US Student VISA Interview Questions by Amit Wadhwa Important VISA INTERVIEW Questions The following are some of the

important questions that the consulate officer asks during the interview for the US student visa. WHY UNITED STATES OF AMERICA? Q.1) Why do you wish to study in USA and not in India? Q.2) What if you get a US degree here, would you like to go to US again for higher Studies? Q.3) Why did you select US for higher studies? Isnt this course offered by any university or college in India? Q.4) What is the purpose of your trip? Q.5) Have you ever been to US? ABOUT INSTITUTE/UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE Q.6) Which US university are you planning to go to? Q.7) Can you tell me some details about your university? Q.8) Why have you chosen this specific university? Q.9) Can you tell me the location of the university/college? Q.10) Why did you choose this institute and how did you find about it? Q.11) How many US universities did you apply for? (Both admits and rejects) Q.12) Can you mention the names of some professors? Q.13) Did you receive any scholarships? ABOUT YOUR COURSE Q.14) What course are you going for? Q.15) Why did you select this course? Is it relevant to your previous studies? Q.16) Why are you taking this course? Q.17) What is the course structure & contents? Q.18) Why dont you do this course in your country? Q.19) How long will your studies last? Q.20) What is the scope of your course? Q.21) What do you plan to study at the university? Q.22) What benefit will bring this course to you? Q.23) What is the course commencement date? Q.24) What will be the total cost of per year? Q.25) Where will you stay in US?| YOUR ACADEMIC BACKGROUND Q.26) Where did you do your last course of study? Q.27) What is your specialization? Q.28) What is your High School, Degree or Masters percentage or grade? Q.29) What are your subjects in last course of study (High School, Degree or Masters)? CURRENT JOB/BUSINESS (if applicable) Q.30) Show your Experience Certificate. (if applicable) Q.31) (If you are currently working) Why are you leaving your current job? TOEFL/IELTS, GRE, GMAT, SAT%

Q.32) Could you please show me your TOEFL/IELTS scorecard? Q.33) Why are your TOEFL/IELTS score low ABOUT YOUR FAMILY Q.34) What does your father do? Q.35) How many brothers and sisters do you have? Q.36) What is your fathers annual income? Q.37) Where your brother/parents did completed their studies. Q.38) Do you have a brother / sister, or any other relative already at this university? Q.39) Where did your brother/parents complete their studies? SPONSOR AND FINANCIAL DETAILS Q.40) Have you got any Loans?Q.41) What are the sources of income of your sponsor? Q.42) What proof do you have that your sponsor can support your studies?Q.43) Who is paying for your education and what is his/her income? Q.44) Who is sponsoring you? Q.45) Could you please show me the passbook or bank statements? Q.46) How many people are dependents of your sponsor?Q.47) Why is he sponsoring you? (if not father) Q.48) How much money is available for your stay in US? Q.49) How are you related to your sponsor (if not father)? Q.50) How will you finance your education funds for 4 years? (Generally you have to prove that you can fund the first year of your education but we suggest that you be prepared with this answer).| FUTURE PLANS (CAREER PROSPECTS) Q.51) What are you plans after completing your studies?Q.52) Have you researched your career prospects? Q.53) What will you do after completing BA/B.SC/BS/PGD/MA/MBA/MS/M.Sc? Q.54) What will you do after coming back to Home? Q.55) How much money can you earn after your completion of studies? Q.56) What are you future plans after completion of your studies? Q.57) Do you intend to work in US during or after completion of your studies? Q.58) How can you prove that you will come back after finishing your studies? RELATIVES IN US Q.59) Do you have any relatives in the US? Q.60) Do you know anyone (in USA) in your University? VISA OR REFUSAL Q.61) If the VISA officer asks why should I grant you US VISA what should I answer? Q.62) What will you do if your US Visa is rejected? MISCELLANEOUS Q.63) Have you ever visited any other country? Q.64) Will you come back to home during summers? Q.65) What will you do during the off period/semester?

