Santhosh Kumar Poturaju

University Of Michigan Flint.

QUESTION LIST – PURPOSE OF TRIP TO USA

1. What is the purpose of your trip to USA ?

2. Why have you chosen USA for your higher education ?
3. Why do you want to study in USA ?
4. Why don’t you like to continue your education in India ?
5. Why have you opted for only USA but not U.K or Australia ?
6. Why do you plan to pursue masters in USA ?
7. India has some top rated schools, then why would you like to come to USA ?
8. In what way the masters in USA will be different from that of India ?
9. In what way the U.S. education will enhance your career prospects ?
10. Do you feel you have a distinct advantage studying in USA ?
11. How long do you intend to stay in USA ?
12. Are you going to this particular place ?
13. Why are you going to this particular place ?
14. Where are you going to stay in USA ?
15. When have you taken a decision to study in USA ?

QUESTIONS RELATED TO UNIVERSITY – PROGRAM – PLACE

1. Which university you are going to ?

2. Why have you opted for this university ?
3. Why have you chosen only this university ?
4. How have you come to know about this university ?
5. Could you tell me something about the location of this university ?
6. What do you know about the climate of the place ?
7. What are the important cities in this particular state ?
8. What is it famous for ?
9. Who are the important personalities associated with the university ?
10. Why did you select this particular university ?
11. Have you contacted anybody in the university ?
12. Could you name the port of entry to your school ?
13. Could you tell me the name of the campus you have applied ?
14. How many I-20’s you have received ?
15. Why do you think you have been rejected by a particular school ?
16. Would you tell me something about the course you are taking up ?
17. What are the majors you would be pursuing as part of the course ?
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

18. What is your research interest ?

19. Did you get scholarship from the university ?
20. If not, why ?
21. In what way will the course you are doing help ?

QUESTIONS RELATED TO EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND TEST

SCORES

1. What is your major in under graduation ?

2. What is your under graduation percentage ?
3. Why have you chosen this major ?
4. Why did you get less percentage ?
5. Why are you changing your major ?
6. As you are changing your major, I feel you have no academic focus. How would
you justify ?
7. Which major has interested you at UG level ?
8. I see a gap of 2 years in your academics. What is the reason ?
9. Do you think it is relevant to do masters at this stage ?
10. Why have you not planned for masters right after UG ?
11. You have less percentage in UG, do you think you can cope with the course in
US?
12. What is your score in GRE / GMAT ?
13. Why did you get less score ?
14. What is your score in TOEFL ?
15. With this less score can you cope with the course ?
16. Why have you not opted for English Language Program ?
17. Why have you not taken GRE / GMAT / TOEFL ?

QUESTIONS RELATED TO FUTURE PLANS

1. What are your future plans ?

2. What do you wish to do after your masters ?
3. Do you think there is a logical connection between the course you are doing and
the course you are going to do in US ?
4. In what way the course in US will help you ?
5. Down the line 10 years where do you see yourself ?
6. What are your career goals ?
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

7. What are your short term / long term plans ?

8. How should I believe that you would come back to India after completing your
course ?
9. What are you going to do with your masters degree in India ?
10. Most of the students going to U.S are settling down in U.S. In what way you are
going to be different ?
11. What makes you come back to India after masters in U.S.?
12. Do you know the salary differences between India and U.S ?
13. Do you have any plans of doing Ph.D in USA ?
14. Would you propose marrying a boy/girl in case you happen to like him / her
during your stay in US ?
15. You have a bright prospect of getting a very good job in U.S. Then why would
you like to come back ?
16. What will be the salary range when you comeback to India ?
17. Which companies might offer you a job ?
18. At what position would you enter the organization ?
19. If you stay back in US, would you call your parents there ?
20. Do you plan to work on campus ?
21. I don’t think you will return to India. I feel that you are a prospective immigrant ?
22. Would you prefer coming back home during vacation?

QUESTIONS RELATED TO FINANCIAL STATUS

1. What will be your total expenses during the course ?

2. How much is the tuition fee ?
3. How do you propose to fund your education in US?
4. Who is your sponsor/s?
5. What is the annual/monthly income?
6. What is the Salary?
7. Don’t you think that it is a heavy burden for your father to fund your U.S
education?
8. What is your mother?
9. Why is your uncle / any distant funding your education?
10. Have you taken a student loan?
11. Why have you taken such a huge loan?
12. How have you planned to repay the loan?
13. How many brothers and sisters do you have?
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

14. How many of them have been to US?

15. What is worth liquid of assets you have? Would you show me evidence for it?
16. What is the worth of your immovable property?
17. Do you own a house. If yes describe it?
18. Do you own a car, what is its registration number?
19. If all savings of your parents are used up for your education, how about your
siblings?
20. Can you show me your C.A certificate?
21. I feel that with your annual income, you may find it difficult to fund your
education in US. How do you tackle?
22. What are your siblings?

