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Please share your Visa Interview Experience for studying in USA

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Please share your Visa Interview Experience for studying in USA

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Just couple days back, one of our OnlineMacha readers attended F1 Visa interview and he graciously shared his experience with us. Let’s dive right in!

Good Morning Sir! My name is Raj. I just wanted to share my pleasant F1 visa interview experience. Despite I encountered couple challenging questions, I was able to answer confidently and precisely. I have prepared a lot for this interview, after all, it’s my dream to study in the US. Fortunately, my interview went so well and I got through it! Thank you for posting extremely informative and highly encouraging posts! 

Well, here are the list of questions I encountered and how I answered. Hope it helps your readers!

VO: How are you?

Me: I am doing pretty good sir! (Smile) How are you doing today?

VO: I am good, Thank you! What is the purpose of your travel?

Me: I will be going to pursue my Master’s in Computer Science

VO: What was your major in undergrad?

Me: My major was Computer Science

VO: Do you have any work experience?

Me: I have been working for TCS for the last 2 years

VO: How was your experience working at TCS?

Me: I love my and it’s quite challenging. The team I work with is extremely friendly

VO: What is your role?

Me: I work as Systems Analyst

VO: Why would you like to pursue your studies in the US?

Me: What’s best about pursuing advance studies in a US university is that the qualification I earn is globally recognized. On top of that, the education system in the US has been known for its academic excellence.

VO: Can I see your experience letter?

Me: Sure sir! Here you go!

VO: Who is sponsoring your studies?

Me: I have my own funds saved up and the rest will be taking care of my parents.

VO: Can you pass those supporting documents?

Me: Definitely! Here are the bank statements

VO: What is your father?

Me: My father is a Businessman

VO: Do you have his Tax returns?

Me: Sure!

VO: Does the company you are currently working bear any of the expenses?

Me: No Sir! Myself and my parents will be taking care of all the expenses

VO: What are your plans after graduation?

Me: I will be returning back to India once after I graduate and will be working in the Software field.

VO: Does this degree help advance your career?

Me: Undoubtedly, earning an advance degree from US will definitely serve as a great asset in advancing my career and enhancing my skills

VO: You have a solid and your family is in India, why you chose to leave everything and pursue further?

Me: In Today’s competitive world, I feel that my decision to pursue graduate studies in the US is a smart way to advance my career. While I invest some time and money into this highly valuable education, the pay offs will be well worth my time and money.

VO: Great! I approve your visa! Enjoy your time in the US!

Me: That’s a great news! Thank you Sir! Have a great day!

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Topic starter

Hello Everyone! 

I would like to share my VISA interview experience here. Hope it will be useful.
Consulate: Chennai
Date: May 1 2014
Appointment time: 10:30 AM

Visa Appointment Procedure

I reached there by 9:45 AM. There was a separate queue for the 10:30 batch. After checking my passport barcode (the one which they stuck in the OFC) and appointment confirmation letter, they let me to a queue near the consulate which was unbelievably long. I waited till 10:30. Exactly at 10:30 they let me in after the following security checks.

1. The first person verified my DS-160 and placed a seal on it and checked my Appointment letter
2. Then a lady checked the seal and did a security check and let me in
3. Then they did another round of security check for me and my file

Then I was made to sit in a hall. Within a minute or so, I was let inside. They checked the appointment letter and let me in. There the VFS people will guide you to the right counter. My finger print was taken first and I was made to sit. Then I was led to a counter. The VO was an American lady. She seemed very sweet to the old couple who were getting their Visitor Visa in front of me in the queue. I became pretty cool after that. And then here it goes.

