Top Most Common U.S. Immigration Interview Questions and Suggested Answers

Just learn and memorize all the U.S. immigration interview questions that will be summarized in ImmiPath’s following article, ensuring you will pass your visa and reunite your loved ones in the U.S. soon. See now!

The U.S. immigration interview is the most important stage in the sponsorship application to the U.S. because it determines whether you will be granted a visa or not.

The issue that many people with U.S. immigration applications are most concerned about is not knowing what questions the Consular Officer will ask during the interview and how to provide the most convincing answers.

Do not worry, in the following article, ImmiPath will show you a complete package of U.S. immigration interview questions, helping you prepare well to quickly be granted a visa to reunite with your loved ones. Find out now!

1. Top Most Common U.S. Immigration Interview Questions

Depending on the category, there will be different U.S. immigration interview questions. ImmiPath summarizes for you the top most common U.S. immigration interview questions so that customers can be most thoroughly prepared:

1.1. Family priority immigration interview questions (F4, F2B, F3, F1, F2A visa)

Family reunification sponsorship for immigrating to the U.S. is divided into two categories: immediate relative sponsorship and family preference sponsorship.

Preference visa categories for family reunification include the following 4 types:

• F1 Visa: This is a type of visa that allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their unmarried children 21 years old or older to settle in the U.S. Waiting time is about 7 years.
• F2A Visa: Visa issued to spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old of U.S. permanent residents. The waiting time for an F2A visa is 4 years.
• F2B Visa: Sponsoring a single child over 21 years old of a U.S. permanent resident: 6 years.
• F3 Visa: This visa allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their married children. Waiting time is 12 years -13 years.
• F4 Visa: This visa allows American Citizens to sponsor their siblings. Waiting time is from 13 years – 14 years.

Below, ImmiPath will show you the top most frequently asked U.S. immigration interview questions for family reunions and immediate relatives:

• What category is the sponsor for U.S. immigration under?
• What year did the sponsor go to the U.S.? What date and year did you enter the U.S.?
• Who were you with at that time? Did you cross the border with relatives?
• Do you have any other relatives in America?
• Is the sponsor married?
• What is the name of the sponsor’s spouse and children (if any)?
• When is a sponsor’s child’s date of birth? What’s his/her name?
• Where is the picture of the sponsor’s family?
• Where does the sponsor stand?
• Where in the United States does the sponsor live?
• What is the sponsor doing or receiving allowances?
• How many times has the sponsor returned to Vietnam? In what months and years?
• Who is the sponsor currently living with?
• What address does the sponsor live at? Phone number and email address?
• Does the applicant remember what year the child was born? What day and month? What time?
• How much did the baby weigh when born?
• Which hospital was the baby born in?
• Was there any difficulty in giving birth?
• How many children does the applicant have?
• How old is the applicant’s current child? Which school is the child studying at?
• What are the names of the applicant’s parents and spouse? What is the name of the applicant’s brother/sister-in-law?
• How many siblings does the applicant’s wife/husband have in his/her family?
• Why does the applicant have to re-register for the Birth Certificate? Where is the old one?
• How many years has the applicant’s marriage been? Where was the wedding held? What day, month, year?
• When is the applicant’s spouse’s birthday?
• Is the applicant’s spouse working or unemployed? If work, what is the name of the company?

1.2. U.S. immigration interview questions for spouses/fiancees (IR1, CR1, F2A/K1 visa)

It can be said that immigration to the U.S. through spousal sponsorship is one of the most common categories. Currently, spousal sponsorship for immigration to the U.S. is divided into 2 cases: one for U.S. citizens (CR1, IR1) and one for U.S. permanent residents with a green card (F2A).

In addition, U.S. citizens can sponsor their fiance to come to the U.S. via a K1 visa and get married within 90 days to become husband and wife, and the spouse will receive a green card.

Below, ImmiPath has compiled a list of common questions for spousal sponsorship and interviews for U.S. immigration at the U.S. Consulate in Vietnam.

Please note that you have less than 15 minutes from start to finish to complete the procedures and answer questions. Typically, the Consular Officer will ask you 3-5 questions, and in some cases, you may be asked more.