MISCELLANEOUS :

1. Which type of dress you like?

2. Do you like pets?
3. How do you react if I reject your Visa?
4. Would you come back during vacation?
5. Describe your house?
6. How many cars does your family own?
7. What are their colours / models?
8. When you go out of India, who will take care of your parents?
9. Why are you leaving your present job?
10. After coming back to India do you think you can get a job?
11. What are the strengths / weaknesses of your personality?
12. Can you describe a movie that you have recently soon?
13. Who is your best friend and why?
14. Talk about your achievements in your life?
15. What are your hobbie?
16. What kind of program do you watch on T.V?
17. Do you think you have presence of mind?
18. How did you prepare yourself for the Interview?

MODEL ANSWERS

Note :- Use these answers just as role models. You are advised to develop your own
answers. But you get clear cut guidelines going through the stuff.
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

Introduction :
The first impression is the best impression. Try to impress the visa officer with your
dress, appearance and facial expression. Sport a smile going through the stuff.

Greet the Visa Officer saying – Good morning Visa officer – the Americans would like
to be addressed with their designation. The visa officer may or respond to your wish.
Don’t bother about it. Wait for the question with enthusiasm. But don’t be artificial.

Some Introductory Questions

1. How are you?
2. How are you feeling today?
3. How is life?
4. How do you do?

One purpose of these questions is to make you feel comfortable and put you into the right
frame of mind to face the interview. Be casual in answering these questions. You can just
say – I am doing fine. Thank you. Avoid using superlative expressions.

Purpose of trip to USA :

1. What is the purpose of your trip to USA?

Ans. I plan to go USA to pursue the Master’s degree in Computer science in Michigan
State University.
2. Why have you chosen USA to pursue your Masters degree?
Ans. For this question you must be prepared with long as well as a short answer. So do
proper homework before answering this question. Try to know the advantages of
studying in USA. Don’t belittle your country. Just highlight the merits of US System of
Education.

Short Answer :
Have chosen USA to pursue my masters because it gives me particular exposure to the
field of my interest that Computer Networking. The research work in US universities is
really beneficial. It helps in sharpening my skills, US degrees have global acceptance.
The qualitative training and techno-centric environment provides perfect ambience for
growth. The courses in US are known for flexibility. The cultural diversity of US
universities provide scope for emotional growth. The US degree has a great demand in
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

Indian market. The practical knowledge that is acquired in US is of grate help way back
in India.

Long Answer :-

In this part some of hints are given and the students are advised to prepare answers
according to the case and the situation.

1. Academic excellence :- US has one of the best education systems in the world.
The qualitative training provided will prepare the student to start working in the
industry directly. There is an unbreakable link between the university and industry
in US. This provides a practical touch to the course. There is tremendous diversity
of programs offered by US universities. You can think of programs like MS in
sports medicine, MS in criminology etc..
2. LAB to field link :- The course in US universities are directly linked to the field.
Here, student keeps himself in touch with current happenings.
3. The research tradition :- The US universities have a strong grounding in
research. In fact while admitting students also, the departments give importance to
research background of the student 80% of research work is carried out in US in
the universities. A master’s course in this research centric environment we
definitely prepare the students for challenging career. The course in US has more
industrial slant rather than theoretical slant. This keeps the students in the
forefront of research.
4. Global acceptance :- In spite of the competition from countries like Australia,
U.K, Canada etc., the US degree has a cutting edge. A US degree will literally
throw open the doors of the whole world. You can compete anywhere in a global
village.
5. Techno-centric Environment :- US universities make use of modern technology
to the maximum extent right from academics to the personal comforts, technology
is given top priority.
6. Flexibility of curriculum:- The courses in US universities have tremendous
flexibility. The syllabus is no imposed on the student. The student is given a wide
choice to choose from. For example, if the university offers VLSI, DSP,
Embedded systems, computer Architecture, wireless communication, VHDL, as
part of MS in Electrical Engineering, the student is free to choose any of the
majors satisfying the credit requirement. In most of the universities, the inter
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

disciplinary majors can be chosen. For example, a student of mechanical

Engineering can select one of the majors in computer science.
7. Cultural diversity :- The US universities offer tremendous cultural diversity in
most of the US Universities there will be students from a minimum of 70 to 80
countries. This offers a great scope to grow in everyway possible.