Do you want to have every color in the rainbow? Connie : Look at this catalog, John. I think I want to get this red blouse. John : Don't you have one like this in blue? Connie : Yeah, but I don't have a red one. John : Do you need every color in the rainbow? Connie : (Looking at her husband dumbly.) Yes! John : (The husband shakes his head.) Tsk...tsk...women! Do you have these shoes in size seven? Clerk: May I help you? Karen: Yes. Do you have these shoes in size seven? Clerk: I'm not sure. If you can't find them on the rack, they may be out of stock. But let me look in the stockroom. Karen: Thanks. I'd like to try on a pair if you have them. Clerk: I'll be right back. That's a rip-off! Erwin: How much did you pay for it? Dennis: 200 bucks. Erwin: 200 bucks for a piece of junk like that? That's a rip-off! Dennis: What do you mean? Erwin: It's not worth it. Dennis: Oh. I guess I really did get ripped off. Are you being helped? Sales Assoc: Hi, are you being helped? Karen: No, I'm not. I'm interested in some scarves. Sales Assoc: All our scarves are in this section. What do you think of this one here? It's made of silk. Karen: Hm, it looks nice, but I'd like to have something warm for the winter. Sales Assoc: Maybe you would like a heavy wool scarf. How about this one? Karen: I think that's what I want. How much is it? Sales Assoc: It's...seventy-five dollars plus tax. Karen: It's a little expensive. Do you think it's possible to get a discount? Sales Assoc: Hm, since you like it so much, how about a 10 percent discount. That's the best I can offer. Karen: That's good. Could you wrap it up for me? Sales Assoc: Sure. Is there anything else I can get for you? Karen: No, that should be it. Thank you. I am just browsing. Greg: Hi, can I help you? Karen: No, thanks. I'm just looking. Greg: All right. If you need any help, just let me know. My name is Greg. Karen: Sure. I'll let you know if I need anything. (A king-size mattress attracts Karen.) Hm, this mattress is very firm. Jack will probably like it. Greg: Did you find something you like? Karen: Yes, this mattress is very good. It's pretty firm. The mattress I'm now sleeping on is saggy. Greg: You're right. This is a very good brand. It doesn't sag easily. And we offer a life-time warranty, so you don't have to worry about its quality. Karen: Does it come with a frame? Greg: Unfortunately, it doesn't. However, we could offer a ten percent discount on that. And also, if you're really interested, we have a very good financing plan here. There's no payment, no interest until next June. Karen: That's an attractive plan. I'll think about it. Greg: Well, you've got to hurry. This mattress sells pretty well and this promotion ends tomorrow. Keep the receipt in the safe place. Cahsier: Is there anything else you would like to buy? John: No, thank you. I guess that's it. By the way, in case there's a flaw in this CD player, can I return it? Cahsier: Yes. But you must return it within 30 days. John: Is there a charge for that? I know other stores have a restocking fee. Cahsier: There will be no charge at all. However, you must show us the receipt. (The cashier is handing the receipt over to John for him to sign.) Could you sign it here, please? John: Thank you. Cahsier: All right. Keep your receipt. If something comes up, you can show it to us and we'll give you a refund. John: Thanks. I'll put it in a safe place. Do you want to come to the mall with me? Spencer: Doris, do you want to come to the mall with me? Doris: I'd love to, but I'm broke. Spencer: So am I, but I like browsing through the music store there. Doris: Are you sure you only want to browse? Spencer: Yeah. I like to listen to new albums there. I don't have money to buy them, but I can go there and listen. You know you don't have to pay for listening. Doris: You're such a dog. We can still do window shopping, can't we? Chris asks Doris whether she wants to go to the mall with her for the sale over there.... Chris: Doris, Highland Mall is having a big sale this weekend. You wanna go? Doris: Don't feel like it. I'm broke. Chris: Well, we can still do some window shopping, can't we? Doris: Just look around? Nah, that's boring.

Chris:

I'll go myself then.