• How did the two of you meet? Was there an introduction? What is the name, age, and place of residence of the person who introduced you? What is their relationship to both of you? If you met online, please provide the chat nickname, email address, and the platform where you connected.
• When did the two of you start contacting each other? By what means? When and where did you meet for the first time? How many times have you met? Where did you go together? What topics do you usually discuss during phone conversations?
• When did you express your feelings for each other, and who was the first to do so?
• When did the proposal take place, and who proposed? Was the proposal made in person or through phone, letters, etc.? Please provide specific details about the time and location. Did your spouse agree immediately or ask for time to think? When did they agree?
• When was the engagement/wedding ceremony held? Where was it held? How many people attended? Did any family members from either side participate? On what date was the marriage registered? Did you go on a honeymoon, and if so, where?
• Have you two lived together? When? Where did you live together? When was the last time you lived together?
• Does your spouse have citizenship? If so, when did they obtain it? How many times has your spouse visited Vietnam to see you? Please provide specific details about the dates of their trips. Where did you two go during these visits? Who accompanied you? Do you have any photos or other evidence? Where did your spouse stay while in Vietnam?
• Full name of husband/wife, Vietnamese name and English name? Date of birth? Place of birth? Ancestral hometown? When did they go to the U.S.? Under what visa category? Who did they go with? If they migrated by boat, which island did they go through, at which refugee camp did they stay, for how long, and when did they arrive in the U.S.? Was there any sponsorship for their migration to the U.S., and if so, the name and age of the sponsor? Where did they live before coming to the U.S.?
• Please provide a detailed account of the residency process from the time they arrived in the U.S. until now, including who they have lived with, their names, relationships, and occupations. What is their current address and phone number? Is their current residence a private house or an apartment? Is it a rental or privately owned? How many rooms does it have? What is the landlord’s name? How much is the monthly rent?
• How many siblings does the family have? Please list their names, marital status, and where they currently live. Are they still in school or working? If in school, what grade, field of study, and which school? If working, what is their occupation and where do they work? Which child are you in the family?
• Full names, year of birth, place of birth, occupation, and current address of the parents. Are the parents still alive or have they passed away? If they have passed away, in what year did they die and what was the cause of death?
• Marital status: Has the spouse ever been married or lived with someone as a couple before? Please provide the name and age of the previous spouse. How did they meet? Where and when did they get married? How long did they live together? In what year did they separate and when did they divorce? What was the reason for the divorce? Does the former spouse now have a new family, and if so, where are they living?
• Job: What is the spouse currently doing for work? What is the name of the workplace and its address? Please provide a detailed description of the job, and how long they have been employed there. What is their monthly/weekly/annual income? Do they work independently or for someone else? Who is their boss or manager? How many people work there? Can you provide the names of a few colleagues? What was their previous job before this one? Please outline their employment history since arriving in the U.S. How is their current job situation?
• When did your spouse graduate from high school? Where did they graduate? Did they attend a university or vocational school? What is the name of the school, what did they study, and what were the dates of attendance? What did they do after graduation?
• Hobbies: What does your spouse like to do in their free time?
• • Do they enjoy watching movies? What genre do they like the most? What is their favorite movie and favorite actor?
  • Do they enjoy listening to music? What genre of music do they like the most? What is their favorite song and favorite singer?
  • Do they play sports? What sport do they like, where do they play, and when do they usually play?
  • Do they enjoy watching soccer? What is their favorite team and favorite player?
  • Do they like cooking? What are their favorite dishes to cook?
  • What brand of clothing do they prefer? What color do they like? What size and type of clothing do they prefer?
• Does your spouse have any close friends? Please list their names, occupations, places of residence, marital status, how they know each other, and for how long.
• Does the city where your spouse lives in the U.S. have any special features, such as beaches, parks, or entertainment areas? How many seasons does the city have? What season is it now? What is the climate like there? Are there any tourist attractions in the area?
• What do you plan to do when you come to America?
• Do you have relatives in the U.S.? Name, address, when did you go to America, under what category?
• Does anyone co-sponsor your profile? Full name, age, occupation, income, how are you related to you?
• Has your husband/wife ever sponsored anyone before? Name of person being sponsored? What type of sponsorship? What year?
• Have you ever been sponsored by anyone? Have you ever applied for a visa to go to the U.S.?
• Do you have children?
• Does the spouse have children? If so, are they biological or adopted? List out.

1.3. Interview questions to determine EB3 skilled labor in the U.S.

Immigration to the U.S. based on employment, also known as US immigration under the EB-3 (Employment-Based Third Category) category, is for experts, highly skilled workers, and unskilled workers.

When you successfully pass the interview with the Consular Officer, you will be issued a 10-year green card (permanent green card).

