Common visa interview questions

Before the interview:

- Do you need an interpreter?

- Are you ready for the interview?

Personal questions:

- Why do you want to study in America?

- What would you tell Canadians about Chinese culture?
- What are you doing now?
- Do you have any plans for after you return to China?
- How can you prove that you will return to China once you’ve finished your studies?
- Do you plan on returning to China?
- Have you ever been abroad before?
- Have you visited New Zealand before?
- Is this your first time applying for an Australian visa?
- What are your future plans?
- What is your current GPA?
- What will you do if your visa is rejected?
- How long will you be staying in America? How many years do you plan on living in America?

Friends and relatives:

- What does your father do?

- What is your father’s annual income?
- How many brothers and sisters do you have?
- Do you have any relatives or friends in New Zealand?
- Are your parents retired? If so, how will they pay for your annual expenses?
- Where did your brother / sister / parents complete their studies?
- Will your family visit you in Australia?

Where are you going?

- What is the purpose of your travel to Canada?

- Which school do you intend to attend?
- Where will you be staying in Australia?
- Have you been to America before? Are you familiar with the area?
- Can you tell me the location of the university?
- Which state is your school in? Which city?

Do you speak enough English?

- Have you taken the IELTS exam? What was your score?
- Have you failed the IELTS exam before?
- Do you have any experience studying in English-only classrooms?
- Do you think you’ll have any problems communicating with people?
- What steps have you taken to ensure you’ll cope with an English-only learning environment?

Renato Ganoza for EF Zhengzhou, 2009

What will you study?

- Why did you choose this school and how did you find out about it?
- Why did you choose this course / major? Is it relevant to your previous studies?
- Can you tell me the location of the school?
- Can you name some professors from the university?
- Why did you choose to study in Canada? Are no similar courses available in Chinese universities?
- Once you finish your degree would you want to return to Australia for graduate study?
- What do you intend to do after the completion of your studies?
- Do you intend to work in America after you complete your studies?
- Do you intend to get a part-time job while studying in America?
- How will studying in Canada benefit you?
- When does the school year in Australia start?
- What will be the total cost per year of studying in Canada?
- What will you do during your off periods / breaks / vacations?
- How many programs have you applied for?
- Which universities did you apply to?
- Which universities accepted you?
- Why did you choose school A instead of school B?
- What can you tell me about the school you’re going to attend?
- Can you give me any details about the courses you will attend?
- What steps have you taken to ensure you’ll be able to perform well in your studies abroad?
- Does your school have many international students?
- Who is your contact at the school?
- Why are you interested in studying at school A, specifically?
- Do you have any scholarships? Have you been awarded any scholarships?
- Do you have any student loans? Do you plan on arranging student loans to cover your expenses?
- How did you learn about this exchange program?
- Do you know how many students are granted study visas each year?

How will you pay?

- How will you cover your expenses while studying in England?

- What does your father do? What is your household’s annual income?
- Do you plan on working part-time to supplement your income?
- Do you have any work experience?
- Are your parents retired? If so, how will they cover your expenses?
- What would you do if someone offered you a job in Canada with a very high salary?
- How much does it cost to apply for an Australian student visa?

What if… ?

- What would you do if we rejected your application?

- What if you were asked to take remedial classes upon arrival?
- What would you do if your parents were unable to continue to fund your studies?
- Would you interrupt your studies if you had a family emergency back home?
- How would you feel about having a second interview after this one?
- Would you want to live off-campus in Canada?

Renato Ganoza for EF Zhengzhou, 2009