Up-to-date F1 Visa Interview

Up-to-date F1 Visa Interview This page is a research into real questions asked during an F1 visa interview.

Most importantly, if contains real answers provided by students who successfully got their visa to study in the US.

03/06/2025

If you are applying for undergraduate program, have it at heart that there are more than 2,000 universities in the US. You have no excuse whatsoever that you are not able to find schools.

There are universities that are cheap and affordable.

Fitchburg State University

East Tennessee State University

Georgia State University

Miami University

Kent University

Ohio University

Austin Peay State University

Wichita State University

Kansas State University

Tennessee Tech University

01/06/2025

Visa Not Approved
Undergraduate program
COA: $39,706
Funding from school: $17,220
Bank Statement: 90million

Me: Good morning ma
Vo: So you are going for your bachelors in Business Administration and Management?
Me: Yes I am….(I wanted to talk more about it but she cut me off)
Vo: what will you be studying under it?
Me: (I was confused so i repeated it) My course is Business Administration and Management
Vo: No Bus admin is the general term so what will you be studying under it. Or you don’t know what you’re going to study?
Me: (I realized she was asking what is my concentration) No I do. It is Management information Systems….(I wanted to talk about it but she cut me off again)
Vo: Apart from the scholarship how would you fund the rest
Me: My aunty is sponsoring me. she’s the CEO of ——— A company that deals in oil and gas
Vo: (Okay and she started typing)
Vo: what will you be doing after graduation?
Me: I will be returning back to Nigeria to take an entry level position at (my aunts company) and then work up my way to my final goal of becoming a financial manager because I want to contribute to Nigeria’s growing economy my directly impacting the financial success of a company in Nigeria.
Vo: (she started typing for a while then gave me the blue paper)

No document was asked

I’m thinking of reapplying but I’m not sure because my start date is getting close

01/06/2025

What could have gone wrong? Here is my transcript below.

Abuja
Partial Funding
VO: Window 8 (A white lady)
Denied

VO: Have you travelled out of the country before.

F1: No

VO: Are you married ?

F1: No

VO: is your family or relative in the US ?

F1: No.

VO: Why did you choose this Uni ?

F1: I chose ###xx cos it has a strong reputation in the field of business and technology and also the research opportunities it offers.

VO: Who is funding your program?

F1: I received a scholarship of ###xx and my dad will handle the deficit.

VO: What does your dad do ?

F1: He's into ######x, he owns and manages multiple #########x.

VO: What year did you start working?

F1: 2022.

VO: How many universities did you apply to ?

F1: 3 universities, Cleveland ( She cuts in)

VO: What is your post study plan

F1: Upon the completion of my program to I will be returning to my country, I'm expected to head the business operations of my dad's business.

I understood and answered every question. She said my visa can't be granted this time and proceeds to print out a letter which she handed over to me.

01/06/2025

Please help oo
2nd attempt, first attempt Abuja .the consular didn’t ask more than two questions..
Vo. Why are you going to usa
Me. I’m going to usa for my masters degree in chemistry at western Kentucky university which is the continuation of my undergraduate studies
Vo: have you traveled out before..?
Me. Yes i traveled to Egypt cairo for covid19 vaccine development as an intern for 10 months and i come back to my country after the months.
He denied straight .
2nd attempt this year june 3rd Abuja
Firstly i just come back from cairo again i only spend 4 months in cairo , and its just a week to my interview because i answered all the questions and still get denied again please can you someone advise me maybe it because i just came back from cairo a week to my interview or something is wrong somewhere please

Vo: good morning
Me : good morning with smile
Vo: have you travelled out before
Me : yes I travelled to Egypt in feb 14th 2020 for covid19 vaccine development research as intern and for one 1 year and i come back to my country in feb 22 2021
Vo: what are you currently do
Me : im currently working as a synthetic chemist at obafemi awolowo university where i perform routine sampling, start up managed and shutdown procedures for students at laboratory
Vo: Are you married
Me no am currently engaged
Vo: you can’t go to usa right now denied
Pls help oo before i buy another appointment date 🙏🙏

Visa Approved !First AttemptLagos ConsulateWindow 5 : (White Lady)Time : 8:15 a.mBrown University, RIProgram: MFACOA: $4...
01/06/2025

Visa Approved !
First Attempt
Lagos Consulate
Window 5 : (White Lady)
Time : 8:15 a.m
Brown University, RI
Program: MFA
COA: $42, 688
Funding : $32,000
Deficit : $10,688

CO: Did not greet me after i was summoned but was busy tidying up her desk.

ME: Iniated the greetings wih a smile ' Good morning.

CO: Morning and at the same time requested for my document via finger gesture.

CO: Pls come for your biometrics .

ME: Obeyed.

CO: Where are you going ?

ME: I am going to Brown University as an int-student for my graduate degree in literary writing.

CO: Do you have any affiliate to Brown University?

ME: No. But Brown University's entrance fundings for MFA int students attracted me.

CO: How many schools did you apply to ?