How to Shop in English Your questions: Ask a cashier or salesperson Excuse mehow much is? What does . cost? How much is the tax? Is this on sale? What is the price after the discount? Whats the total? How much do I owe you? Do you take/accept cash? (OR credit card, debit, cheques) Is this new or used? May I try this on? Do you have this in? (a different size: extra small, small, medium, large, extra large) Can you tell me where the are? (apples, coats) Can I return this if I need to? Your problems: Tell a clerk or salesperson Im afraid, you gave me the wrong change. (incorrect money back after you make a purchase) It doesnt fit. Its the wrong size. I need to return this. OR I need to take this back. I lost my receipt. (paper that shows proof of purchase) Excuse me, I cant find the (ladies clothing, mens wear, toy section) Special Offers and Deals: Watch for these signs and ads Buy one get one free Buy one get 50% off your second item Buy now pay later Pay no money down (no down payment is required) Kids eat free (usually with the purchase of an adult meal) Seniors discount (people 65 and older get a reduced price) All out-of season stock on sale (ex. summer clothing is on sale at the end of summer) Restrictions: Watch for these Warnings (sometimes in small print) Deposit required (you must pay a small amount to hold the item) No delivery No exchanges or refunds (you cant bring an item back if you decide you dont like it) Exchange only (you cant get money back; you can change for a different in-store item) No coupons on/during/after (often on a certain day or at a certain time) Discount or coupon not valid with other special offers Expires (date you can no longer use coupon or item) Bonus Expressions to remember Its okay to put something back on the shelf if the price is too high. The clerk might put it away for you. Smile and say, Sorry, thats more than I thought it would be. Its polite to have small talk with the cashier. If the price is great, smile and say, Thats a good deal! Traffic Expressions about cars and car problems.... My car broke down. The battery is dead My car turned out to be a piece of junk. Expressions about traffic accidents, traffic jams, etc. She wasn't badly hurt, but she was shaken up. You ran through the stop sign. I thought I could make a right turn here. If you could approve you are not at fault. Do you have the problem with road rage? Traffic was brought to a standstill. Traffic was bumper to bumper. The traffic is crawling. Traveling Expressions about traveling.... Can you keep an eye on my bag? You should've kept an eye on it. Can you save my place, please? Is this seat taken? I really miss the comforts of home! East or west, home is the best. I'm low on gas. We're only staying overnight. Having a Hard Time Finding a Job Original Conversation Mark: Hi Peter! How are you doing these days? Peter: Oh, Hi Mark. I'm not doing very well, actually.

 Mark: I'm sorry to hear that. What seems to be the problem? Peter: ... you know I've been looking for work. I can't seem to find a job. Mark: That's too bad. Why did you leave your last job? Peter: Well, my boss treated me badly, and I didn't like my chances of advancing in the company. Mark: That makes sense. A job without opportunities AND a difficult boss isn't very attractive. Peter: Exactly! So, anyway, I decided to quit and find a new job. I sent out my resume to more than twenty companies. Unfortunately, I've only had two interviews so far. Mark: Have you tried looking online for a job? Peter: Yes, but so many of the jobs require moving to another city. I don't want to do that. Mark: I can understand that. How about going to some of those networking groups? Peter: I haven't tried those. What are they? Mark: They're groups of people who are also looking for work. They help each other discover new opportunities. Peter: That sounds great. I'll definitely try some of those. Mark: I'm glad to hear that. So, what are you doing here? Peter: Oh, I'm shopping for a new suit. I want to make the best impression possible at my job interviews! Mark: There you go. That's the spirit. I'm sure things will look up for you soon. Peter: Yes, you're probably right. I hope so! Reported Conversation Mark: I saw Peter today. Susan: How's he doing? Mark: Not too well, I'm afraid. Susan: Why's that? Mark: He told me had been looking for work, but hadn't found a job. Susan: That surprises me. Was he fired or did he quit his last job? Mark: He told me his boss had treated him badly. He also said he didn't like his chances of advancing in the company. Susan: Quitting doesn't sound like a very wise decision to me. Mark: That's true. But he's been working hard at finding a new job. Susan: What's he done? Mark: He said he had sent out his resumes to more than twenty companies. Unfortunately, he told me that only two had called him for an interview. Susan: That's tough. Mark: Tell me about it. However, I gave him some advice and I hope it helps. Susan: What did you suggest? Mark: I suggested joining a networking group. Susan: That's a great idea. Mark: Yes, well, he told me he would try a few groups. Susan: Where did you see him? Mark: I saw him at the mall. He told me he was shopping for a new suit. Susan: What?! Buying new clothes and no work! Mark: No, no. He said he wanted to make the best impression possible at his job interviews. Susan: Oh, that makes sense.