Visa Interview Experience

VO: Hi. Pass your passport please
Me: Good Morning Madam and I passed the passport (Lesson learnt: If you are not used to addressing people as Sir and madam. Don’t force urself.)
VO: So, you are going to study in US
Me: Yes (with a confident smile)
VO: Which university?
Me: University of Texas at Dallas
VO: What course?
Me: Master of Science in Computer Science.
VO: Did you take your GRE?
Me: Yes. I did.
VO: Can you pass me the scores?
Me: Passed the scores
VO: Which year did you complete your under-graduation?
Me: 2012.
VO: What have you been doing since then?
Me: I am working in Verizon Data Services India as a software Engineer
VO: okay. Who is sponsoring your education?
Me: My Parents
VO: What is their annual income?
Me: My father earns up to X Lakhs and my mother some Y lakhs through rent. 
VO: What is your father doing?
Me: He is doing business 
VO: What kind of Business?
Me: He does wooden packing cases for textile machinery 
VO: Where are you planning to stay there?
Me: I have applied for on campus accommodation. If I don’t get on campus, I will stay off campus. I have been looking for some apartments also. 
VO: (This time not typing) Do you know what courses will you be taking?
Me: Yes. I do.
VO: Can you say a few courses?
Me: I am planning to take Data Science track. In that I will be learning Big Data, Design and analysis of Algorithm, and a few more. 
VO: Your Visa has been approved. Please collect your passport in two days. (She placed my passport in a tray)
Me: Thank you 

Though they don’t ask for any documents, it is good to keep everything ready. These are the documents that I took. I have specified according to the category. It will be much easier if you sort it in order and take.

Necessary (MUST) documents for Visa Interview

• Appointment confirmation letter
• DS-160 Barcode page
• SEVIS fees receipt
• VISA fees payment receipt 
• I-20 
• College admit letter
• PASSPORT
Financial:
• Financial affidavit from the sponsors (In a stamp paper. Lawyer signed)
• Letter from bank manager with all the funds available in different accounts.
• Bank passbook
• FD receipts
• A Xerox copy of the land document
• A letter from a charted Engineer stating the value of the property
• Income Tax returns (Mine and my father’s)
Scores
• GRE(Printout from the website will do)
• TOEFL scorecard 
• 10th, 12th, UG marksheet
• Degree certificate
Work Experience
• Appointment letter
• Last month pay slip
• Recent merit Letter I got

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Topic starter

VISA Approved..! 
Slot: 8Am 02/05/14 
Consulate: Hyderabad 
California State University Northridge.. Masters in Structural Engineering 
Here is my visa experience.... 
Me: Good morning sir  
VO: Good morning. Pass me ur I20 nd passport (wat a face it was..! So aggressive as if i'm asking fr his property..) 
VO: when did u passed out? 
Me: 2014 April sir..  
VO: How many backlogs do u have? (An expected question nd i was ready to answer d next question :P)  
Me: Not even a single backlog sir  
VO: Oh..! What does your parents do?  
Me: sir they are Government employees. (I was prepared fr very cool answrs but got tensed nd forgot everything :/) 
VO: congrats.! Your visa has been approved.. (..! No no.. u r my ..! That was my inner feeling ) 
Me: Thanks alot sir..! (Full dances..! *Inside* :P)  
He didnt even asked me any kind of documents nothing.. Be confident and maintain a good eye contact, it helps a lot..

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Topic starter

Embassy called me back to re check Financial documents after visa approval

 

How do you feel if visa officer call you back after visa approval. You went out of embassy and then you got call back. What if they want to check funds for education?

Visa Interview Experience

Got my visa.Here is a completely different experience i faced with a lots of tension for 2hrs. 

Mng 7:30slot on 12th may.. 

Vo is an young fair American women with green coloured boat colored top, black jeans, bare neck, purple colored nail polish, and a beautiful platinum ring. 

Person prior to me got rejected.. 

Next my turn: 

Vo : gm sir 
Me : v gm ma'am  
How r u ma'am ?? (she didn't listened to me) , 
Vo : can u please pass me your passport 
Me : sure ma'am, i passed my passport 
Vo : so u r going for fairlegh dikinson universty ? 
Me : yes ma'am  
Vo : why this university? 
Me : bcoz,of its exclusive curriculum in EE,..,.... Xxxx 
Vo : ok, what is ur highest degree of qualification? 
Me : am done with my bachelors ma'am 
Vo : which year ? 
Me : may 2013 
Vo : what is ur under graduation major ? 
Me : EEE ( electrical and electronics engineering) 
Vo : okay(typing) 
Okay sir ur visa is approved. 
Me : with a smile, thanqu ma'am

Got a call from Embassy

I thought it is all done and came out of embassy and started sharing my happiness. 
Then after an hr. I got a call from embassy asking to return to embassy with all the docs 
I asked, if any issue ? They didn't say anything and asked me to return at the moment 
I am in jeans flip flops and casual shirt and went as i am. 

