41% of F-1 visas were denied in 2024. That's the highest rejection rate in a decade. Meanwhile, human interview coaches charge $100-400 per hour. For most applicants, that's not realistic.
AI mock interview tools have changed the game. You can practice unlimited times, get instant feedback, and pay a fraction of what consultants charge. But the quality varies wildly — some just play scripted questions, others actually simulate real pressure.
We tested 7 AI mock interview tools specifically for visa practice. Here's what works, what doesn't, and how much each one costs.
Key Takeaways
- Permito.ai is our top pick — real-time voice, 8 visa types, from $6.9
- Best free option: Atlys for B1/B2 (fully free, but limited)
- Voice matters: Text-based tools don't simulate real interview pressure
- 5-10 sessions is usually enough to feel confident
Want to skip the research?
Try Permito.ai free — our #1 pick for realistic visa interview practice.
Real Stories
"The AI officer caught me off guard with a follow-up about my funding source — the exact same question I got at the embassy. After 8 practice sessions, I walked in knowing exactly how to answer."
— Permito.ai user
"She only asked 'why this uni?' — I mentioned a professor. While I was still answering, she printed the 214(b) slip."
Lesson: "Choosing a school because of a specific professor" is a known red flag — one of the common 214(b) rejection reasons. Mock practice would have caught this.
"I'll end up going into panic mode the night before thinking of my mind going blank, rambling, finishing my thoughts abruptly..."
This is exactly why repeated practice helps — exposure builds the muscle memory to stay calm under real pressure.
How We Evaluated These Tools
Most tools on this list look similar on paper. The difference is in execution — some just read from a script, others actually listen and push back on weak answers. Here's what we looked for:
Real-Time Voice Conversation
Does it feel like talking to a person, or like filling out a form?
Dynamic Follow-Up Questions
If you mention a cousin in Texas, does the AI ask what she does there? Real officers probe.
Visa-Specific Scenarios
F-1, H-1B, and B1/B2 interviews are completely different — browse our visa interview question bank to see the differences. Generic tools don't help.
Quality of Feedback
A score alone isn't useful. We looked for specific, actionable recommendations.
Price vs. Value
Free is great, but only if it helps. We weighed cost against quality of preparation.
The 7 Best AI Mock Interview Tools for Visa Practice
Permito.ai
Our PickPermito.ai is purpose-built for visa interviews — not job interviews adapted for visas. It uses real-time voice conversation with an AI consular officer that responds in under a second, asks dynamic follow-up questions, and challenges weak responses.
What We Like
- True voice conversation — speaks and listens in real-time
- 8 visa scenarios — F-1, H-1B, B1/B2, K-1, L-1, J-1, and more
- Detailed feedback — scores, category breakdown, recommendations
- Reapplication scenario — specific practice after 214(b) denial
Limitations
- • Launched 2025 — built with latest AI, but fewer user reviews compared to older platforms
- • No document review — doesn't analyze your DS-160 (use our free DS-160 checker for that)
Pricing
1 free, then from $6.9
One-time payment, no subscription
MockVisa
MockVisa offers AI-powered visa interview simulation with different officer styles (strict, casual, neutral). One of the more established players with a 4.8-star rating.
Strengths
- • Multiple officer personalities (strict/casual/neutral)
- • Covers F-1 and B1/B2 scenarios
- • 1 free session included
- • 4.8 star rating, 200+ users
Weaknesses
- • Smaller user base (200+ users)
- • No H-1B coverage
- • Less detailed feedback
Pricing
$10-40 (1 free session)
YMGrad
YMGrad provides AI mock interviews with real-time feedback and claims 97.6% accuracy. They focus specifically on F-1 student visas and report helping 450+ previously rejected students get approved.
Strengths
- • 1 free round to try
- • Strong F-1 focus with proven track record
- • Claims 97.6% accuracy rate
- • 450+ reapplicants approved
Weaknesses
- • F-1 only — no H-1B or B1/B2
- • Paid after 1 free round
- • Per-round pricing adds up fast
Pricing
$9-59 (1 free round)
InterviewBuddy
InterviewBuddy covers both visa interviews (F-1, B1/B2) and job interviews. They offer AI practice starting at $5.99 or expert human coaching from $23.99. Used by 200,000+ professionals.
