If you are planning to travel to the United States for an exchange program, you will need to obtain a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa. This visa is designed for individuals who wish to participate in cultural exchange programs, educational programs, and other types of programs that promote international exchange. To obtain this visa, you will need to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Here are some common questions that you may be asked during your interview.
1. What is the purpose of your trip to the United States?
This is a standard question that is asked of all visa applicants. The interviewer wants to know why you are traveling to the United States and what you will be doing while you are there. Be sure to provide a clear and concise answer that explains the purpose of your trip. Your DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility includes the type of your J-1 Visa, employer information and duration of your program.
2. Which program are you participating in?
You will need to provide details about the program you will be participating in. The DS-2019 provided by the Visa Sponsor includes the name of your program. For more details about programs available under the J-1 Visa click here.
3. How long will you be staying in the United States?
The interviewer wants to know how long you will be staying in the United States and when you plan to return to your home country. Be sure to provide a specific time-frame that aligns with the duration of your program.
4. Have you visited the United States before?
If you have previously visited the United States, you will need to provide details about your previous trips, including the purpose of your visit, the length of your stay, and whether you complied with the terms of your visa. It is highly recommended that you have copies of your previous U.S. Visas and I-94 Forms. To get your travel history, please visit U.S Customs and Border Protection.
5. What is your current occupation?
You will need to provide information about your current occupation, including your job title, employer, and job responsibilities. If you are a student, you will need to provide information about your school, major, and anticipated graduation date. As supportive documents, please have available an employment letter and/or a student enrollment letter.
6. What ties do you have to your home country?
The interviewer wants to know what ties you have to your home country that will motivate you to return after your program ends. Be sure to provide information about your future career goals upon return to your home country, family ties, assets (if applicable), or other significant ties that demonstrate your commitment to returning home.
7. Do you have any family or friends in the United States?
If you have family or friends in the United States, you will need to provide details about your relationship with them, including their name, address, and immigration status.
8. How do you finance your trip to the United States?
You will need to provide information about how you paid for the program you are enrolled in, including information regarding personal funds, pay rate/ stipend during the course of the program in the United States.
9. Have you ever been denied a visa to the United States or any other country?
If you have previously been denied a visa to the United States or any other country, you will need to provide details about the reasons for the denial.
10. Do you have any criminal convictions?
You will need to provide information about any criminal convictions you have had, including the nature of the offense and the date of the conviction.
*** Please note that you may be asked additional questions.
Overall, your J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa interview will focus on your eligibility for the program and your intention to return to your home country after your program ends. By preparing in advance and providing clear and concise answers to the interviewer’s questions, you can increase your chances of obtaining a successful outcome. Good luck!