H-1B Visa Interview Questions & Answers

One crucial prerequisite of being eligible for the H-1B visa is to have obtained theoretical knowledge and practical experience in a specialised field. A bachelor’s or master’s degree is mandatory, depending on the occupation. Examples of professions include journalism, computer science, finance, medicine, and so on.

An important part of applying for this visa is to receive a sponsorship from the American company you will be working for. They will also be responsible for taking care of the visa fees and filling out the paperwork on your behalf. This process begins with the employer submitting a Labour Condition Application or LCA, which certifies that your wages in the new company will be equal to all peers working in the same region. This is one of the most important parts of the visa interview process.

The H-1B visa is typically valid for three years. However, you have the option to extend it up to six years or even further under certain exceptions based on the nature of work.

Now let us understand the common H-1B nterview questions.

When you have cleared each step of the process, the final hurdle is to appear for the H-1B visa interview. The visa interview process, while not lengthy, can be stressful for some people, which is why it’s advised to research and practise some of the most commonly asked H-1B visa interview questions before D-Day.

This list below will help you prepare for anything the embassy officials might throw at you. However, one crucial point to remember is that you should try your best not to miss the scheduled interview. You’ll have the option to reschedule, but not only does the embassy set the next date weeks away, but it also considers missing the interview as a sign that you are not too serious about moving to the US.

With that in mind, here are some H-1B visa interview questions and answers for you to refer to before the big day:

1. What’s the purpose of your trip to the USA?

The purpose of your trip should be directly related to employment. You can state the company as well as your employer’s information.

2. Have you ever visited the United States of America before?

You might need to verify details about previous trips if any.

3. What is your role at the company?

You will have to answer with details about your profession and the capacity in which you’ve been hired at the new company. This is one of the most important H-1B visa interview questions.

4. Are you married? If yes, for how long?

Confirm your marital status in your answer.

5. Why do you want to work here?

You will need to provide an honest answer about why you chose to work in the United States.

Some other general H-1B visa questions with simple answers include:

• Have you travelled overseas before?
• Have you applied for an immigrant visa before?
• Are you planning to return to your home country? If yes, when?
• Have you obtained any education in the United States?
• Will your family/spouse/children be accompanying you to the US?
• Do you hold any other citizenship?

In addition to general questions, the embassy officials will inquire about your qualifications to make sure you are the right fit. Examples include:

1. What are your educational qualifications?

You will have to state and verify details about your degree as well as any other specialised course you might have taken to further your skill set.

2. Which subject did you major in?

Talk about your primary area of interest that qualifies you for the job. These are some of the most important H-1B interview questions and answers.

3. When and where did you pursue your bachelor’s/master’s degree?

Provide information about your university or educational institution as well as your graduation year.

4. Have you undertaken any research projects/internships during or after your degree?

Here, you can talk about any research papers or internships you might have worked on. These are important H-1B visa interview questions and answers.

5. What is your total/relevant job experience?

Answer with details about internships and full-time jobs you have worked within and outside the field.

Other questions about qualifications may include:

• Do you wish to continue your education in this field?
• Do you have any additional certifications?
• What was your role at your last company?
• How was your experience with your last employer?
• Do you have any recommendation letters from previous employers?

The officials will also ask you questions about your future employer in the United States. Therefore, make sure to brush up your knowledge on every aspect of the company, such as the names of board members as well as your manager, what the company does, what your salary will be, and so on.

The entire interview process lasts around 30 minutes, so keep your answers concise. The interviewer might even limit the conversation to 3-4 questions, especially if your journey so far has gone without a hitch. After the interview, you will either be approved immediately with a stamp on the passport or be required to wait in case the official needs time to consider.

Now that you know all about the H-1B visa interview process, you can prepare well in advance and boost your chances of getting that coveted stamp. But before you proceed to book your plane tickets, make sure you have the right overseas travel insurance plan to keep you financially protected against mishaps.

We at Tata AIG offer a customisable and easy to claim travel insurance policy that covers over 190 destinations, so you don’t have to worry about situations like loss of passport, medical emergency, flight cancellation, and loss of baggage, among others. You can choose from options like single-trip, multi-trip, and family travel insurance plans based on how frequently you visit another country.

Information last updated June 22. While this information is sourced reliably, visa requirements can change. For the most current visa details, visit the official Consulate/Embassy website.