USA

In an F1 visa interview, applicants can be questionsed about - test scores, English language proficiency levels, high school transcripts, common interests, reasons for studying in the chosen university, etc. These questions help interviewers if applicants will be able to do justics as a student in the institution opted to attend.

The applicants attending the F1 visa interview for studying in USA, can expect the following areas for discussion:

• Study plans - Higher education, coursework
• Financial standing - who is sponsoring education, what kind of jobs parents do and how to support oneself for future financially
• Intent to return to home country - applicant's intention of staying back in USA if any, if there are any relatives long term plans after education
• Personal history - medical illness, backlogs (if any) and kind of relationship with parents/guardians back home

Yes, it is difficult to crack F1 visa interview in USA because the rejection rate of US visa was an all time high, that is, at 36% for 2024. The F1 visa interviews can be nerve-wracking and challenging, but the success depends on the applicants answers, honesty and logical understanding. There is no scope for mistake here, because this is the final point of getting a green signal to study in USA. Thus, yes, the F1 visa interview is difficult but it is not a herculean task if all the do's and don'ts are taken care of. 

If the visa officer approves the applicant's F1 visa after visa application, then it will take 3-5 working days for visa stamping on passport. Around 2-3 working days is also taken for delivering the passport. The applicants will know if their visas have been approved or not immediately after their interviews are over. Thus, after that the applicants should ideally wait for around 10 days to get their passports. 

There are a couple of things that applicants must avoid when appearing for an F1 visa interview and they are as follows:

• Don't overdress or underdress for the interview.
• Don't fidget too much or look nervous in front of the interviewer.
• Be specific with your answers and do not over explain anything, unless asked.
• Be confident about your choice of course or university and country. 
• Avoid overstating or boasting about your finances. Stick to whatever you have mentioned in your applications.
• Avoid any type of clashes or arguments with the interviewer. 

By avoiding these pointers, you can ace your F1 visa interview.