This article was last updated and fact checked on June 9, 2022 by Mani Karthik.
Did you know that there are strict work restrictions for an individual visiting the US on an F1 visa? Yes, since the F1 visa is a non-immigrant student visa for those wanting to study in America, it doesn’t allow you to work for a salary. If you are planning to attend high school, a training program, university or any other academic institution in the US, you need to apply for an F1 visa.
The F1 visa allows the visa holder to remain in the US for up to 60 days, although the timeframe can be extended. They can even apply for a work permit after their course or training program is complete. Just like any other visa type, there are some steps that you will need to follow for your visa application. This includes filling the visa application form, paying the visa fees and attending the visa interview.
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Documents for F1 Visa Interview
If you are going for your student visa interview, all you need is your application letter. However, it is always advised to bring some key documents with you, in case the interviewers ask for them, such as:
- Personal documents, such as your passport, visa fee receipt, copy of Form DS-160 confirmation page and passport size photographs.
- Educational certificates, such as mark sheets for Class 10 and 12, GMAT/GRE scorecards, IELTS/TOEFL score cards and certificate of your Bachelor’s degree (if you are applying for post-grad courses).
- Financial documents, such as loan approval letter from the bank (if any), bank statements, fixed deposits statements, property documents (if any) and proof that you have sufficient funds to support your travel, study and stay in the US.
When traveling to USA, travel insurance is much recommended.
Two great plans are, Atlas America and Safe Travels USA.
However there are other choices like these, as well.
Top Student Visa Interview Questions
Just like a job interview, you should prepare well for the US student visa interview because the consular officer can certainly deny your student visa, if they find you unfit. The key is to be confident and answer all the questions honestly. Here’s a list of common questions that are asked during the interview.
Why did you choose this particular university?
You can prepare the answer to this question by researching well about the university, picking up unique features of the university, such as infrastructure, course or faculty. Also, make sure you appear enthusiastic about the opportunity to study at the institution.
Who is supporting your study in the US?
Do you have the scholarship to study in the US or are your parents funding your education? Have you applied for a loan? Mention all the details honestly. If you have taken a loan, be confident that you will pay it off with your salary. It’s better not to say that you will do some part-time jobs for the same.
Do you have any friends or relatives in the US?
The tip for answering this question is to be truthful. If your immediate relatives live in America, the officers will already know. However, you don’t need to worry about distant relatives.
Why do you think you want to study in the US?
The officers will want to know your intentions for choosing the US for further studies. It is better to mention about American universities, highlighting their specialities and appreciating their faculty. It is important that you show the officer that it is a great opportunity for you to study in a reputed American university.