A Job Interview Dialogue 2: X = Yudha as Job Seeker Y = Fiena as Employment In here Fiena graduated from Gunadarma University would like to applay Financial Staff at Jakarta Glow Store. X = good morning Sir. . . Y = good morning too, please sit down in here. . X = okey, thank you. . . Y = please introduce yourself. . . X = first of all, I would like introduce my name. My name is Fiena Agoestianz, my nick name is fiena. Im 23 years old. I graduated from Gunadarma University majoring economy faculty. My GPA is 3,25. I would like to apply in your company as Staff Financial. I look for your company is suitable in my background. Y = why do you apply in my company X = I apply in your company because is one of the biggest company in Indonesia. So, I believe we can advance together. Y = in my company, there are many challenges, do you like it ? X = yes, I like challenging because it makes ne to be perfect as person Y = what is your hobby? X = my hobby are reading, swimming, cooking, traveling and shopping. Y = how much salary do you want ? X = I hope you can give my salary based on my capability on your company. Y = okay, welcome in my company, you can job as Staff Financial on Monday X = thank you so much. . . (GPA stands for Grade Point Average) Associate degrees fall into three main areas. Associates of Arts (AA) Associates of Science (AS) Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Associates of Arts (AA) The Associates of arts is really designed as a fully transferable degree to a four year college or university for those pursing a Bachelors degree. It serves to complete most of the four year institutions general education cluster area, which amounts to the first two years of a four year program. It also serves to complete any perquisite courses needed for the four year institutions curriculum major and minor requirements. Students are admitted to Junior level status provided they have completed the matching associate's level degree. In other words, Business AA to Business BA, Engineering AS, to Engineering AS etc. Thus, within this degree students will be required to have a well rounded educational foundation to include, English literature, history, social science, laboratory science, humanities, math, communications, etc. These courses are in addition to the student's major field of study. Associates of Science (AS) Within the AS degrees a student will notice there are less general education requirements, and more career oriented course work. You will find this in curriculums to include, Nursing, Engineering, some Computer Science and Allied Heath fields. Still, these programs should be fully transferable to four year institutions provided the degree matches that of the four year college or university's program of study, as mentioned above under AA degrees. Associates in Applied Science (AAS) The AAS degrees are very career oriented and designed to give the student all the expertise needed for entry level positions upon completion of the degree. Therefore, the student will notice most of the AAS degree is made up of professional phase courses particular to a specific field, and a very limited number of general education courses. This has promoted the myth, that all AAS degrees are not transferable to four year colleges and universities. I will admit, as the degree was originally designed; transferability was not the original intent of this type of degree. Therefore many AAS degree fields of study did not transfer to four year institutions very well. In fact, in some categories it was almost like starting over. Today this is not so. Community Colleges today have what is known as Joint Admissions or Dual Admissions articulations with four year institutions, where if the student completes the agreed upon program of study successfully, the four year institution will take the degree full faith in credit and grant the student Junior level status. This includes AAS degrees. However, it is strongly recommended that a student who is seeking to transfer to a four year institution at a later date, make an appointment with a Transfer Counselor at the Community College for the pros and cons of AAS transfer as well as and more detailed information. BA= Bachelor of Arts (also referred to as A.B.= Art of Bachelor's) (4 year degree= 4 years of undergraduate instruction) (Here you will find your liberal subject matter: Arts, Humanities, Liberal Studies, Foreign Language, Philosophy) BS= Bachelor of Science (This too is a 4 year degree= 4 years of undergraduate instruction. BIOLOGY degrees are B.S., in that they are scientific studies. BS involves subjects pertaining to science- biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, zoology, all of these are considered B.S. Degrees) MS= Master of Science (requires at least 2 years of graduate study, this is rewarded following a 4 year degree) MA= Masters of Arts (requires at least 2 years of graduate study, this too comes after earning a 4 year degree) Ph.D (Doctorate degree comes after MS or MA and requires 5-7 years of study, can be longer or shorter depending on the program. Usually prestigious positions require this- usually college professors hold their doctorate) There are gray areas, but usually BS pertains to science degrees and BA pertains to liberal arts/humanity degrees. However, some biology degrees can be BA's (like for that of going into teaching programs), so it depends. If you want to be a Biology Teacher aim for a BS or BA (rare to find for bio) in Biology, or if you are aiming for something like a

doctor, pediatrician go for BS. Either way, they prefer BS for Biology major because it is more science based. What do you want the degree in biology for? BS or BA= 4 years MA or MS=2 years after the BA or BS Ph.D= 5-7 years after MA or MS Australia- universities and colleges in Australia are similar to Canada. Universities offer degrees, but Colleges only offer Diplomas and Certificates. Dialogue 2: Mr.Allen Ms.Brandies Mr.Allen Ms.Brandies Mr.Allen Ms.Brandies Mr.Allen Ms.Brandies Mr.Allen Ms.Brandies Mr.Allen Ms.Brandies Mr.Allen Ms.Brandies Mr.Allen Ms.Brandies Mr.Allen : Good morning Ms. Brandies, please have a seat. : Good morning, it's a pleasure to meet you. : Could you tell me who you work for at the moment? : I work for Frank and Smith importers. : How long have you worked for them? : I've been working for Frank and Smith for the past three years. : And how long have you been working in the accounting department? : I've been in the accounting department for the past six months. : You know this job requires a lot of travel. Have you done much traveling for business? : Yes, the job I had before Frank and Smith required me to travel monthly. : And why did you leave that position? : I was offered a more interesting position at Frank and Banowitz. : Have you had any experience in sales? : Yes, I've spent a few years working part-time as an advertising consultant for schools offering summer language courses. : That's interesting. How successful have you been? : The schools I've worked for have all had increased registrations as a result of my collaboration. : Very interesting...

