H-1B Visa Interviews: Here Are Some Questions You Might Be Asked

For the last few years, interviews were not always required for H-1B applicants because some had eligibility for a waiver under the Interview Waiver Program. The State Department recently updated who qualifies for waivers and specified that most nonimmigrant visa applications and renewals, including H-1B applications, will require in-person interviews in order to receive a visa stamp.

The biggest concern on your mind is probably about the questions you’ll be asked. Let’s look at some common H-1B visa interview questions.

What are some common H-1B visa interview questions?

Every visa officer conducting an interview has the discretion to decide what questions to ask each person, so you should be prepared for anything. Some applicants are asked only a handful of questions, while others are asked a wide variety.

Typically, you’ll be asked questions that focus on a few categories of topics:

Biographic questions
Intention for your time in the U.S. (e.g. “What are you planning to do in the United States? Interest in a green card?)
Professional and educational experience
Employer and job

Here are some sample questions based on interview experiences recent H-1B visa applicants have shared in online forums, like Reddit.

Biographic questions

Have you ever been denied entry into or deported from the US?
What is your immigration status in the country you reside in?
Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?
Do you have any family members living in the U.S.?
Which state will you move to?
Have you ever held a different type of U.S. visa?
Have you ever overstayed a visa in the U.S.?
Are you married? If so, then how long have you been married?

Intention for your time in the U.S.

Why do you want to work in the U.S.?
Do you have a spouse and children (dependents) who would travel to the U.S. with you if your H-1B visa is approved?
What are your plans after your H-1B validity period ends?
Do you plan to maintain connections to your home country while you’re in the U.S.?
Do you plan to return to your home country after working in the U.S.?

Professional and educational experience

Which university did you study at?
What did you study (for your bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or any other advanced degrees you hold)?
What is your highest educational degree?
How does your degree relate to your particular H-1B job?
Do you have any additional skills or qualifications?
Can you provide details about your previous work experience?
How does your work experience prepare you for the position in the U.S.?

Employer and job-related

Who is your employer/petitioner?
Can you explain what your U.S. employer does?
What is your new job title?
Who will your supervisor be in your new role?
What is your salary?
Where will your work location be in the U.S.?
Will you work onsite or from a remote location?
How long have you been working at your company?
How does this job align with your career goals?
Why are you leaving your previous job?
How long did you work for your previous employer?

What else should I know about the H-1B interview process?

Now that you are familiar with some examples of questions consular officers might ask in an H-1B interview, let’s review other parts of the interview process.

Where will my interview be held?

Visa interviews are held in your home country, so for example, if you’re from India, you would book your interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate there.

Be sure to check the individual embassy or consulate website for your interview process. Each post might have different instructions for procedures, and the required documents can differ from country to country.

What do I need to bring to my interview?

You’ll need to bring certain documents to the interview, including photographs, and the original or certified copy of all civil documents submitted.

Typically, you will be required to bring the following documents to your H-1B visa interview interview:

Appointment Letter: The interview appointment letter you received when you scheduled.
Form I-797, Notice of Action: The original approval notice where applicable.
Passport: Each applicant should bring an unexpired passport valid for six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States.
Photographs: A photograph for each applicant, which must meet the general photograph requirements.
DS-160 Confirmation Page: A printout of the page showing you completed the application.
Supporting Documents: Bring documentation requested by the consulate for your application. You can check your DS-160 confirmation and Appointment Ticket as they usually contain a list of required documents.

👉 Note: In some cases, biometrics (photos and fingerprints) are being requested before interview appointments. If you’re required to book a biometrics appointment before your interview, it is a good idea to bring any documents you receive from that to your interview as well.

How long does the interview take?

The length of your visa interview is up to the consular officer. An H-1B visa interview can last five to 10 minutes or take as long as an hour.

There is more demand for interviews due to changes to the Interview Waiver Program. Some visa holders report, in online forums such as Reddit, that their interviews were short, and they were asked fewer than 10 questions.

What about dependents?

Most people, regardless of age, will need to attend in-person interviews since the recent changes to the Interview Waiver Program

Spouses and children usually have interviews for H-4 visas. There will be specific documents required for these visa applications, like marriage certificates for spouses and birth certificates for children.

Here are some examples of questions your dependents might be asked by visa officers:

Why are you traveling to the US?
Where will you be living in the US?
How will you be financially supported while in the US?
Do you intend to work or study while in the US?
Have you visited the United States before?
Who will be travelling with you to the US?
What is the nature of your relationship to the principal applicant?
How did you meet your spouse?
Do you have any relatives based in the US?
How long do you intend to stay in the US?
Have you ever been denied entry into or deported from the US?
Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?
Do you have any serious health problems or medical conditions?

What happens after my H-1B visa interview?

In some cases, a visa officer might tell you during the interview whether you’ve been approved. In other cases, you’ll have to wait for additional information.

If you’re approved, your passport with your new visa stamp will be returned to you within about a week, although times might vary based on the location where you interviewed.

If any of the details you provided during your interview contradicted anything in your application, your visa application might be denied. If that happens, you should receive a letter with reasons for the denial. You may have the option to apply again.

Practical tips for your H-1B interview day

Just like with a job interview, you want to make a great impression with the consular officer who conducts your interview.

“Be confident and take the time you need before the appointment to prepare,” said Nicole Gunara, principal immigration lawyer at Manifest Law. “Make sure to read the contents of your application or be familiar with the arguments used to get your H-1B approval. The better you prepare, likely the better you will feel!”

Here are a few more tips:

Dress professionally. There is no official dress code, but you’ll want to wear business casual attire. Do not dress too casually.
Arrive early. Plan plenty of time just in case there are any unexpected delays.
Be prepared for security checks. Security will look carefully at anything you bring with you to a U.S. embassy or consulate. People have said in online forums that anything in envelopes is examined.

How can an immigration attorney help me prepare for an interview?

An experienced, knowledgeable immigration lawyer can help you prepare so you can make the best impression at your H-1B visa interview.

👉 Request a consultation with one of Manifest Law’s experienced immigration attorneys to get support and guidance tailored to your unique situation.

Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice on your specific situation.