They asked me to show any govt. Id to enter into the embassy (as my visa is approved by that time, they took away my passport) 

I entered,,, Then they asked me to wait for a while, am fully tensed and upto 20min.s no response from their ***. 
Then they asked me to go to the counter no. 13 which is a closed one. 

I went in and the security told me to wait and closed the door and went away, then their i can see the poster of " for submitting any fake doc.s u ll me imprisoned, n may be permanently banned to enter into us". 

My tension levels reached to peak levels.

They asked me to submit financial docs

After 10min.s other indian lady appeared on the other side and asked me to submit all my financial docs. I started giving one by one, she interrupted and asked to give whole file. Am sure that am very genuine in my work, even though tension. Then she took away my file and closed the curtain on the other side of glass window. 

After 2min.s other lady came and told,me,it may take some time and asked me to wait. Around after 30min.s of complete loneliness and calmness a lady came and told me that u didn't have enough amount of savings. But i told i have. Then she took out the doc.s and told NO with a aggressive face expression (10000qtn.s ran in my mind at that moment) 

I asked to return my file so that i can check and submit it again. She told me,u need not check any thing am clear u don't have enough savings. I said i have again. Then she again went inside and got my remaining doc.s and told am sorry and went in side again. 

After 15.mins of again silence another young american came with my file, returned it to me saying am very sorry for calling u back sir, and asked me to attend the interview again. 

I felt w t f** and again went to my counter no. 23 with the same lady again (the vo) 
Then interrupted the line and went 1st. 
Interview initiated for the 2nd time 
Vo : please give me ur passport  
Me : ma'am its already with you 
Vo : i don't have your passport (with a expression on face) 
Me : but ma'am..... Am continuing., she left the da seat and got my passport. 
Vo : am sorry, with a smile on her face 
Me : no problem ma'am  
Vo : so, what r ur parents ? 
Me : i told... 
Vo : some cross questions ( 2 ) then typing... 
Vo : so who is funding you ? 
Me : its my family, with saving of xxx L and with annual income of xxL 
Vo : okay and kept on typing.... 
Me : with a smile observing her on the whole 
Vo : fine your visa is approved again  
Me : thanqu ma'am with a big smile (in side huufffoooo thank *** ) 
Vo : smile 
Me : what all the issues went for all this time ma'am ? 
Vo : they just checked your doc.s, that's it 
Me : so can i surely leave the Chennai ma'am ? (sarcastically) 
Vo : of course u can... With a laugh... 

Me thanqu ma'am  
Finally !!! Hhuuf

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Here are some of the VISA Interview Experiences from FALL 2013 session. Post your experience in the comments section.

 Approved || 26 March 2013 9:30 AM || Chennai || TAMU || MIS Fall-13

Decision: Approved
Consulate:Chennai
Date/Time: 26th March 2013
University Heading to : TEXAS A&M Univ, College Station
Program + Department : MS MIS
Cost on I-20: $35,704
Funded/Unfunded/Partially funded (details): Not funded
Work Experience : 2yrs

There were 3 guys before me in the queue for work VISAs (H1B/L1/B1) and all of them were rejected, so I was scared like anything.
Me: (scared)Good Morning.
VO: Good Morning
VO: (Looking at the I20) So you are going to Texas A&M (Seems very impressed Very Happy and gives a big smile)
Me: (In my mind,I guess my work is done Cool) Yes Sir.
VO: Which course?
Me: MS in Information Science/Studies ( as was mentioned in the I20)
VO: From where did you complete your under graduation?
Me: Pune University in 2011
VO: So how many backlogs did you have?
Me: None Sir, I was one of the toppers of my batch( with a big grin)
VO: (with a big smile) So, what does your father do?
Me: He is working in YYYY.
VO: That’s great. So who is sponsoring you.
Me: My father and I have a loan sanctioned for Rs10 Lakhs
VO: I am approving your VISA. Have fun in Texas.
Me: Thanks!
This may seem like a lot of questions but the interview lasted for less than a minute.