ME: 5 schools.

CO: How will you cover your deficit ?

Me: As contained in this Training Bond (i pointed to my documents folder) my employer a film production and radio company have legally agreed to cover up my deficit and other future expenses while studying at Brown University.

CO: Pls let me see the agreement.

ME: Handed the training bond to her.

CO: Handed back the bond and started typing and then ask another question " Are you a famous actor ?

ME: Not really but i am a famous screenwriter who create complete stories for major movie directors so i work with popular actors.

CO: How many countries has your job taken you ?

ME: 4 countries.

CO: Picked up my passport and started typing on the computer (i got tensed naturally but composed myself) and without looking at me she said " I am approving your VISA, enjoy your stay in the US. All the Best

ME: Thanks soo much and walked out with the success white paper.

Note. I kept my answers short and straight to the point and expected the consular to ask further question before i responded. I have an expired and unused Canada visit visa in my passport and i have been to South Africa and 3 schengen countries.

01/06/2025

Abuja:
Visa Denied
2nd Attempt
MPH
Louisiana State University Shreveport.
COA: 31,831
Funding: 12,497
Deficit: 19,334

Me: good morning
VO: good morning, hand me your documents
Me: here they are..

VO: who’s funding your deficit
Me: my elder brother, he’s the owner of XYZ block industry and he runs hotel business in my state. He has promised to pay about 12k annually and I am paying the rest.

VO: why this school?
Me: I applied and got other school but I chose this one because of the scholarship.

VO: where do you work?
Me: I work at XYX as a public health officer. It is a non governmental organization locate in xyz state and have their head quarters here in Abuja.

VO: where is your office located:
Me: my office is located at xyz and have their head quarters in Abuja here.

VO: is your wife not traveling with you?
Me: no she’s not, she has a pharmacy shop and needs to take care of our daughter while I am away.

VO: where is your office address
Me: valley xyz, I forgot to mention the number before the address.

VO: Have you been to the US before?
Me: No. I had no reason to travel before.

VO: Do you have anyone in the US?
ME:no

VO: I am sorry I won’t be approving your visa at this time, try again later.

DENIEDFull FundingVO: Window 10 (A pointed nose white lady)VO: What school are you going to? I didn't hear her the first...
31/05/2025

DENIED

Full Funding
VO: Window 10 (A pointed nose white lady)

VO: What school are you going to? I didn't hear her the first two times, and I mentioned she should please repeat herself.

F1: I am going to university of maryland, college park to pursue a Masters in Fine Art, I will be majoring in Painting. - Immediate I mentioned Master in Fine Art, she replied Okay, before I was able to stretch it to my major - Painting.
*I realised she wants direct answers*

VO: Who is covering your deficit? checking through her system.

F1: I don't have a deficit as I have been awarded a full funding - Graduate Assistantship which covers my living expenses and health insurance. *immediately she responded Okay* and checks my I-20.

VO: Have you traveled out of the country before.

F1: Yes, I have. I have been to Bleep for my work program, I have also been to Bleep for work program as well, then she cuts me by her OKAY.

VO: What is your post study plan

F1: Upon the completion of my program to I will be returning to my country to transit into the academia while I take the role of a lecturer in the department of fine Art at Bleep University, where I will be teaching university students art and its contemporary practices.
I will also be coming back to expand my studio practice back home (before I could proceed, she said OKAY)

VO: Tell me about your academic background

F1: I have a Bachelor's Degree of Arts in History, and after my graduation I enrolled for an internship under Bleep art studio where I learnt how to paint and draw because of my passion for Art. (she cuts me Okay). Then you are not qualified for this student visa at this moment.

Notes: She asked a question after the first one which I cannot remember. But I stuttered at first, before gaining my balance. My response was tying what the degree will do for me back home. I remember I talked about taking a lecturing position.

Maybe I was anxious at first, I don't know. But I understand I answered every question.

31/05/2025

🎓 F-1 Student Visa Post-Approval Checklist Summary

✈️ Travel & Immigration

Book your flight (enter U.S. up to 30 days before program start).

Carry essential documents: Passport, visa, I-20, SEVIS receipt, admission letter, finances, and medical records.

Prepare for U.S. entry: Be ready to answer CBP questions.

🏡 Housing & Arrival

Secure housing (on- or off-campus ASAP).

Arrange airport pickup or local transport.

💵 Finances

Open a U.S. bank account with passport, I-20, and proof of address.

Plan your budget including all living and academic expenses.

📚 Academics

Register for classes and contact your advisor if needed.

Buy books after classes begin—cheaper options may be available.

🩺 Health

Get health insurance (required by most schools).

Meet vaccination requirements and carry immunization records.

📱 Connectivity

Get a U.S. SIM card from providers like Mint, T-Mobile, or AT&T.

🤝 Orientation & Culture

Attend orientation (mandatory and helpful).

Learn about U.S. classroom and cultural norms—ask questions when in doubt.

✅ Extra Tips

Make document copies.

Join student groups.

