H-1B Visa Interview Questions 2026

What to expect at an H-1B interview

Duration: 3-5 minutes
Officer has already reviewed I-129, LCA, and supporting documents
Focus: verifying your specialty occupation and your role
H-1B is a dual-intent visa - green card intent is OK to mention
Bring all USCIS approval notices and original education documents

Job and qualifications (10 questions)

Q: What is your job title? ✅ Exact title from your I-129
Q: What will you do at this company? ✅ Specific duties from job description
Q: Why can't an American do this job? ✅ Specialized skills, education requirement
Q: What is your educational background? ✅ Degree + field + university + year
Q: How does your degree relate to this position? ✅ Direct relationship explanation
Q: What is your specialty occupation? ✅ Bachelor's degree minimum in specific field
Q: How many years of experience do you have? ✅ Total + relevant
Q: Do you have certifications? ✅ List specific ones if asked
Q: What projects will you work on? ✅ Sample of projects from offer letter
Q: What technology will you use? ✅ Specific stack/tools

Employer questions (8 questions)

Q: Tell me about your employer ✅ Company size, industry, what they do
Q: How many employees? ✅ Approximate number
Q: What does the company do? ✅ Brief description
Q: How did you find this job? ✅ Job board, recruiter, network
Q: Is this a consulting company? ✅ Be honest - consulting is allowed but scrutinized
Q: Will you work at client sites? ✅ If yes: who is the client, what's the role
Q: Have you met your manager? ✅ Phone/video interviews count
Q: Why did the company choose you? ✅ Specific skills/experience match

Salary and finances (6 questions)

Q: What is your salary? ✅ Exact amount from offer letter
Q: Is this the prevailing wage? ✅ Yes - confirmed via LCA
Q: Where will you live? ✅ City + neighborhood if known
Q: Can you afford to live in [city]? ✅ Yes - cost of living research
Q: Who is paying the visa fees? ✅ Employer (required by law for most fees)
Q: Will you receive benefits? ✅ Health insurance, 401k, etc.

Intent and future (6 questions)

H-1B is a dual-intent visa. Honest answers about green card intent are acceptable.

Q: Do you plan to apply for a green card? ✅ 'My employer mentioned PERM sponsorship - I'm open to it' OR 'I'll see how it goes'
Q: Will you return to your country after H-1B expires? ✅ Honest answer - depends on green card progress
Q: What are your long-term career plans? ✅ Career progression in this field
Q: Does your spouse work? What status will they have? ✅ H-4 + plans for H-4 EAD if eligible
Q: Have you applied for any other US visas? ✅ Honest - they have records
Q: Do you have family in the US? ✅ Yes/no + relationship

For the full PERM-to-PR journey, see H-1B to Green Card 2026.

Documents to bring

Valid passport (12+ months)
DS-160 confirmation
I-129 approval notice (I-797)
LCA (ETA-9035)
Offer letter on company letterhead
Employment Verification Letter
Original education documents (degrees, transcripts)
Resume/CV
Photos (2x2)
Most recent pay stubs (if extension)
I-94 history (if extension)

2026 context - new factors to know

OBBBA $100K fee for new overseas applicants (employer paid)
Wage-based lottery favors higher-paid roles
End H-1B Visa Abuse Act - NOT law, but creates uncertainty
Social media screening applies to H-1B interviews
FY2027 lottery results - higher selection for $200K+ roles

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How long is an H-1B visa interview?

3-5 minutes typically. The officer has already reviewed your I-129 petition and LCA before the interview.

Can I mention green card plans at H-1B interview?

Yes. H-1B is a dual-intent visa, meaning you can legally have immigrant intent. Honesty about future PERM/green card plans is acceptable.

What if my H-1B is in administrative processing?

221(g) administrative processing adds 2-60+ days. Common reasons: security clearance, document review, employer verification. Wait patiently - it usually resolves.

Do I need to bring my original degree?

Yes, especially for first-time H-1B stamping. Bring original transcripts and degree certificates. Some consulates also want verification (WES, etc.).

Can my spouse interview with me?

H-4 dependent interviews are usually scheduled the same day at the same window. The principal H-1B is interviewed first.

What if I lost my I-797 approval notice?

You can request a duplicate from USCIS Form I-824. For the interview, you can also use the I-129 receipt and electronic copy of the approval if asked.