The US Student Visa Interview Guide 2026: 15 Common Questions & Winning Strategies

Group 1: Questions on Academic Plan (Proving You are a Genuine Student)

This is the most critical group for proving you are a serious student, not using study abroad as an excuse.

• **Question 1: Why did you choose to study in the US and not another country?**
  *Underlying Purpose:* To check your research depth and sincerity.
  *Strategy:* Focus on the specific strengths of US education that other countries lack (or are not as strong in) for your chosen major. Example: “Sir/Madam, I chose the US because the Computer Science program here offers a highly flexible curriculum, allowing me to specialize in Artificial Intelligence—a focus not available in the programs I researched in the UK or Australia. Furthermore, the opportunity to participate in research projects with professors from the undergraduate level is a significant advantage of US education.”
• **Question 2: Why did you choose [School Name]?**
  *Underlying Purpose:* To assess whether your school choice is deliberate or random.
  *Strategy:* Be specific and personal. “I chose the University of California, Irvine because of its renowned Institute for Computer Games and Virtual Worlds, and I have read the research papers by Professor Smith in this field. I believe this is the best environment for me to pursue my passion for game development.”
• **Question 3: Why this particular major?**
  *Underlying Purpose:* To find the logic and passion behind your academic plan.
  *Strategy:* Tell a brief, authentic story about your passion, linking it to your prior experience and clear career goals in Vietnam. “I’ve been interested in coding since I was young and have self-taught Python to build a few small apps. I want to systematically develop these skills in the US so that I can return home and work for major tech companies in Vietnam like VNG or FPT Software.”
• **Question 4: What is your plan after graduation?**
  *Underlying Purpose:* To test your intent to return and the clarity of your career plan.
  *Strategy:* Present a convincing 2-3 step plan. “After graduation, I plan to utilize the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for 1-2 years to gain real-world professional experience. Following that, I will definitely return to Vietnam to apply for a Senior Software Engineer position at one of the rapidly expanding technology firms in my home country.”

Group 2: Questions on Financial Capacity (Proving You Are Not a Burden)

Your answers must be confident, clear, and perfectly match your documentation. Any hesitation can be interpreted as dishonesty.

• **Question 5: Who will pay for your studies?**
  *Strategy:* Answer directly: “My parents will cover all my study and living expenses.” If you have a scholarship, state it proudly: “My education is covered 50% by a scholarship from the university, and the rest is supported by my family.”
• **Question 6: What do your parents do for a living? What is their monthly/annual income?**
  *Strategy:* Know and state the exact figures declared in your application documents. Answer clearly, for example: “My father is the director of Company X, specializing in agricultural import/export, with an annual income of approximately… My mother is a credit manager at Bank Y with an income of… per year.”
• **Question 7: Do you have your financial documents with you?**
  *Strategy:* Always answer “Yes, I do” and be ready to present your organized documents immediately. Don’t wait for them to ask; if the officer seems concerned about finances, you can proactively offer: “I have brought all my income verification and bank savings records in case you would like to review them.”

Group 3: Questions on Intent to Return (Proving Home Ties)

This section is where you demonstrate strong and compelling ties to Vietnam.

• **Question 8: Do you have any relatives in the US?**
  *Strategy:* Always answer truthfully. If you do, clearly state their relationship and status. Honesty is valued more than concealment.
• **Question 9: Why do you think you will return to Vietnam after graduation?**
  *Strategy:* Provide specific and persuasive reasons. “My entire immediate family is in Vietnam, and as an only child, I have the responsibility to care for my parents. Additionally, our family business needs someone with international business management expertise to inherit and grow the company. This represents my biggest and most certain career opportunity.”
• **Question 10: Do you plan to stay and work in the US?**
  *Strategy:* Answer tactfully. “I plan to utilize the OPT program to gain practical experience, but my long-term and definite goal is to return and apply that knowledge to advance my career in Vietnam.”

Group 4: Situational and Personal Questions (Checking Honesty and Reflexes)

• **Question 11: Why was your grade in [Subject Name] low?**
  *Strategy:* Acknowledge honestly and show that you learned from it. “Yes, I was a bit negligent in Physics during 10th grade. However, I realized its importance afterwards and made a concentrated effort to improve, and my scores in 11th and 12th grade were much better.”
• **Question 12: Have you ever been denied a visa to the US or any other country?**
  *Strategy:* Never lie. If you have, briefly explain the reason and demonstrate how you have corrected that weakness in this current application.
• **Question 13: Tell me about a challenge you overcame.**
  *Strategy:* Choose a genuine, concise story that shows maturity and problem-solving ability.
• **Question 14: Why should we grant you a visa?**
  *Strategy:* Briefly summarize your three strongest points: serious academic plan, solid financial backing, and a clear plan to return.
• **Question 15: Do you have any questions for us?**
  *Strategy:* It’s usually best not to ask. Respond politely: “No, thank you, Sir/Madam. I have researched thoroughly, and all my information is clear. I appreciate your time.”

*Overall Strategy:* Always be honest, answer concisely, maintain a positive attitude, and show maturity. A successful **US student visa interview 2026** demands sincerity.