Connect with seniors.

Download useful apps.

31/05/2025

Visa type: F1(Approved)
Venue: Abuja
Program: Ph.D. Biomedical sciences.

VO: what do you do?
Me: I just finished my Masters.

VO: The Ph.D. is fully funded?
Me: Yes.

VO: What are your plans after you complete your PhD
Me: I intend to render my services as a lecturer at my alma mater.

VO: oh, do you have an offer at your alma mater already or do you intend to apply?
Me: I intend to apply when I return.

VO: (Smiles) I am sure they would employ you. (hands me a white paper) You would get an email on when and where to pick up your passport.

Me: Thank you. Have a nice day.

31/05/2025

First Attempt
Visa Approved
Abuja
San Francisco Bay University
COA: $30,000
Funding : Full Tuition Waiver($12,200)
Deficit; $17,800

VO: Windows 11 (Slim woman)

VO: Kindly pass me your documents.
Me: Passed her the documents

VO: Let’s do your biometrics
Me: Obliged

Me: I have a remark to make.
VO: Please go ahead.

Me: The name of my school was changed in Dec 2021 from what you see on the I-20 to San Francisco Bay University to help the school properly identify with the Bay Area.

VO: Thank you for giving me this info.
Me: You’re welcome

VO: What do you do
Me: I work as a Pay-per-click specialist at Pink Orange Media where I set up digital marketing campaigns for search engines like Google, Microsoft Bing and Yahoo. My primary duties include creating the campaign blueprint, building landing pages and one-page website, installing pixels, and tag codes on the landing pages and websites for conversion tracking, Installing software development kits on Android Studio and iOS to enable proper conversion tracking for app installations and engagement ads, creating report dashboards on Google data Studio. I also carry out technical search engine optimisation to improve the crawlability and indexability of websites.

VO: What’s your post-study plan?
Me: I’d be returning to my current place of employment to take up the role of a Chief Technology Officer, where I’d be leading the technology team to work on the project of building a digital tool that would seamlessly integrate with advertising platforms to solve the recurring problem of transparency in data storage and usage for the purpose of digital remarketing.

VO: Who is sponsoring you?
Me: I got a full-tuition waiver of $12,200 and 80% of the deficit would be covered with my personal savings from over 7 years of working. My elder sister will also be supporting me with the remaining 20% and more. She is a businesswoman who owns 3 supermarkets, two shopping complexes with 46 stores each and 2 residential bbuildings in Delta State. She also owns 2 residential buildings in Edo State and a shopping complex with 46 stores in Edo State. Collectively she has 31 staff across these businesses with an annual turnover of 89 million Naira.

VO: Congratulations, I’d be approving your visa.
Me: Thank you very much.
Me: Collected my white paper.
Me: Ran out.

30/05/2025

VISA DENIED!

I just found strength to write this. grin
Please I need help on this.

Time: 9:00am
Embassy: Lagos
Status: Not Approved
VO: Good morning. Pass me your passport and I-20
Me: Good morning. *I passed the requested documents*
VO: Where are you going in the US?
Me: I am going to the ******* for master’s degree in ******* with focus on Energy Conversion and Storage.
VO: *Checks the I-20 while I speak*
Me: *I continued to speak to end the awkward silence* I’ll be researching on new materials and technologies to improve the durability and efficiency of the current energy sources.
VO: Okay. Let’s talk about this deficit. Who will be paying the $27000?
Me: (I felt there was no need to talk about the yearly scholarship of $18000 since he asked about the deficit only) Besides the scholarship, my uncle will be responsible for the remaining costs.
VO: Who is he to you?
Me: (Shocked by the question) He is my uncle. My dad’s younger brother.
VO: What does he do?
Me: His company, ******, is a major distributor of engine lubricants for Total Energies and Mobil Oil. Also, he owns some properties that are on rent in Lagos and Ogun states for both commercial and residential purposes. (The VO typed as I spoke at this point)
Me: *I continued speaking to avoid the silence* He has been involved with my education is primary school as I am his favorite nephew and the oldest. He was influential in my choice of undergraduate school where he also graduated from in 1995. So, when I told him I was offered a 70% yearly tuition, he was willing to help me maximize the opportunity by supporting me financially.
(VO kept typing then he just stretched his hand towards the blue paper section. At this point, I muttered “God” and went blank. I honestly didn’t hear the first part of what he said. It most probably would have been around “…not qualified today…”.
As I was about taking the paper from him, I looked at him and he said, “ask for more scholarship”.)

I have reached out to the school, and I was told that’s the most scholarship they give to international student and the department has no funding to add now. GAs and TAs are for PhD students but can be lobbied for when in school.
I am thinking of requesting for anther I-20 from my school and including personal funds alongside my uncle’s. My uncle’s SOA had more than the deficit, but I didn’t get to present it at the interview. This is just to show there’s been a difference since my last interview. I intend to apply to Abuja this time.

I need advice on the possible next step. I just want to know if there are other things I am missing.
Thank you and God bless.

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