1. Why do you want to study in US not in India?

Ans: India has definitely some internationally renewed institutions like IITs. But they
are very few. In American universities the course has an industrial slant, mostly
the courses are theoretical in orientation. In terms of diversity of student
population, the Indian universities cannot be compared with the US universities.
The universities will have students from all the five continents in the world. The
flexibility of courses in US is great. The cutting edge technologies used in US
universities may not be found in Indian Universities. Last but not least, the US
degree enjoys a great popularity in Indian market.

2. Why would you like to pursue your masters in US but not in UK, Australia
etc.?
Ans: Firstly, the US degree has more credibility in India than the degree from any other
country. Secondly, the cutting edge technologies used in system of education has
no parallel. In fact US is technology leader in the world. Thirdly, in US
universities the course have greater flexibility. The student can choose literally
from hundreds of specializations. Finally, US is the only country that offers
curricular practical training option during or after the course. This helps student in
gaining invaluable practical experience. The US degree has more respect,
credibility & acceptability.

3. In what way the US education will enhance your career prospectus?

Ans : Here, the V.O would like to know what benefits you get by studying in US in
terms of your career. Focus your answer only in that direction.
The US degree has greater acceptance and credibility. By pursuing a degree in US
one can aspire to carve out & career in any part of the world.
The US degree enjoys great popularity in the Indian market.
The courses in US have an Industrial affinity. This prepares one to take up a
challenging position right after completing the degree.
US universities have a strong research tradition. This keeps the student closely in
touch with the current developments in the subjects.
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

The concentration on a particular branch of study makes the student gain the grip
in that field of study.

4. Why do you plan to pursue masters?

Ans. Understand the scope of the question. Here the V.O would like to know why you
want to pursue your masters. You need not talk about why in US. I have
completed my UG with mechanical as my specialization. As part of the study, I’m
able to gain some knowledge of different areas of the subject. But I don’t have
sufficient depth in a particular area. Say, in internal engineering. To acquire
mastery over this area, I need to pursue masters.

5. How long do you intend to stay in US ?

Ans. I’m going to stay in US for the duration of my course. Answer according to your
I-20.

6. Are you going to US to join your family members or relatives ?

Ans. All my family members are in India and my purpose of going to US is to pursue
higher education.

7. Why are you going to this particular place in US ?

Ans. My only priority in going to US is to pursue my higher education. When I thought
about it, I’ve taken in consideration the right program and the right university and
also the budget. Since the university I have opted to study has satisfied all these
requirements. I am going ahead with it.

8. Where are you going to stay in US ?

Ans. I prefer to stay on campus.

TOP TEN QUESTIONS TO STUDY IN US :

1. The U.S education has the largest number of world-renowned educational

institutions.
2. U.S Education will open doors and increase your market value.
3. The One-year practical training course of study is an invaluable opportunity to
gain work experience in the U.S
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

4. The option to pursue a liberal arts degree as an undergraduate in the US means

that you can explore diverse academic interests before getting locked into a
Particular field. Even graduates can specialize in fields that are virtually unheard
of elsewhere! Imagine doing a Masters in playwriting, or sports administrations
which prepar890889s you to be a coach!
5. US universities attract visiting faculty from around the country and, in fact, the
world. The unique structure or the quarter or semester system allows you to take
short courses offered by these professors alongside the regular college offerings.
This means that at a good university, you can literally get the best education the
world has to offer.
6. The nature of the quarter or semester system followed in the US also eliminates
end-of-the year stress over final exams. The approach to learning is not dictated
by the kind of questions that will be asked in the exams. Instead, you absorb and
perform at a steady pace through out the year and there is no pressure on your
whole life being determined by how you do in one test.
7. US education is not just about books; experience is the real teacher. And living
away from home, in a country like the US, is an experience in itself. Right from
the time you will fill out the application, the system really pushes you to stretch
yourself and think. You will grow emotionally and intellectually in ways you
might never have imagined.
8. When selecting applicants, US schools really focus on diversity. This means you
will be exposed to people from a variety of backgrounds that will also contribute
immensely to your growth. It also means that most schools have a good support
system for international students. Many have an Indian Student Association that
can serve to anchor you. So while you experience the best of another culture, you
will not be overwhelmed by it.