 
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Visa Approved|Kolkata|TAMU|Fall 2013|MSCS

VISA APPROVED
KOLKATA
MS CS
8:30 slot
No question asked about funding

questions asked
1. WHY TAMU.
ans:I started with my research interest lies in blah.. blah. interrupted me when i had just started.
2.which other universities did you apply
ans: Had named 3-4 out of 7. VO cuts me short
3. why are you going for masters.
ans: I want to work with a R & D team of a mnc for that i need some research exp
4.Is it a thesis course
ans: yes
5.What does your father do?
ans:told
6. How long have you been working with the current company
ans:2 yrs and 8 months

asked for finger prints. kept the passport in the box
THEN SAID THE WORDS THAT I WAS DYING TO HEAR BUT COULDN'T HEAR.

 
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 Approved || 28th May 8:30 AM || Delhi || CMU ETC || FALL 2013

Decision: APPROVED
Consulate: Delhi - 28th May 8:30 AM
University: Carnegie Mellon University
Course: Masters in Entertainment Technology

Hello Everybody!

I had my VI today. I'm leaving out the OFC Appointment because it is very simple and nothing to be explained there. I took a total of 15 mins there to go in and come out.

On the day of the VI, I reached at 8:00 AM for the appointment at 8:30 AM. They let us in at 8:15 AM.

STEP 1
At the entrance they stapled my DS - 160, Appointment Letter, I-20 and SEVIS Receipt onto the back of my passport and asked if I had any electronics on me.

STEP 2
we were ushered inside where we were frisked and any beep sound and you were asked to take it out.

STEP 3
Then, we came out to an open sort of area where they were displaying the token numbers being served right now (being interviewed) and the numbers that were in queue. A person there was letting people into the building after some interval. My token number was H108 (H - for Student Visas F1). There were hardly any Student Visa seekers at this time. When around H102-H103 were queued inside, they sent me in.

STEP 4
There inside, there was a short queue for Counters 1-7 where they took fingerprints and matched it to the previous records they stored at the OFC Appointment. After this they sent me ahead where the VI's were taking place.

STEP 5
As I said, there were hardly any students seeking VISA. I tried to talk to a guy and he was holding an A-type of token number (eg. A105, A160). I was very curious about this type of number because MOST OF the visa applicants were of this type. It was B-1 Visa applicants. I was totally surprised that there are SO many B-1 Applicants. Shocked
So I waited there for about 20 mins (not sure, they took my watch Brick wall).
In front of me were loads of families applying for Visa. about 50-60% of all the people were families applying for B-1. I was worried a bit because every single one of those VO's were grilling people. I couldn't hear most of the conversations because it was so crowded and children were screaming around. Neutral
There was a separate counter which was only handling F-1 Student Visa's. My number flashed and I went into the queue at Counter No. 3.

STEP 6
In front of me in the queue were 2 girls and 1 guy was being interviewed. I was surprised to see that the VO was asking question after question and then waiting 2 mins (typing typing typing) after every question and the applicant was just staring round doing nothing. this went on for about another 10 mins (for 1 person!). Made me a bit more nervous than I actually felt. After his VISA was approved, I sighed relief because he ultimately got it. Then the two girls' Visa was also very similar (about 5-8 mins each). I was getting nervous by the minute. Oh but thanks to Edulix one thing that everyone seems to stress on for the VI was to SMILE. I had taken that advice to the heart and every few seconds I caught myself and made myself smile. It does reduce nerves and helps relax. Guys its an awesome technique! The girls got the VISA approved too so it boosted my confidence. My turn.

STEP 7
The VO was in his early 30s and bald and smiling.

