H-1B Visa Stamping Interview Questions & Answers (2026)

1. Q1What does your company do, and what will your role be?

   Give a one- or two-sentence description of the employer's actual business and your specific job title and duties, matching the job description in your I-129 petition exactly. Vague answers ('IT services') read as a red flag for staffing/bench arrangements.

   Know your employer's business in plain language — officers are checking that a real, operating company is behind the petition.

2. Q2Why does this job require a bachelor's degree in your specific field?

   Explain the technical or specialized nature of the work and connect it directly to your degree. This question is testing the 'specialty occupation' requirement at the heart of H-1B eligibility.

   Reference your actual degree major and how it maps to your day-to-day tasks — don't give a generic answer.

3. Q3Who is your direct supervisor, and where will you physically work?

   Name your manager and worksite exactly as stated in your petition and LCA. If you work at a client site (common for consulting/staffing roles), be ready to explain the reporting structure and who controls your work.

   A mismatch between your stated worksite and your LCA's posted location is one of the fastest ways to trigger administrative processing.

4. Q4What is your annual salary?

   State the exact figure from your LCA and offer letter. The officer is verifying it meets or exceeds the prevailing wage the Department of Labor certified for your role and location.

   Round numbers that don't match your paystubs or offer letter to the dollar are an easy flag — know the precise figure.

5. Q5Have you worked for this employer before, and is this an extension or a new petition?

   State clearly whether this is your first H-1B approval with this employer, a renewal, or a transfer, and how long you've already worked there if applicable.

   Bring prior approval notices (I-797) if this is a renewal or extension — it shows continuity and reduces scrutiny.

6. Q6Do you intend to apply for a green card?

   Answer honestly — H-1B is a 'dual intent' visa category, so pursuing permanent residence is not disqualifying, unlike most nonimmigrant categories. Explain your current status (e.g., PERM filed, I-140 pending) if applicable.

   Never lie about immigrant intent on H-1B — the dual-intent doctrine means honesty carries no penalty here.

7. Q7Have you traveled to or have ties in any other countries recently?

   Answer factually and briefly. This is a standard vetting question, now paired with expanded digital and social-media screening for H-1B applicants introduced in 2025-2026.

   Keep your travel history consistent with your passport stamps and prior visa applications.

8. Q8Why should this role be filled by a foreign worker rather than a US worker?

   Avoid a defensive answer. Point to your specific qualifications and the specialty nature of the role — the LCA and PERM/labor-certification process (where applicable) already establishes the legal basis; you're confirming your fit for the specific requirements.

   This question tests consistency with your petition, not your opinion on immigration policy — keep it factual and brief.

Sample answers are for preparation only — always answer truthfully and in your own words.