Top H-1B Visa Interview Questions

The US is a land of opportunities. If you can secure an H-1B visa, you will be able to work for American Companies. Apart from getting a job offer from an American employer, you need to sit for an interview to get an H-1B visa. Under Trump’s administration, things have been rough. But don’t worry, as people are more optimistic about Joe Biden being elected as the 46^th President of the United States of America. If you want to apply for an H-1B visa, here are a couple of questions that you might be asked in your interview.

Why do you want to visit the United States of America/ what is your visit’s purpose?

This is the most basic yet important question that you will ask in your interview. When you apply for an H-1B visa, you should answer that you want to visit the US for employment purposes. You also need to mention the name of the company for which you want to work for.

How do you plan on supporting yourself till you receive your first paycheck?

Do not panic if you are asked this question. This is a general question that will help the interviewer assess that you are fit enough to take care of yourself in the US and not engage in anti-social activities. Try to be as honest as possible. If you have enough savings to sail through that time, let them know. If your company is providing you with accommodation or any loan – you need to mention that as well.

Can you show me your I-129 and I-797?

I-129 is a petition form that needs to be filed on your behalf (i.e., behalf of the nonimmigrant worker) to work or receive any training in the US. The American Employer usually does it to sponsor a foreign worker into the country. The Form I-797 is used by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to communicate with the applicants. The form will be sent to by the USCIS within 2-3 weeks from the submission date of the application. There seven different kinds of I-797 forms, and hence, you need to be careful about which one you receive. Both the documents are vital for you to be granted an H-1B visa.

How did you know about your employer in the US?

It would be best if you were honest when you answer this question. All the answers need to be verifiable as well as legit. They might even want the name of the job portal from where you have contacted your current American employer.

Why are you leaving your current employer?

Be honest yet diplomatic while answering this question. You can inform the interviewer that you are leaving the company to achieve personal growth or earn more money and advance in your career.

How was the interview with your current employer conducted?

It would be best if you mentioned that the interview was taken online. You can even mention the website or app used to conduct the interview. Let the interviewer know on which date the interview was conducted.

Where will you be working in the United States? Do you know the living cost of that area?

The interviewer is trying to assess whether you are aware of the living standard in the US. There are 50 states in the USA. The average living cost differs from state to state. It would be best if you did a little bit of research about the US state’s living cost where you want to work.

Do you have a receipt of the DS-160 form?

Each applicant who wants to work in the US needs to have their DS – 160 application form. You must complete the form and submit it before your interview to the US consulate or Embassy. The form can be submitted online. This form is essential as the bar code on the top of your form will help you land your H-1B interview. Hence, you need to bring in the printed receipt/confirmation page during your interview.  You will not be entertained if you forget to do so.

What is your age?

There is an age limit on the H-1B visa. You need to be at least 21 years of age if you want to apply for one. People well past their retirement age ( i.e., 65 years) have also been accepted H-1B, although it is extremely rare. It would be best, to be honest about your age and have documents ready to support your claim.

 What is your highest educational qualification?

The minimum educational qualification for applying for an H-1B visa is a bachelor’s degree. However, if you are more qualified, you do not need to hide it. Be honest and show the necessary documentation to support your claim.

How long have you been working?

The minimum work experience required for one to get an H-1B visa is 12 years. Below that, you won’t be able to apply for an H-1B visa. It would be best if you were honest when you are asked this question. If you have 12 years (or more) of job experience, you should be able to show verifiable documents to support your claim.

When do you plan on returning to your home country?

The H-1B visa can be issued for a maximum time of 6 years. Beyond that, you need to apply for a green card to continue living and working in the US. Getting a. Green card means that you will become a citizen of the US. Initially, the H-1B visa can be issued for a maximum time limit of 3 years. The time limit is dependant on the contract that you have with your employer. Later, it can be extended for additional three years. If you are asked this question in your interview, you need to be honest. State that you will stay in the country for as long as your visa lasts. You will abide by the immigration rules of the US and will return if the visa expires.

For how many years has your American employer been in the business, and what might be the company’s annual turnover?

It would be best to do thorough research about the company you want to work for before you sit for your H-1B visa interview. If you do not know the answer, do not lie. Be honest, as the officials will cross-check your answers.