III 1. Which University you are going for ?

Ans. I’m going to university of Texas at Dallas in Texas.
2. Why have you opted for this university ?
Ans : SHORT ANSWER ; I have chosen this university because it suited my priorities.
The research work going on here is also my area of interest. Even it suits my
budget. The course here has an Industrial Slant.

LONG ANSWER : This question can be best answered when you do a bit homework
about your university. Browse the web page of the university, visit the pages of the
professors, and go through their projects. Now remember some of the keywords, like the
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

professor X is working on. Mention something about the project if the officer is listening
and is giving you time to explain. When you do such things, they think that you are pretty
serious about your studies and are really into it. Well, some people believe in mentioning
about the rank of the university, or the student to faculty ratio. Well all these things don’t
effect how you are interested in it. You can say all these stuff such as rank and all, but
you have to state what interested you and it should be something about research or
academics. You can also show letters of correspondence with your university professors.
If you don’t have those, build some.

A Live Answer from a successful Visa aspirant :

“Sir, the first and foremost factor for selecting this university was the course being
offered. Telecom at university of Mary land at college park is a cross-disciplinary course.
Besides technical knowledge. This course also enhances the managerial skills. Which is
the demand of the present-day telecom industry. So while the professors from Computer
and Electrical department will be teaching me signal Processing, encoding,
communication techniques, networking. At the same tine the experts from school of
public affairs will be imparting me knowledge of present day competition in telecom
industry, staff management and resource management”

If time permitted, I would have added :

“Sir, UMCP is located within Baltimore-Washington DC area, one of the greatest

concentrations of research facilities and intellectual talent in the nation. “Library of
Congress”, “the National Archives” and “the Smithsonian Institute” are some of the
biggest research institutes and libraries which students will enjoy having frequent
interactions with. What else could a student ask for?

3. What do you know about this university?

Ans : The V.O would expect that you possess sufficient information about the place
where you are going to spent the next two years.
You are advised to prepare information on the following aspects :
UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
I. General :
1. Name of the university
2. Geographical location
3. State (size, population composition, important industries, Important places)
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

4. Air route from India

5. Port of entry
6. Important cities in the vicinity
Tourist spots.
7. Climate conditions
8. Campus diversity
II. Academic details :
9. Course
10. Majors
11. Syllabus Description
(refer to university catalogue)
12. Names of two to three professors
13. Unique features of the university
14. Important members of the Alumni
15. Research work

III. Extra curricular Details :

16. Clubs on campus
17. Sports
18. Festivals
19. Finally write an essay why are you interested in this university ?
Note : You are advised to refer to the website pf the university and gather the relevant
information.

MODEL ANSWER :

Ans: The University is located in southwest Massachusetts, one hour driving distance
from Boston and 35minutes from Providence. Small towns like New Bradford and Fall.
The university offers around 60 courses to graduates and undergraduates and there are
more than 320 full time faculties. There are more than 7000 students in the university.

4. How have you come to know about this university?

Ans. When I have decided to pursue in US, I’ve started an extensive research. Firstly,
through the website and later through my seniors. After this I have even consulted some
professors in the university.
5. Can you name one professor ?
Ans : Enlist the names of two or three professors in the universities.
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

6. How many universities did you apply for ?

Ans : Here the V.O would like to know the acceptance rate. It is better to be frank. But
the student is to be a bit cautious in case he received 5 rejections out of 6.

7. Why this specific university ?

Ans : In this vase the V.O. would like to know, whether there are any other reasons in
going to this university. Here the student is supposed to be assertive and repeat the same
points covered in the answer above.

8. Why have you received a rejection from a particular university ?

Ans : US universities receive applications from all over the world. May be I got the
rejection because students with better profiles than mine must have applied. I have
applied to 4 and received acceptance from 2.

9. Would you tell me something about the course you are applying for ?
Ans : The course runs for 2years in 4 semesters. I’m supposed to complete 16 courses to
get MS in Telecommunications. The course equips the students with technical as well as
managerial skills. The main stress of the course is on wireless communications. I’m also
planning to take up some programming courses related to Telecommunications.

10. Could you tell me the name of the campus you have applied for?
Ans.: Answer Accordingly

11. What are the majors you would be pursuing as part of the course?
Ans : Refer to the university catalogue and enlist the courses offered as part of the
course.

12. What is your research interest?

Ans : Answer Accordingly

13. What is the duration of your course?

Ans : Answer accordingly.