Strengths
- • Both AI ($5.99) and human expert ($23.99+) options
- • F-1 and B1/B2 scenarios
- • Large user base (200,000+)
- • Also covers job interviews
Weaknesses
- • No H-1B scenarios
- • Primary focus is job interviews, not visas
- • Less visa-specific than dedicated tools
Pricing
AI: $5.99 | Expert: $23.99+
VisaCoach.io
VisaCoach.io is a newer player with wide visa type coverage including F-1, J-1, B-1/B2, K-1, H-1B, and L-1. They also offer consultations with ex-consular officers.
Strengths
- • Wide visa coverage (F-1, J-1, B1/B2, K-1, H-1B, L-1)
- • Ex-consular officer consultations available
- • Multiple practice scenarios
Weaknesses
- • Newer platform, less user feedback
- • Higher starting price ($39)
- • Limited reviews available
Pricing
From $39
VisaInterviewAI
VisaInterviewAI focuses on creating a realistic interview experience with HD-quality AI voices and instant feedback. The platform aims to replicate the pressure of a real consular interview.
Strengths
- • HD-quality AI voices
- • Instant approval/rejection feedback
- • 1 free trial session
Weaknesses
- • F-1 only — no other visa types
- • Limited to 20 sessions per purchase
- • Higher price point ($39.99)
- • No detailed category breakdown in feedback
Pricing
$39.99 (1 free trial)
Atlys
FreeAtlys is primarily a visa processing platform but offers a free B1/B2 mock interview tool trained by actual US consular officers. Good for tourist visa preparation specifically.
Strengths
- • Free B1/B2 mock interview
- • Trained by actual consular officers
- • Part of established visa platform
Weaknesses
- • B1/B2 tourist visas only
- • No F-1, H-1B, or other visa types
- • Limited as standalone tool
Pricing
Free (B1/B2 only)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Tool | Voice | Visa Types | Follow-ups | Feedback | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🥇 Permito.ai
|
8 | Detailed | 1 free, then $6.9 | ||
| 🥈 MockVisa | 2 | Basic | 1 free, then $10-40 | ||
| 🥉 YMGrad | Partial | 1 | Good | 1 free, then $9-59 | |
| InterviewBuddy | 2 | Good | $5.99+ | ||
| VisaCoach.io | 6 | Good | $39+ | ||
| VisaInterviewAI | 1 | Basic | 1 free, then $39.99 | ||
| Atlys | 1 | Limited | Basic | Free |
Best Value: Permito.ai
Start free with 1 sessions. Then just $6.9 for 8 visa scenarios, voice conversation, and detailed feedback.
How to Choose the Right Tool
Different tools work better for different situations. Here's our recommendation:
For F-1 Student Visa
41% denial rate means you need serious preparation. Focus on tools with F-1-specific scenarios and detailed feedback. See our F-1 interview question bank for specific questions to prepare for.
For H-1B Work Visa
Most tools don't cover H-1B at all. You need job-specific questions about your role, employer, and qualifications. Read our H-1B interview guide for 2026-specific questions.
For Tourist/Business Visa
B1/B2 interviews are shorter but can be tricky — especially for parents visiting children in the US. Free tools like Atlys work well, or upgrade for more detailed feedback.
On a Tight Budget?
Start with free tools for volume practice, then use a paid tool for final preparation before your interview.
AI Mock Interview vs. Human Coach
Should you pay $100-400/hour for a human coach or use AI? Here's an honest comparison:
| Factor | AI Tools | Human Coach |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0-50 total | $100-400/hour |
| Sessions | Unlimited (usually) | 1-3 typically |
| Availability | 24/7, any timezone | Scheduling required |
| Objectivity | Always honest | Varies by coach |
| Real Embassy Experience | Simulated | Ex-officers know exactly |
| Complex Cases | Generic advice | Tailored strategy |
| Emotional Support | Limited | Can address anxiety |
Our Take
For most applicants: AI tools are enough when combined with a solid interview preparation strategy. Use them for volume practice (5-10+ sessions) to build confidence and muscle memory.
Consider a human coach if: You've already been denied, have a complicated immigration history, or your case involves unusual circumstances (gaps in employment, criminal record, previous overstay). The $300 investment could save you another $185 application fee and months of waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interview coming up?
Most users feel confident after 5-10 practice sessions. If your interview is in 2 weeks, start now — that's 1 session per day to build real confidence.
F-1 peak season: April-August. Slots fill fast, preparation shouldn't wait.
Ready to start practicing?
Try Permito.ai with a free session. See what questions you'll face and where you need to improve.
Start Free Mock InterviewNo credit card required
Sources
Disclaimer: This article compares publicly available information about AI mock interview tools as of January 2026. Features and pricing may change. Permito.ai is our product. No mock interview tool guarantees visa approval.