Some frequently asked questions about EB-3 U.S. immigration interviews that ImmiPath asks from customers who have successfully obtained U.S. employment-based immigration visas:

• Why did you choose this company to apply to? How to submit an application?
• When you come to America, what job will you do? Which factory? Where? What to produce? What job did they give you?
• How much will you be paid per hour?
• Who is your manager? What’s your name? How old? Where?
• Personal information about you and your dependents such as date of birth, occupation, age, current job
• What is the name of your EB-3 immigration attorney? How do you know that lawyer?
• When you come to America, where will you live and how will you live?
• Why do you want to go to America?
• Why is your current job so good that you still want to go to America to work?
• You are in Vietnam, why do you know the employer is in the U.S. and apply for a job there?
• How do you apply for a job at this company/factory?
• Was your application to the company approved? Who interviews and approves your job application?
• When do you open your application?
• Have you seen your work permit (LC) yet? Did you sign your work permit?
• Who is in charge of filing your EB-3 U.S. immigration application?

1.4. U.S. immigration interview questions for EB5 investor

Many businesspeople and middle-class individuals with strong economic potential who want to obtain a green card quickly to legally settle in the U.S. can register for the EB-5 investment program, which requires a minimum investment of $1,050,000, or invest in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) for approximately $800,000.

This investment amount provides the opportunity to become a U.S. permanent resident for your entire family.

ImmiPath summarizes some frequently asked questions about EB-5 U.S. immigration interviews:

• Can I see your passport and the passports of your family members?
• Have you ever been to the U.S. before? If yes, please tell us the exact trip you took and what was the purpose of that trip. Have you ever applied to immigrate to the U.S. before? If yes, please explain clearly.
• What do you do according to the natural standards for your immigration application? Why do you want to leave your homeland?
• Do you have any friends or relatives living in the U.S.?  If so, please state clearly who they are and what job they do. Can I see your Marriage Certificate?
• How many times have you been married? If yes, please list the details and provide me with the appropriate Divorce Certificate.
• If you have children, please describe each specific case (age, state of birth, etc.)
• If your accompanying children are over 21 years old, are they full-time students?
• Do you know the conditions of the investor’s immigration program that you are applying for? Please tell us what conditions it covers.
• How do you understand the U.S. immigration program, specifically the EB-5 program that you are participating in?
• Does your project meet the program’s conditions?
• Has the project created 10 jobs?
• Which projects have you invested in? Why did you decide to invest in this project? Please provide basic information about the project you are investing in.
• Is your project on the list of at-risk economic establishments or businesses? Is your investment considered a risky investment? Please let us know your upcoming business/work plans in the U.S. (if any). What will you do in America?
• Do you own product assets? Is it in their name? If yes, please indicate the maximum of this asset. Where did you receive the money to buy the asset for yourself? What was the value of that property at the time you bought it? Which bank did you mortgage your property at and for how much? In what form does the bank disburse funds?
• On what date did you transfer the investment money to the escrow account? How many times to transfer money? Transfer from whose account? Where is the account?
• Has the applicant had contact with a person with a serious infectious disease? Has the applicant ever been denied entry to the United States at a port of entry?
• Has the applicant ever suffered from a physical or mental disorder, or engaged in behavior related to this illness that could seriously affect the property, safety, or welfare of himself or others? 
• Could you please provide health examination records of all family members?

2. Top U.S. Non-immigrant Interview Questions

In addition to concerns about interview questions for U.S. immigrant visas, non-immigrant visas to visit children in the U.S. or just travel, study abroad, or cultural exchanges are also of interest to many people: 