14. In what way the course you are going to do in US will help you?
Ans: Lot of information is given in the answers above. You can take it from them. The
course I am going to do is specialized in computer networking. In fact, this is my area of
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

interest. The masters program in this would definitely brighten my career prospects in
India.

QUESTIONS RELATED TO EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

1. What is your major in under graduation ?

Ans : Answer accordingly.

2. What is your undergraduate percentage ?

Ans : Answer accordingly

3. Why have chosen this major ?

Ans : Right from my schooling days, I was interested in Machanics. Due to my interest
in the subject, I have chosen this major.

4. What are your grades at UG level ?

Ans : We have a percentage system and I scored XX%. If your percentage is higher in
4th year spell out. Even the universities give more weitage to the performance of the last
two years.

5. What was your undergraduate college ?

Ans : Answer accordingly. But brief.

6. How many backlogs do you have in your course ?

Ans : Be honest in answering as visa officer can verify your individual marks memos.

7. After these many backlogs how should I believe that you are going to be
serious about your studies in U.S ?
Ans : Sir, I do admit that I have more backlogs. But I feel that these really don’t reflect
my performance as these exams are more theoretical. You can see that I have really
becomes serious about my studies from 6th semester. I have even taken up some
prerequisite courses to strengthen my foundation in the subject. With this I am very
confident that I will complete my master’s program successfully.

8. Why is your GRE score low (or any section low) ?

Ans : (This is the most preferred answer). I answered the first few questions incorrectly
and I couldn’t improve my score is considered to be good enough to pursue master’s
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

program in the university. (another answer could be) GRE score interpreter says that
engineers don’t need an extraordinary verbal score and you can see that my score in
quant section which is pretty high and in fact, the university I applied for stressed on
quant section.

9. Why is your percentage less in Undergraduation ?

Ans : Less percentage is not a criteria for rejecting your visa, It depends how you
defend your case. You can say – I accept that I neglected my studies in first 5 semesters
due to my focus on sports. But my performance has shown a marked Improvement from
6th semester. In fact I want to make up for less percentage by pursuing my masters in US.

10. Why are you changing your major?

Ans : Generally students change their major to computer science or LT.
While pursuing my 6th semester, I had to do a project using C++. This spurred up my
interest. This has made me opt for Computer Science at master’s level.

I mastered a number of languages on my own and am also into web designing and
software debugging (push in technical words)

I always had it in my mind, that once I strengthen myself in my field, I will go on to

enhance my skills in the field of computers.

Note : Always by to show that you have an interest for that subject. Never project that
you are taking up because market is strong. The visa officer might think that you are
fickle minded. Show that whatever you do, you do it with focus end interest.

1. Why haven’t you applied for universities mentioned to your score report ?
Ans : At the time of taking my test, I have not seriously thought of the universities.
Once I get to know my scores, I started a search.

2. I see a gap of two years in your academics what are the reasons ?
Ans : Buildup the answer on both the following premises.
Health related problems
Took break because of sports etc.,
Family problems.

3. Why have you not planned for master’s right after undergraduation?
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

Ans : Before taking the test, I have contacted the university, and got the reply that the
tests are not required for admission. So I have not taken them.

QUESTIONS RELATED TO FUTURE PLANS :

1. What is your future plan ?

Ans. My immediate future plan to pursue my masters in U.S. After that I intend to join
Indian industry at middle level management.

2. What are your plans after graduation ?

And . Be really prepared for this question, This is not fool proof, but its you who can
make ir seem so. The basic things are:

Possess information on the field you are going to pursue.

Your field is on a roll in India.
Your field has great opportunities.
You get these opportunities even now.
You get better opportunities once you do your MS.
Show that foreign companies are coming to India and investing the advancements
in your field.
Make it seen this field won’t go ahead without guys like you.

A MODEL ANSWER OF A SUCCESSFUL ASPIRANT

“Sir, I plan to go to university of Maryland, College Park, to do my MS in

Telecommunications. Telecom Industry is booming today in India. Various U.S
companies like HUGH & S, Orange, AT&T, Hutchison are investing huge amounts of
research funds and are looking forward to launch advanced. Telecommunication methods
in India. Besides them, various Indian Telecom Giants like Reliance Telecom, Bharat
Telecom, VSNL are also investing huge amount in this area.

