36 commonly asked Visa interview questions and answers  

Over the past decade, the UK, America, and Canada have been educational destinations for people looking to acquire a degree. 

With the rise in the number of potential applicants, there is also a rinse in the rate of visa denials. 

Below are 36 commonly asked visa interview questions that you can prepare for and increase your chances if a visa approval

1. How do we know you will return home after your visa expires 

At this point you should discuss the things that tied you to your country. They need to understand you have strong ties to your home country. A job, a family, school. 

2. What’s the purpose of your visit? 

 Explain the purpose. Give the details as to why you want to visit by giving supporting documents ( sight seeing, Tour bookings, Therapy appointments , study etc)

3. How much will this journey cost you?

Make calculations before the interview. Talk about your investments, income & expenditure before departure from home country & arrival in a new place

Show that you are a convincing candidate that has thought of the financial aspects

4. What do you do for a living in your country?

Discuss your activities in your home country ie education, family, work, hobbies etc

5. What is the duration of your stay? 

You need to state your date of travel and you could be asked to give a residence address for the location you intend to stay, the type of residence.

6. How long are you going to stay

You should give an answer that matches your travel itinerary 

7. How long have you been working in this company 

State the number of years you worked for the company.

8. How much is your salary or how much do you earn? 

State your monthly salary if you are an employee. If you are an employer, state your net earnings. 

9. Are you traveling with someone else?

A simple yea or no and explaining your relationship with whomever should suffice. 

10. Do you have a job-leave approval letter from your employer?

If you do, hand this to the officer. If you do not, trying to convince the officer you have been granted a leave of absent won’t work.

11. Do you plan to pursue Masters or Doctoral studies after you finish Bachelors?

Express your concern regarding the current Bachelor studies but mention that there exist the possibility for you to consider this opportunity in the long-term future 

12. Have you ever travelled to other places?

You can answer yes or no. 

13. Can you show your bank statement?

Don’t show any hesitation in providing the requested document 

14. What are your plans after the visa expires?

You need to convince them you intend to return home once the Visa expires. You might need to reassure your ties to your country at this point. 

15. What have you been doing in your home country?

If you’re traveling for work, mention your previous employer. If you’re traveling for school, mention your completed course if any, if it’s a tourism visit, mention your current occupation 

16. Where will you be working/studying?

You should give the address if the intended office or college or university address. It’ll be helpful to give information about the distance if your residence from the office or college. 

17. Have you been to (the country you applied to) before?

Answer yes or no and the intention of your travel if requested. If you have travelled to a different country, use that to your advantage to stress your intentions of coming back to the native country. 

18. Do you have any relatives or friends in the country you are applying to?

Answer with a yes or no. If your answer is yes, explain your relationship with the person(s). If your answer is no, state the purpose of your travel. 

19. Where will you be staying?

You need to mention the address of your stay. If you will be at multiple locations, mention the address you will stay at the most number of days. 

20. Who will cover your expense during the travel?

Depending on your type of visa, you need to submit proof of sufficient funds to cover your travel. If your visa category allows you have someone else cover your expenses, you need a letter of consent as well as the required documents. 

21. What is the reason for your travel?

You must answer based on your purpose of travel. Before applying for the visa, you must have a plan supporting your trip.

22. Are you married? Is your spouse traveling with you? Why/why not?

Mention the name and occupation of your spouse if you are married. If you are unmarried but have a partner, mention the name and occupation of your partner. If the spouse or partner is traveling with you, repeat the same steps, if not, explain why. 

23. What is your educational qualification?

State your highest degree from a school or university. You don’t need to state all the institutions you have attended unless the interviewer/officer asks you to do so. 

24. How much will this journey cost you

Your calculations must be done early enough for the interview. Calculations must include all the investments you do before and after your arrival, as well as during your return to your home country. So, show you are a promising candidate that probably has projected its financial aspect and is able to deal with them when abroad. 

25. Can you guarantee that you will return to your country within the stipulated visa expiry time?

Stress about returning to your home country after your visit. Explain you have friends, family, businesses, employment, and property here in the country and that you will come back before the expiry of the visa. You should have valid documents supporting these claims. 

26. What do you do in your living country?

Discuss activities like family, work, hobbies, and education in your home country. 

27. What do you know about the country you’re visiting?

It is important to do some research about the specific country you are visiting. Focus talks a little bit about freedom of movement and law uniformity. You can also talk about collaborations with friendly countries, e.g Schengen countries. 

28. What do you know about the country you are about to study in?

Take time to explore a little about the benefits the education of the country you are about to study offers compared to the other countries 

29. Which college/university do you study at? Are you on scholarship there?

This question applies to students. Mention the name of the college/university, give the address of the institution. State terms of scholarship if you’re on scholarship. It is best to carry a college ID during the interview. 

30. What will you do if your visa is rejected?

The interviewer wants to hear you have things to do in your country. Tell him or her you have commitments that you should take care of, by mentioning your important engagements and relations. 

31. How will you travel to the university each day and how much will this cost?

You should state how far from the university the accommodation is. If it is within walking distance, the cost is free. If it is further afield, you should give a realistic estimate of public transportation costs. 

32. Given your previous study history, how will this course assist you in your future plans?

You should explain how the course you applied for follows from the course you already studied, and explain your future plans. Explain the value of the qualification to an employer and how it will help in your future plans. 

33. Did you consider studying any other courses or studying at another university either in the UK or overseas?

Studying abroad is a big step. You should be able to demonstrate that you have made a serious and informed choice about this step. List the other institutions considered and state why you chose this university above others. If you have looked at courses at home you should state this and explain why the equivalent degree in the UK will be of more benefit to you. 

34. What do your parents do?

Mention the occupation of your parents and provide additional details like annual income when asked by an officer. 

35. Why did you select this college/university?

Be aware of the benefits offered by that college/university before applying for the visa highlight those benefits to stress your intentions of joining that particular college/university. 

Why did you choose the [UK] for your higher studies?

Highlight the advantages of choosing that particular course/program in the UK over the other available options. You need to explain how this decisions will boost your career in terms of studies and what you intend to do after completion of the program/course. 

The information listed is courtesy Wakawaka Doctor on YouTube.