2.1 Interview questions for parents visiting their children in the United States

• What are you going to America for? Your parents should give a real reason why they want to visit the United States (most likely to visit you).
• Where are you going? It’s best to be specific with this answer. Ask your parents to include relevant hotel and address information. 
• How long do you want to stay? Your parents must tell the interviewer how long they want to stay in the United States (no longer than allowed for the visa they are applying for).
• Do you have relatives living in the United States? If your parents have any relatives (including you, of course) in the U.S., they should provide accurate information.
• What is your son/daughter’s contact information? Parents should write down or memorize your contact information, including your phone number and address
• What visa does your son/daughter have? (e.g. work visa or green card)
• Where does your child work or study? Tell your parents to memorize or write down the name of your work or school and its location
• Who sponsored your trip? If your parents are sponsoring their own trip, ask them to show proof of their available funds (with a printed bank statement). If someone is sponsoring your parents or you are sponsoring, documents can be prepared to prove this
• Who will come with you to America? If parents plan to travel with friends or other family members, provide all relevant information.
• What is your job in Vietnam? Your parents should provide as much information as possible about their jobs. If they are retired, they should mention this
• How much do you earn per year? If your parents have an income, ask them to give an annual figure and show proof of how much they earn
• What will you do with your business while you are in the U.S.? Parents will need to explain who will manage the business while they are in the United States
• Will you be able to return to Vietnam after traveling to America? Because your parents will be visiting on a temporary visa, they must answer Yes to this question
• How will you convince me that you will return to Vietnam? The interviewer must know that your parents do not intend to stay in the United States. To do so, parents must come up with specific responsibilities in their home country of Vietnam that they will return home to fulfill (for example, maintaining a house or taking care of children).
• Do you pay income taxes in Vietnam? Your parents should bring documents related to any taxes owed.
• The interviewer may also ask your parents if they have any other children and may ask for their information. The consular officer will likely ask about your parents’ home address in Vietnam and whether they have any illnesses. They may want to know if your parents own any businesses or land. It is important to answer every question as honestly as possible. 

2.2. Interview questions for traveling to the U.S.

Some interview questions for a U.S. tourist visa that you should review and prepare for thoroughly:

What is your purpose for coming to America?

This is just a warm-up question. Just answer in two or three sentences clearly explaining the reason behind your purpose of travel, whatever it is:

• “For business purposes – contract negotiations.”
• “Visiting my mother who lives in America.”
• “For medical treatment.”
• I’m going to visit my aunt, whom I haven’t seen for a long time. She has been inviting me over for several years, and only now have I managed to find the time to apply for a visa and make the trip.”
• “The reason I wanted to get a U.S. visa was to visit the country and see the sights. I saved for a long time for this trip.”,
• “I won the right to attend the conference/workshop/training.”, etc.

Please answer briefly and clearly, because your time with the consular officer is very short and you do not want to waste time by talking nonsense and neither does the interviewer.

Have you ever been to America?

It is very important to answer honestly. Tell about the reasons you came to the U.S. before, for example, tourism, training, medical reasons, etc. Even if you overstayed the validity of your visa, were deported, or were detained during your previous stay in the U.S., you must tell.

The interviewer has the information anyway, so there’s no point in lying. If you’ve never been to America before, just say it.

Do you have relatives or friends currently in the U.S.?

Even if you have some distant relatives that you only see every three or four years or even less, tell the consulate about them. Also, even if you have a friend whom you have only met once or twice, you should be equally honest with the Consulate.

It is best to be honest in all your answers rather than having the Consular Officer discover inconsistencies later, as this could jeopardize your visa application. The embassy is primarily concerned that tourist visa applicants might attempt to overstay in the U.S. and conceal information such as having relatives or friends residing in the U.S., which could make the purpose of your visit appear more suspicious.

If so, you will be asked about how long they have lived in the U.S., their address, their job, etc. So, try to contact your friends and relatives in advance and ask them about this information.

Where will you reside in the United States?

If you booked a hotel room, tell the interviewer why you chose that hotel. If you will be staying at a friend or relative’s house, present their invitation letter and describe your relationship with them.

How long will you be in the U.S.?

One week, three months, two days, etc., just provide the length of time you plan to stay in the United States. These questions are just a warm-up for the next questions. The consular officer has all of this information on hand in your application. However, the consulate wants to interview you again to see how you react and also to determine whether your answers match what you declared.

Why do you plan to stay so long?

This is a question that interviewers often ask people who have applied for a visa with a validity period of more than 6 months. If you have applied for such a visa, you must have a valid reason behind it, so provide the interviewer with a comprehensive explanation.

Who will you travel with?

If you are traveling alone, you can say the same, or if you will be traveling with others, explain to the consulate whether these people are registered as your dependents and what your relationship is with these people.

Have you booked your tickets yet?

If you will be asked this question depends on your situation, however, if you have already done so, show the booking confirmation letter to the interviewer.

How much do you think your time in America will cost?

Prepare an itinerary for your U.S. trip, including all expenses. Present this journey to the interviewer when asked this question. It will show the consular officer that you know what you are doing and you know how much you will spend.

What do you do? How much do you earn?