Me: (Passing him the passport) Hello Officer. Good morning! (Smile Very Happy)
VO: Good morning!

VO: Hmm.. So which university are you going for?
Me: Sir, I'm going to Carnegie Mellon University for doing my Masters in Entertainment Technology.

VO: Entertainment Technology?
Me: Yes Sir. (I thought now he'll grill me what this actually is. Oh well I HAD prepared for this too! Wink )

VO: Hmm so where @(*$&(#*@$& from?
Me: Pardon sir?

VO: Hmm so where @(*$&(#*@$& from?
Me: Pardon sir? I can't hear you properly. (He wasn't speaking into the mic.)

VO: Hmm so where did you do you B.Tech. from?
Me: Manipal Institute of Technology, Karnataka.

VO: Which Universities did you apply to?
Me: CMU, USC, UoU, UCF, RIT and Drexel (full forms, in one breath Laughing )

VO: Who will sponsor you?
Me: Mom and Dad and my personal savings.

VO: (Without waiting for a heartbeat) Your Visa has been Approved sir. Have a nice day.
Me: (BIG SMILE) Thank you! Thank you Very much!

That's it! Took all of 40-50 seconds.
I name the University and its next to done! I'm pretty sure that's the case considering what happened to 3 people before me!

But people, one advice ONLY.
SMILE
That boosts ur confidence, makes you calm, focused and you believe that you can do it.

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VISA APPROVED || 21 ST MARCH 11.00 || HYDERABAD || SUNY ALBANY || MCS SUMMER 2013

Decision: Approved
Consulate:Hyderabad
Date/Time: 21 st March 2013
University Heading to : University at Albany , SUNY
Program + Department : MS Computer Science
Cost on I-20: $28,323
Funded/Unfunded/Partially funded (details): Not funded
Work Experience : 1 yr

I entered consulate by 10.30 as i had my interview at 11.00...
I had my OFC a day before. I saw the same people whom i got to see during my OFC. Most of them were couples who were going to their progeny (probably i think). There were few H1 and H4 applicants too. But i barely found F1 applicants as this is an odd season. After my formality checks i went in and i was guided by representatives over there. Finally i reached my waiting point where people are issued with tokens and numbers on them. Co-incidently my alphabetical token were moving at low pace. I was tensed early but later on i got bored (I waited for 1 1/2 hr Mad ). Then my token number flashed on the screen and there was an announcement too. I went to the counter where i was intended to go. I found a queue of 2 members infront of me. I was confused (as i don't have any prior experience of attending visa interview). I asked a man standing infront of me " Is this the place where we are interviewed?" He replied "YES". I dreamt of other scene (an old aged officers wearing spectacles and peeping into every document which we take with us and asking me all the irrelevant questions in the world EmbarassedEmbarassed:oopsSmile. All the three cabins infront of me had lady officers who were so polite and seemed like granting visa for everyone whom they confront SmileSmile. Then everything for me got positive and i thought i will definitely get it.
I was called for the interview.

VO: Can i get your passport?
ME: For sure... (with a smile)
VO: Which school are you going to? Give me your I20
ME: University at Albany, SUNY
VO: why this university?
ME: I wanted do my specialization in network security and this university has faculty who are well experienced in this area (and i mentioned some names). There is a lot of research work going on this area in collaboration with NY state govt. There are about 30-35 projects going on at CTG....(she interrupted me)
VO: Who is sponsoring you?
ME: My father and i have a bank loan of XX
VO: What does your father do?
ME: He works as XX for XX company and his annual income is XX
VO: What have you done in your bachelor's?
ME: I belong to electronics background
VO: Then why are you opting for computer science?
ME: I confronted with some subjects of computer science domain in my bachelor's. Where it interested me more to do my specialization in this field.
VO: When did you graduate?
ME: 2011
VO: what did you do from then?
ME: I worked as XX for XX company and even this enhanced my interest towards computer science.
VO: What are scores for GRE, Toefl?
ME: MY GRE is 305 and my IELts score is 7.5
VO: Do you have any backlogs?
ME: NO.
VO: Can you place your left hand fingers on that green thing (I knew its granted already)
ME: yes
VO: Your VISA IS approved......(I didnt hear the next few lines she said as i was on cloud 9 already).
ME: thank you, have a great day
VO: (With a big smile) YA too....

