost, or have you also taken out a loan?
8. Please provide your current bank statement for review. If you plan to stay in the United States for two or three years, how do you plan to finance your education and living expenses?
9. We noticed significant recent deposits on your bank statement. Can you please explain?

Work and Job Related

1. Why do you intend to leave your current job and study abroad?
2. Could you please provide your CV or any other documentation that outlines your work experience?
3. What is your current salary?
4. Do you also have savings?
5. After completing your studies, do you plan to remain in the United States for employment?
6. Are you planning to work while studying?

Questions about your families and Relatives, especially if you have some that are already in the U.S.

1. Do you have any siblings? If yes, how many?
2. Do any of your siblings or relatives currently reside in the United States?
3. What is your mother's/father's occupation?
4. If they are not working, what is their source of income?
5. What is the reason for your brother/sister living in the United States?
6. Are they studying or working here?
7. What is the current occupation and location of your brother/sister in the United States?
8. Are you also interested in working in the US?
9. Have your parents or siblings pursued any higher education? If so, what degrees have they obtained?
10. In which country and city do your parents reside?
11. Considering your siblings, will your parents be able to financially support your education abroad in the United States?
12. Do you have any relatives who are currently studying at the same university you are planning to attend?
13. Are you currently in a relationship?

Day 1 CPT Universities Related Questions and How to Answer Them

Most Day 1 CPT universities are not ranked in the US News. Visa interview officers might wonder why you chose to go to a university that does not rank very high in the U.S.

The ranking is based on many factors that are mostly academic related. Your approach to this question could focus on the “practical” perspective of your study. The U.S. does not only have a great education system but also a more advanced industrial development. For example, for those who majored in CS, it will be a valuable experience if could do an internship in one of the big tech companies while studying in the U.S. Day 1 CPT universities’ curriculum can make this happen despite their lack of rankings on US News.

If you are worried because your I-20 comes from Day 1 CPT Universities, book a free consultation session with our expert, or check out some of our old webinars.

If you have a complicated case, we work with former visa officers who can provide tailored visa interview coaching.

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