Tell the interviewer about your profession, what you do in general, how long you have worked there, as well as about your place of work, company name, income, and current salary. If you have other types of income, such as rent or freelance work, show how much you receive monthly/yearly from them.

How will you finance your trip? Who is your sponsor?

This is a question to ensure where your money is coming from. You will present bank statements and other documents to the interviewer, so they will know who is funding your trip.

However, please answer simply and clearly. Present proof of all your income and savings if you plan to fund the trip with your own financial means.

On the other hand, if someone else is sponsoring your trip to the U.S., explain your relationship with them, their income, and other details to prove that they can cover your financial needs during your stay. If you feel the Consular Officer is giving you space to elaborate on this issue, mention your occupation and other details to demonstrate that you have strong ties and a legitimate reason for this person to sponsor your trip.

Are you married? Do you have children? Do you have pets? Who will take care of them while you are away?

The consulate wants to know if you are leaving behind anyone you are committed to and will need to return to. If you have children or pets, let them know who will take care of them while you are away and what your relationship is with the caregiver.

If you have young children or pets, you will need to show the consulate who will take care of them and your relationship with that person. The same applies to your home or property.

Do you intend to stay in the U.S.?

We all know that even if you intended to stay in the United States, you would not say that to the consulate. This question is asked so that you have the opportunity to demonstrate to the consular officer that you do not have such intentions. You should answer most convincingly.

Tell them the strongest reasons why you must return to your country when your visa expires. Show them you have very strong ties to your country, by telling them you have family, children, pets, friends, assets, etc.

How can you ensure that you will return to Vietnam after your U.S. trip ends?

Try to demonstrate to the consular officer that you have strong ties to your home country of Vietnam and you have no intention to remain in the United States.

For example, you may have a girlfriend/fiance/wife, children, or parents that you intend to return to. You may have property or a business that needs to be managed. You should present any contracts you have with your employer or other commitments that prove you must return to Vietnam after your trip to the U.S.

2.3. Interview questions for U.S. student visa

Some interview questions for a U.S. student visa that you should review and prepare for:

• Why do you want to study in the U.S.?
• How do you plan to finance your studies in the U.S.?
• Why did you choose to study at this particular University/College?
• Do you plan to stay in the U.S. after studying to work?
• Do you have relatives living in the U.S.?
• What grade are you in? What is your class?
• What is the name of your school?
• Is there anything special about your school? Please introduce a little about your school!
• What is your favorite subject? Why do you like it?
• What do you usually do after school?
• Who is your favorite teacher?
• What is the purpose of your trip?
• Why did you choose to study in the U.S.?
• Why don’t you choose to study in another country?
• Why don’t you choose to study at another school?
• Which city will you go to? Tell me something about the city you will live in in the U.S.
• What grade will you study in the U.S.?
• When will your school start? When is your school’s next admission period?
• Why did you choose that major?
• How much is tuition?
• Where will you live in the U.S.?
• What are your parents’ jobs?
• How much money do your parents earn a month? How much is your family’s monthly income?
• Who will pay for your studies in the U.S.?
• How do your parents pay for your education?
• Do your parents have a savings book/bank account? How much?
• How many houses or plots of land do your parents have?
• Do your parents have a car?
• How much will your parents give you when you live in America?
• Will you return to Vietnam after completing your studies?
• How can you prove that you will return to Vietnam?
• What will you do after finishing your studies in the U.S.?
• How long do you plan to stay in the U.S. after completing your studies?
• Do you intend to work in the U.S.?
• If you were offered a good, high-paying job, would you take the job?
• In your opinion, what makes me grant you a visa?
• What will you do when I tell you that you are not qualified for a visa?
• What difficulties do you think you might encounter in America?
• What would you do if your parents ran out of money and could not continue to pay for you to study abroad?

3. How to Have the Most Successful U.S. Immigration Interview?

To have a successful U.S. immigration interview and be approved by the Consulate to issue a visa, in addition to preparing all the questions as ImmiPath presented above, when facing the interviewer, you need to have a confident and honest demeanor in all answers, the most scientific arrangement of documents, neat and polite clothing to create sympathy with the Consular Officer.

If you are still concerned about your upcoming U.S. immigration interview, you can seek help from an immigration consultancy center like ImmiPath. They can guide to boost your confidence and help you answer convincingly, increasing your chances of visa approval.

If you have any questions about U.S. immigration interview questions, please comment below this post. The ImmiPath team of consultants will assist and advise you with all their experience and dedication, helping make your dream of U.S. immigration come true.