She didn't even check a single document of mine (but we need to take them as we are not aware of the kind of officer we are going to ...)
That was my experience and i am heading to my university.

 

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VISA APPROVED | CHENNAI CONSUL-16TH MAY | UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI | MS IN AEROSPACE

DAY 1, OFC : 15th may, 8:00 AM

Reached the centre around 7:30 AM and there was a big queue standing outside the building. Dont get any bags as they are not allowed inside. Make sure that you only carry your DS-160 confirmation, VISA application form and Passport.
Was let inside by 8:00 AM and came out by 8:15 AM after giving my fingerprints.
Cell phones are allowed in switched off mode.

DAY 2, VI-Chennai Consulate, 7:30 AM

Reached the consul around 6:45 AM and the place was already crowded.
After security checks, reached the main building where the interviews are held at around 8:15 AM.

My interviewer turned out to be a really nice person, Smiling and jovial. He approved all F1 visa's for applicants who went before me. I was preparing myself for a 221g (generally most of the students wanting to do an aerospace degree at the US end up getting a 221g).

Here is my VI:
VO: Good morning! How are you doing?
me: Good morning sir, doing good thanks. How are you?
VO: Good thank you. Pls pass me your passport.
me: Sure sir
VO: Whats your UG degree ?
me: Aerospace
VO: Whats your percentage?
me: 8.81 sir on a 10 point scale
VO: I know, thats a very good score, I am approving your VISA. Enjoy your stay at Cincinnati.
me: Thank you sir! Have a wonderful day!
Didnt even turn back. Just ran outside.
He didnt look at my I-20, didnt ask me for my university also Very Happy

 

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VISA APPROVED || 31ST MAY || MUMBAI || RIT MS CS|| 7 45

Hello,

Visa Approved
Mumbai Embassy
31st May 7 45am

VO: What are you going to study at Rochester?
ME: Master of Science in Computer Science

VO: When did you graduate?
ME: 2012

VO: What have you been doing since then?
ME: Working as a Software Engg since 11 months at Global eProcure

VO: What did you major in during your undergrad?
ME: Chemical Engg

VO: How will you fund your education?
ME: I have a 40% scholarship and the rest will be sponsored by my father, grandfather, and grandmother

VO: Is this a full grant or do you have to pay it back to the Uni?
ME: No mam, full grant.

VO: What do you father, grandfather and grandmother do?
ME: Told

VO: What is your fathers annual income?
ME: TOLD

VO: Okay, I am approving your visa.
ME: Thank you ma'am

 
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 VISA REJECTED
My first attempt at Mumbai consulate got rejected.
Reason: due to academic reasons....
GRE:316
TOEFL:108
BE: 66
Backlog:03
Univs applied: 4( 3 rej 1 admit)
Admitted univ: MTU ( Ms EE)
Any suggestions for sec. attempt? Should I change the consulate? Any help wud be appreciated........seniors plz help!!!!!!!
VO: gud mrning sir plz pass the documents........
me: gud mrng mam (passed the docs: passport + I20)
VO: which univ?
me: MTU
VO:How many univs applied? How many admits and rejs? Name them?
me:Applied to 4 univs. ASU, Oklahoma State univ, Minnesota, MTU and admit from only MTU for EE
VO: why ASU?
me: it provides good courses in embedded sys.
VO: any backlogs?
me: yes 3
VO:why MTU?
me: the university provides good courses like emb sys design, gpu mpu programming, VLSI and also current research is in line with my interest.
I named three profs and their research.
VO: who's sponsoring u?
me: my father.
VO;whats his annual income?
meMadx lacs mam.
(typing into comp.......)
VO:sry sir i cannot approve ur Visa bcuase of acads.
 
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VISA Rejected || Mumbai || 20th May || University of Washington || MSIM

Had my VI today and got a reject.