Sir, as it is I believe that better technical knowledge will help me to achieve greater
heights in this field, having deepened my technical knowledge after completing my
higher studies. I wish to get into this seemingly vast arena of Indian Telecom Industry”
“Sir, I was also selected by Reliance Telecom bit deeper technical knowledge would
surely enable me get better results in the competitive field and I have seen that there is a
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

dearth of persons with greater technical know how in this field. So I wish to complete my
MS and strengthen my technical know how and grasp the opportunity.

3. In what way the course you are going to do in U.S. will help you?
Ans. The course equips me with advanced technical skills related to my field. This
widens my opportunities in Indian job market.

4. You look like potential immigrant or I don’t think you will comeback to
India ?
Ans. This is a real tricky question. Stay calm and say what all you can to prove that you
will come back to India after MS in US.
“Sir, the career opportunities in my field in India are great. I am going to U.S for
technical knowledge and cross-cultural exposure. Moreover, I am from a well to do
family and money is not at all a criteria. In fact most of the U.S companies are turning to
India due to recession. Most of the Indian companies have tie ups with the U.S.
companies, So I am certain that with a degree from U.S. I will get an equivalent
opportunity and pay packet in India.”

5. Your scores and academic background is very good. You are likely to get a
good job in America. Then why would you like to come back ?
Ans. I am going to U.S with the purpose of study. I have no intention of staying back.
Be categorical in this. Build up your answer on the following points.
Career opportunities in India
Monitory Benefits
Social roots in India
Property to be Inherited

6. Who do you think would recruit you after your degree ?

Ans : The visa officer would like to know about your knowledge of local employment
scenario. Enlist the names of 3 to 4 reputed companies working in India in your field and
spell hem out. Also talk about the designation, you might get like senior member –
Technical staff, senior systems engineer etc.,

7. Do you plan to work in U.S ?

Ans : No, I have sufficient funds to fund my education in U.S

8. Most of the students who go to U.S work on campus. What is your plan ?
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

Ans : I don’t know about others but as far as I am concerned I want to devote all my
time to studies.

9. Do you propose to comeback to India during vacation ?

Ans : My ties with my family are very strong. So I intend to come back but before
doing it I will take the advice of my student advisor.

10. How much you get paid in India after completing MS in U.S ?
Ans : Roughly 6 lakhs to 8 lakhs per annum.

11. Don’t you think it is less compared to what yon could get in U.S ?
Ans : To start with, If may be less than 40k. But if I prove myself I think I can get much
much higher. I can enjoy the company of my friends and family inherit property etc.,

12. How do I know that you will comeback to India ?

Ans : India is considered to be one of the tiger economies in Asia. It is one of the largest
economies in the world. But there is scarcity of man power with advanced knowledge in
various field. This knowledge can be achieved through MS in US. So I have a clear cut
plan of coming back to India and joining Indian Industry. I feel US education stands apart
in any education. And moreover, I have my family and economic ties to India. So I will
definitely comeback to India.

13. Incase you come across someone in US whom you like, would you consider
marrying him/her ?
Ans : (The visa officer tries his best to see whether you have any idea of staying back in
U.S. Be assertive stating that you want to come back)
My primary goal is to finish my masters in US. I don’t think I would get deviated
from that.

14. Do you plan to study PhD. in U.S ?

Ans : (Here once again, the visa officer would like to see whether you are going to
overstay) I am going to U.S complete my master’s. As of now my plan is to comeback to
India after this. If at all I think

15. Down the line 10 years, where do you see yourself ?

Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

Ans : 10 years is a very long period. First I want to complete my masters in U.S and
join the Indian Industry work here for 4 to 5 years. After this I have a vision of starting
my own firm. So I see myself as an interpret down the line 10 years.

Note : Most of the student visas will be rejected because the student fails to convince the
visa officer that he would come back to India after MS in U.S. Hence, project a logical
Academic plan.

QUESTIONS RELATED TO FINANCIAL STATUS

1. What will be your expenses during the course ?

Ans : Calculate the tuition fee and living expenses as mentioned on the I-20 and answer
accordingly.

2. How much is the tuition fee?

Ans : Here the visa officer would like to know your knowledge related to facts and
figures. Don’t struggle to the exact figure. For example if the tuition fee is $12,892, you
can say around $13,000. By trying to give exact figure, you might falter.

3. How do you propose to fund your education in U.S?

Ans : Visa officer would like to know whether you have sufficient financial strength.
Sir, my parents have planned for my education in U.S for the past 3 years. They have
sufficient balance to support to my education. If others like your grandfather,
grandmother, brother etc., is funding your education, you can add that also.

