STUDY PLANS: Key US Visa Interview Questions with Answers

Graduation Plans After Getting Your US Visa

Visa officers often begin with questions about your study plans to gauge your purpose for studying in the U.S. Here are some US visa interview questions with answers to help you prepare:

1. Why are you going to the U.S.?
   A strong answer would be: “I’m going to the U.S. to pursue a master’s degree in applied statistics with a concentration in business analytics at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee.” It’s important to mention your degree, program, and the school’s location.
2. Why do you want a master’s or PhD?
   You might say: “I want to work as a data scientist in my current company, but a master’s degree in applied statistics is the minimum requirement for this position. This degree will sharpen my analytical skills and qualify me for the role when I return.” This answer also implies your intention to return to your home country after your studies, which is important to convey.
3. Why can’t you study this in your home country?
   A good answer would be: “While my home country has good institutions, the specific program at East Tennessee State University offers unique courses and research opportunities not available locally.”
4. Who is your current employer, or what do you do?
   You might respond: “I currently work as a data analyst at YouTube Inc., where I analyze data to guide business decisions.”
5. How does this program relate to your previous studies or work?
   A clear response: “This program builds directly on my undergraduate degree in mathematics and will allow me to apply my mathematical skills to real-world data problems, deepening my knowledge of statistical methods.”
6. Why study in the U.S.?
   A strong answer is: “A master’s from an American university provides excellent research opportunities, access to highly ranked faculty, and an optimized classroom experience.”
7. How many credit hours are required for your graduation?
   Check your program’s specifics. A typical answer might be: “I need to complete 39 credit hours—24 for core courses, 12 for electives, and 3 for my thesis.”