Key Vocabulary / Structure It's a pleasure to meet you present perfect OR present perfect continuous for work experience up to the present moment look like (physical appearance) require someone to do something position experience sales part time advertising consultant collaboration Practice: 1. Do you think the attitude of the applicant was pleasing? Why or why not? 2. Have you experienced being interviewed? How do you feel? What did you do then? 3. Why do you think an applicant must be interviewed? Do you think its really necessary? Explain our answers. What kind of work do you like to do? I want to work for a company that has been here a long time. Im a customer of your company and I think you give excellent service. I know this company will be here for a long time. I hope there will be opportunities for me to be promoted. Would you like something to drink? No, thank you. What are your skills? I have a lot of experience with computers. I can use Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel. I can type 50 words per minute. I am good at math and enjoy working with numbers. Can you tell me about your work experience? In my country, I worked as an automobile body repairman at a garage. I worked there for 5 years. I repaired many different kinds of cars, and I used many different tools. I am good with my hands. I think my last experience will help me with a job here. Could you tell me something about yourself? I come from Hong Kong. I graduated from the Mountain High School there. I came to San Francisco in 1993. Ive been working at the Han Gift Shop since 1995. Ive been studying English as a Second Language and office training at City College of San Francisco. I really enjoy working with people and working with computers. What salary do you want? Ive heard the usual salary for this position is between $12 and $15 per hour. I think that would be OK. Why do you want to work for this company? I really enjoy working with people. Thats why I want to work as a customer service representative in a store like yours. I have a lot of experience in customer service. I like helping the customers and talking to them. I am very friendly. Answers for personal preference questions Why do you want this job? Because Im good with numbers.

I like working with people. Your company has a good reputation. Its a large company, with opportunities for promotions. This job requires computer skills, and I have a lot of experience using computers.

What salary do you want? In my last job, I made $10 an hour. I would like at least that amount. What is the salary range for this job? Id like at least (name an amount), because I have a lot of skills. I think about $2,000 per month is fair. Other companies pay about $12 per hour for this type of work. I think that is a good wage. Why do you want to work for this company? Its a big successful company. Your company is well know and makes good products. It provides dependable service. I know someone who works here. She says there is an excellent working environment here and the people are friendly. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS/GRAMMAR 1.What are your skills? I know how to ___________________________________. (verb/base form) I can __________________________________________. (verb/base form) 2.What was your last job? I ______________________ a _______________________. (be/simple past) (job title) 3. Did you work in your country? ___________________________ (yes/no/past) 4. What did you do? I ____________________ a _____________________________. be/simple past) (job title) 5. What salary do you want? Im open. What do you usually pay for this position? 6. Are you working now? ________________________________ (yes/no) I _______________________________________________ (tell where you work and what you do) 7. What are your duties? I ________________________________________________ (verbs/present tense) 8. Do you want to work full-time or part-time? I want to work _______________________________________. 9. Tell me about your experience. I have been a ____________________ for ________________ years. I _____________ _______a _______________________ for ______ years. (be/simple past) (job title) Also, I _____________a ____________________ for _______ years. 10. Tell me about your education In my country, I studied ___________________________________. Now, I study English at City College of San Francisco. I got a certificate in ________________________ from ____________________ (area/subject studied) (school) in ________________________from _____________ (area/subject studied) (school) 11. What are your strengths? Im ____________________________________________________ (adjectives to describe your personal qualities) 12. What are your weaknesses? English is my second language, but I study every day to improve it. ______________________________________________________ Sometimes, if you dont have a lot of experience, you can also talk about your personal strengths. Tell your partner about your strengths. B. I INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tell us about yourself. What can you tell us about your self? Tell me about yourself.

responsible a fast learner A. I am healthy punctual organized like to work with people communicate well follow instructions

hardworking flexible pleasant honest bilingual

like to work with numbers get along with co-workers numbers cooking

sewing C. I am good at math working with my hands