4. How do your parents plan to fund you ?

Ans : My parents have an annual income of Rs.xxxxx Out of this they save Rs.xxxxx
every year. Apart from we also have fixed deposits or R.D’s of Rs.xxxx. The worth of
our immovable property is Rs.xxx. With this financial background, it is not at all difficult
for my parents to fund my education in U.S.

5. What is you Mother / Father ?

Ans. Just talk about their profession. He is an Engineer / Doctor / real estate
consultant / software consultant etc.,

6. What is your father’s annual Income ?

Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

Ans : This question often decides your ability to pay for your expenses. They think that
money can be put into banks, but annual income is a proof which they heavily rely upon
to decide the student’s parent’s capability to spend for his educational expenses.
Whatever the officer asks;
1. What is your father’s annual income?
2. What is your family’s annual income ?
The moment the words ‘Annual income’ creep in, state your complete family annual
income, i.e., if your mother is also an earning member, if you have rental income plus the
interests and dividends…..state all of then together. Don’t commit the blunder of stating
just your father’s income…….many a time it hampers your chances….if it seems low to
them. Obviously a sum of mother’s income, your father’s income, agricultural (if you
have) rental will be more than a single one. And if – they ask for the IT returns hand over
both of your parent’s return statements, plus the agricultural papers plus the rental receipt
(duplicate) at a time. And if he / she just argues (usually they don’t) that you were asked
about your father’s income…they say “Sir my family is sponsoring me. Along with my
father my mother is also an – earning member and an income tax payee. Family funds is
what the I-20 states, and so my family including my father and mother (opt brother, if
you have one earning) are sponsoring me and – here are their statements and proofs of
other modes of income.

7. Who are the others that contribute to your family income ?

Ans : My mother is a lecturer in a government college and she earns Rs.xxxx. My elder
brother works for a software company and his annual income is Rs.xxx

8. Don’t you think that it is a heavy burden on your parents to fund our
education in U.S.?
Ans : I don’t think so. My parents will be left with sufficient savings even after funding
my education in U.S. Moreover, they still have a long working life.

9. Who is planning to sponsor you?

Ans : Follow the I-20. If it is given in the I-20, “family funds”, say accordingly. If you
have a scholarship, mention that.

10. How should I believe that you would come back to India after your Masters ?
Ans : I am fulfilling all visa requirements. I had sufficient funds to meet all expenses of
my higher education. Will be coming back to India as soon as I complete my masters
program. As I am having certain goals in my life, and to pursue Masters Program in USA
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

is one of it, for my better future career prospectus. So I am confident of getting visa.
Moreover, U.S degrees have great value in Indian Market.

11. How many brothers and sisters do you have ?

Ans : Here the visa officer would like to equate the annual income of your family with
the responsibilities

12. When you have so many siblings, how is it possible for your father to fund
your education in US ?
Ans : If your brothers and sisters are elder to you, you can show that they are working
and financially independent.
If they are younger and require the assistance, you need to take pains to show that
your parents will have sufficient savings even after funding you. You can also say that
since my sister is still in school. I don’t this that she requires huge funds.

13. Are you going for a student loan ?

Ans : No, I am not going for it. My parents have sufficient financial strength to fund my
education in US.

14. What are the plans of your siblings ?

Ans : The visa officer would like to measure the financial strength of your parents in
terms of the plans of your siblings and yourself, So he careful in answering the question.

NOTE : Prepare well with facts and figures. Be confident and don’t get confused. The
visa officer tries cross check the facts mentioned in the documents.

MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES :

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

Ans. I am fulfilling all the visa requirements. I have sufficient funds to meet expenses
of my higher education, I will be coming back to India as soon as I complete my Masters
Programme. I have my family and economic ties to India. As I am having certain goals in
my life, and to pursue Masters program in USA is one of it, for my better future career
prospects. So I am confident of getting visa. But if still I am not able to convince you, it’s
up to you to decide. As the saying goes quitters will never be winners and winners will
never be quitters, in which I believe very strongly, I will analyze what might have gone
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

wrong and where I failed in my efforts to convince you and try to improve on those
things and apply again for visa.

2. Why should I give you Visa ?

Ans : I am fulfilling all visa requirements. I have sufficient funds to meet all expenses
of my higher education. I will be coming back to India as soon as I complete my masters
program. I have my family and economic ties to India. As I am having certain goals in
my life, and to pursue Masters Program in USA is one of them, for my better future
career prospects. So I am confident of getting visa.

