H-1B Interview: What Employers Won't Tell You
Insider tips for H-1B applicants to prepare for tough questions.
VisaPrep Team
VisaPrep AI
Introduction
So you've won the H-1B lottery, your petition is approved, and now you're preparing for the visa interview. Congratulations! But this final step can still trip you up if you're not prepared.
Your employer handles the paperwork, but YOU need to ace the interview. Here's what they might not tell you.
What the Officer Wants to Know
The consular officer is trying to determine:
- Is this a legitimate job? (Not visa fraud)
- Are you qualified? (Do you have the skills?)
- Is the employer legitimate? (Real company, real position)
- Will you work in the role described? (Not something else)
Know Your Petition Inside Out
You MUST know:
- Your exact job title
- Your salary (exact amount)
- Your job duties (be specific)
- Your work location (city, state)
- Your employer's business (what they do)
- Why they need YOU (your unique qualifications)
Common Questions:
- "What does your company do?"
- "What will be your role?"
- "Why did they hire you?"
- "What is your salary?"
- "Where will you work?"
- "Who is your manager?"
- "How many employees does the company have?"
Red Flags Officers Look For 🚩
1. Inconsistencies
If your answers don't match your petition, that's a problem.2. Vague Job Descriptions
"I'll do IT work" is not enough. Be specific.3. Can't Explain Your Qualifications
If you can't articulate why you're qualified, why should they believe you are?4. Client-Site Work Concerns
If you'll work at a client site, be ready to explain:- Who is the end client?
- What will you do there?
- How does your employer supervise you?
5. Small or Unknown Employer
Be ready to explain the company's legitimacy.What Your Employer Won't Tell You
1. They Might Not Prepare You
Many employers assume you know what to do. You need to prepare yourself.2. You Need to Understand the Business
Don't just know your role – understand the company.3. Salary Matters
Know your exact salary. "Around 80K" isn't acceptable.4. Previous H-1B History
Know if your company has sponsored H-1Bs before and their approval rate.5. Company Documentation
Carry company brochures, website printouts, or other proof of legitimacy (especially for smaller companies).Sample Strong Answers
Q: What does your company do?
❌ "It's an IT company"
✅ "ABC Tech is a software development company based in San Jose. They specialize in cloud-based solutions for healthcare providers. The company has about 200 employees and has been in business since 2010."
Q: What will you do there?
❌ "Software development"
✅ "I'll be a Senior Software Engineer on the platform team. I'll be developing and maintaining their patient management system using Java and AWS. My specific responsibilities include building new features, code reviews, and mentoring junior developers."
Q: Why did they hire you?
❌ "I have experience"
✅ "I have 5 years of experience in healthcare technology, specifically with HIPAA-compliant systems. I previously built a similar patient management system at my company in India. They also valued my AWS certifications and my Master's degree in Computer Science."
Documents to Carry
Required:
- Passport (current and old)
- Visa appointment confirmation
- DS-160 confirmation
- H-1B approval notice (I-797)
- Employment offer letter
Recommended:
- Resume/CV
- Degree certificates
- Experience letters
- Company information (brochure, website printout)
- Pay stubs (if already working in US)
- Client letter (for consulting companies)
Special Cases
Consulting Companies
Be extra prepared if your employer is a consulting/staffing company:- Carry the client letter
- Know the end client's business
- Explain the supervision structure
Working from Home
If you'll work remotely:- Explain the arrangement clearly
- Know how you'll be supervised
Previous Visa Issues
If you've had visa denials or issues before:- Be honest
- Explain what changed
- Have documentation ready
Day of Interview Tips
- Arrive early – Lines can be long
- Dress professionally – Business formal
- Stay calm – Nervousness is normal but manageable
- Be concise – Answer what's asked
- Be honest – Never lie
- Be confident – You earned this opportunity!
Conclusion
The H-1B interview is the final hurdle. Your employer did their part; now you need to do yours. Prepare thoroughly, know your petition inside out, and walk in with confidence.
You've got this! 💪