Here is the transcript of my interview. Would be grateful if seniors can provide their inputs.

ME: Good Morning (Passed passport and I - 20)
VO: GM

VO: What have you been doing in India?
ME: Working in an IT company for the past 10 months

VO: When did you graduate and in what field?
ME: Told Month Year of grad and my undergrad degree

VO: Who is sponsoring you?
ME: Parents and I have a education loan of 20L Rs

VO: What do they do?
ME: Dad is DGM in XYZ Bank and has been working for past 35years. Mom is a house wife but she has inherited wealth from her parents, and they both have sufficient funds to sponsor me.

VO: Dads annual income?
ME: 10-12 Lacks.

VO: Sorry we can't grant you a visa at the moment. Gives me 214(b)

 
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Approved || Chennai || UNCC || MS CS || May 23rd 2013/8:30 AM

Status: Approved
Univ: UNCC
Profile: 1210(309)/99/7.11
Consulate: Chennai
Date/Time: 23rd May 2013/8:30 AM
Counter No.: 17

VO was lean and tall. Looked very calm. Approved 2 people before me.
my VI lasted about a minute.

Here goes,

Me: Hello and good morning sir.
VO: ...
VO: pass on your documents.
Me: Sure.
VO: Which university?
Me: UNCC (full form)
VO: Where else did you apply?
Me: UTA,UTD,NEU,IUB,Ohio state
VO: typing...
VO: backlogs?
Me: a couple sir.
VO: what??...oh two?
Me: yes sir, two.
VO: when did you have your backlogs?
Me: 2nd and final year sir.
VO: pass me your gre scorecard.
Me: Sure sir, passed gre and toefl scorecards
VO: when did you pass out?
Me: 2012
VO: What have you been doing since then?
Me: Worked in Wipro technologies for about 7 months.
Now attending a course on MS SQL Server(Lied).
VO: typing...
VO: your Visa is approved. You can pick up your passport in 3 days.
Me: Thank you sir. Thank you very much.

 
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Approved ||Hyd||May 28th||MS in CS || UGA|| Fall 2013

My Visa experience

Consulate :Hyderabad
University : University of Georgia, Athens
Date : 28th may
Decision : Approved

Transcript

VO : Hi, how's ur day ? pass me ur passport.
Me : Fine *passes passport*
VO: So how was ur day ? Pass me ur documents
Me : Fine *passes DS160, I20, SEVIS*

VO: When did u pass out ?
Me: 2010
VO: What are u doing since then ?
Me: Working for Collabera Solns Pvt Ltd.

VO: Oh ur GRE score is good. Which all univs u recieved admit from *starts typing*
Me: GMU and UGA !
VO: So why UGA ?
Me: blah blah blah
VO: So what will u do after MS ?
Me: Told
VO: Totally busy typing and unattentive to my answers now
VO: Now place ur right hand for finger print. What will u do after MS ?
Me: Told again !
VO: *keeps my passport* Any backlogs ?
Me: None !
VO: Ok thanks !
VO: Oh ! And I have approved ur visa !

She stopped asking serious questions after seeing my GRE score which wasn't that great - 323.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

Approved || 24th May 7:30 AM || Chennai || ASU || MS - CS - Fall-2013

OFC Appointment: 23rd, 8 AM

VI: 24th at 7:30 AM

Reached the consulate at 6 AM. I was the first one there. Shocked Waited for an hour till they let us in.

Had the interview at around 8 and this is how it went:

VO was a lady in her 30s.

VO: Good morning. How are you?
Me: Morning ma'am. Good and you?
VO: I'm good too. Which University?
Me: Arizona State University.
VO: Which course?
Me: Masters in Computer Science.
VO: When did you graduate?
Me: 2012
VO: How many backlogs?
Me: None
VO: Who's paying for your education?
Me: My father and I have an education loan of 20L.
VO: What does your father do?
Me: Told.
VO: Your visa is approved. Have a nice stay in the US. Smile

Very Happy

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Approved || 16th May 10.00 a.m. || Mumbai || ASU || Fall-2013

Hi Guys,
Following is my VI experience

Me: Good morning sir. How are you today?
VO: no answer

VO: Which University you are going yo?
ME: Arizona State University

VO: Who all amongst your friends are goin with you?
Me : No one sir.

