Popular H1B Visa Interview Questions

The H-1 Visa program was created by the Immigration Act of 1990 to allow employers in the US to hire workers from other countries on a temporary basis, for their specialized knowledge and/or higher education degree. According to a Pew Research Center report, during fiscal 2001 through 2015, almost 1.8 million H-1B visas were granted, of which more than half were awarded to Indian nationals.

The report added that H-1B visas have been capped at 65,000 a year since 2005. However, an additional 20,000 visas are given to foreigners who have graduated from a US-based academic institution.

To obtain an H1-B Visa, the applicant needs to first find an employer who is ready to sponsor them to fill in a speciality position.

The employer must file an I-129 petition with the USCIS, if you or your employer is subject to the annual cap. If accepted, the applicant needs to qualify an interview to obtain the H1-B visa.

Here are a few questions that are commonly asked during the interview but need to be answered appropriately.

Asking for Documents

• Good Morning. How are you doing today?
• Can I see your passport?
• Do you have any old passports?
• Can I see your Labor Condition Application (LCA)/H1B approval document (I-797)/no-immigrating petition application (I-129)?

  Questions about your intentions of Visit

• Why are you visiting the US?
• Why do you want to work in the US?
• Have you ever lived outside your home country? If yes, for how long?
• Is this your fist H1B visa?
• Have you applied for visa for a country other than the US?
• Do you have any family members living in the US?
• Are you aware of the cost of living in the specific area you are planning to work in and stay?
• How are you planning to support yourself in the first month, before you receive the pay check?
• When will you be travelling to the US?
• What is your plan when your H1B validation period ends?
• Will you return to your home country? If yes, when and why?

Questions Regarding Your Educational Background and Experience

• Are you studying?
• From which university did you obtain your degree?
• Other than the bachelor’s degree, have you pursued higher education? If yes, what was your thesis about?
• Can I see your certificates?
• Do you have any experience in this field/industry?
• Have you worked in any fields related to this field/industry?
• Where are you working currently? How much is your salary? What is your role?
• In your current job, how long have you been working?
• What all software are you familiar with?

Questions about Your Sponsoring Employer

• What kind of business are you going to work for in the US?
• Where is the sponsoring employer located?
• How did you come to be in touch with your sponsoring employer?
• Why are you joining the company?
• How many people work for your sponsoring employer?
• What would be your expected tasks and duties?
• Who is the CEO of your company?
• Have you received an offer letter?

The questions can go on and on. The key to success, however, is to remain patient and answer with complete honesty and confidence.