3. Do you have a brother/sister or any other relative already at this University ?

Ans : No, ( or tell accordingly as per your opinion and case)

4. Do you own a car? What color? What model> And year of purchase? What
it’s number ?
Ans : Yes two cars. One is Maruti Esteem 1000cc, and another Maruti ZEN. Esteem
1000cc blue colour and Maruti Zen is in Gold colour (if they ask) Esteem 1000cc number
AP 9N 5415 and 2000model, , purchased in year February 1999. And ZEN is 2000
model, purchased in February 2000.

5. Do you own a two-wheeler? Model? Year of purchase ? It’s number?

Ans : Prepare answer on the above lines. Say yes I own a two-wheeler, since I like
motor biking. I’ll take my bike to college. (And take care of remaining details)

6. Do your family own 2nd car ? (or) How many four-wheelers owned by you?
Ans : Yes we own a second car also / we own two four wheelers. One is Maruti Esteem
1000cc and another Maruti ZEN. Esteem 1000cc blue (if they ask) Esteem 1000cc
number AP 9N5415 and 2000 model, AP ON 5415 purchased in February 2000.

7. Who is using this car? Or Cars?

Ans : Maruti Esteem 1000cc is used by father, and ZEN will be used by all other family
members.

8. You use which car ?

Ans : I drive ZEN. Sometimes father takes me along with him when the driver is absent,
then I’ll be driving 1000cc. It happened rarely. May be once or twice in 6 months.
Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

9. How much your family pays to the driver ?

Ans : Around Rs.3,500 plus food.

10. How many bedrooms you have in your house ?

Ans : There are 4 bedrooms in the house. (Answer as per your building plans and as per
your Chartered Engineer’s Certificate). (Try to be a bit careful in answering these kinds
of questions).

11. How many bedrooms are fitted with AC’s ?

Ans : 3 rooms are fitted with AC’s

12. How many servants work in your house ?

Ans : Three – one cook, one servant-maid and one driver.

13. Why are you leaving your current job ? (If you are employed)
Ans : As I know the importance of studies, especially Masters program, job is not prime
criteria. So I am leaving the present job.

14. If you leave for USA for studies, who will take care of your parents ?
Ans : My people will be taking care of them.
(If siblings are there) – My brother / sister will be looking after them in any
emergency. Since my parents are maintaing good health with disciplined food habits and
regular health check-ups. I feel, in continuing like this for two more years, till I return to
India after my Masters program, my parents will not be having any problem.

15. Where you will be after 5 years from now ?

Ans : I may be heading a good firm with like-minded people and if not I’ll be working
in some good company in a very good senior position.

16. Have you got any loans ?

Ans : No, I don’t have much idea, but I’ll try to understand it.

17. Do you like American Football ?

Ans : I don’t have much idea, but I’ll try to understand it.

18. Tell me about yourself ?

Santhosh Kumar Poturaju
University Of Michigan Flint.

Ans : Talk about your family, parents, your education, your siblings, and your goals,
why you want to pursue Masters program in US and your career plans after completion of
Maters program.

19. Why did you wear formals ? Do you like them ?

Ans : As visa interviews is a big thing for me, a deciding factor of my future, and I
being a professional student, want to appear like a professional person, Thant’s why
formals.

20. Why did you wear casuals ? Do you like them ?

Ans : Yes I feel comfortable in casuals, that’s why, I am wearing them.

21. What are your Interests ?

Ans : Talk about your interests

22. What are your strengths ?

Ans : Talk about your strengths, which are specific to you.

23. What are your weaknesses ?

Ans : Talk about your weakness, which is actually your strength for eg. ‘patience’ is
actually a strength but too much patience can be weakness.

24. How do you approach to solve any problem > What serials do you follow on
‘TV/Can you tell story of any recently seen Hollywood film? What are your
hobbies ? What does success mean to you ? Tell about your achievements?
Why should I give you the visa? What is your favorite book? What games do
you play? What will you do if your visa is rejected? What are you looking for
from life ? Do you drink? What’s the brand of your shirt?

25. How did you prepare yourself for the interview ?

Ans : I have gone through the Chennai consulate website, I have read all the FAQ’s and
rules of F-1 Visa and understood all the requirements. I feel that understanding the rules
and requirements is enough for anyone to attempt for visa. There’s no need to ask for any
help. If you have a doubt just sending the email to consulate will help a lot.