VO: Let us assume seats are ASU are full now and they connot give to admit, which college you will go to then?
ME: In that case, amongst my other admits i will go to NEU

VO:So why ASU?
told about courses and research etc..

VO: Who is sponsering?
ME: My father and i have a loan of XX lacs from a bank.

VO: Okay, I am approving your visa.
ME: Thank you sir. Have a nice day

I have my sister at US. No question about that was

0

** VISA EXPERIENCE **

PS : Very Long Post. And apologies for posting from fake account due to obvious reasons. ?

Please provide your feedback on the below interview.

Vo : Hello Good morning with smile
Me : Good morning ma’am with smile
Vo : Your passport and I20
Me : here it is ( gave it)
Vo: so you have applied for Ms in information technology in Colorado technical university (with smile)
Me : yes ma’am 
Vo: when did you graduate 
Me :2008
Vo: what were you doing till date:
Me: i completed MBA in 2011 and have 7 years work experience in corporate company.
Vo:why MS?
Me; I want to start up risk consultancy in Bangalore where I am lagging with technical skill so to enhance it I need Ms
Vo: how many universities you applied
Me: 3 ma’am 
Vo: which are they? 
Me : Colorado technical university,
University central Missouri and umass Boston. 
Vo: (could not hear me) which is last one ( she asked loudly) because I was unable to hear.
Me : I said umass Boston 
Vo : did you got admitted to all?
Me: no ma’am . I got in ctu and other 2 are still in processing.
Vo: you got admission in umass ?
Me: no ma’am it is still in process 
Vo : who is sponsoring you?
Me : my mother with that I have my small savings.
Vo: whats your mom doing ?
Me: she has rental income and she is land lord with that she in into agriculture also 
Vo: how many Propery she is having?
Me ; 4 to 5 property
Vo: Have you travelled anywhere out of India?
Me : I had been to Thailand for 10 vacational trip , othen then that I dint travel anywhere out of India.
Vo: why ctu ?
Me: I believe support from institution is much required for student which I saw in ctu through its student review and when I spoke with yanzen who is proffesor of ctu . I was impressed with his guidance made. Also he is in research interest includes cyber security and machine learning which are upcoming trend in technology .so I thought working under him will make me more knowledgeable.
vo: I am giving you 214b you can reapply again. Have a nice day

0

Hyderabad consulate

Date - 18th july
Time - 9:00 am
Status - approved

Gre - 318 
Toefl - 107
Univ - univ of notre dame (applied to only one university) 
undergrad - 8.71 (0 backlogs)

I reached by 8:10, they checked the passport and DS-160. I had to wait for around 45 min before my turn came at counter - 11. It was a lady VO, aged 25-30.

VO - Hello
Me - Hello
VO - So which course will you be doing in notre dame
Me - Computer science
VO - what are you aiming for
Me - i am interested in the computer vision course which is offered by the university, i did a project in my undergrad based on this and my aim is to pursue this field in future 
VO - what was your percentage in undergrad
Me - my univ had cgpa system and mine was 8.71
VO - that’s really good
Me - thanks
VO - any backlogs
Me - none
VO - great
VO - do you have any relative in US
Me - no i have no relative there
VO - what does your father do
Me - he is general manager in ...
VO - what is his annual income 
Me - Its .. 
VO - who will help you with your fees
Me - my family will support me, my father will pay for the education. We have a net amount of .. in the account.
VO - is that your savings 
Me - yes 
VO - I had many students interviewing for Notre Dame this year, congratulations, your visa is approved.

NOTE - Your university matters, if its a renowned university with a good ranking, it gives you an edge.

0

Long post as i have tried to write each and every word and mention few points VO might be looking for and what we need to avoid for rejection.
*****************************************
Date: 24th July 10:30 AM
Status: Approved
Consulate: New Delhi
Counter: 10
In time: 10:30 am
Out Time: 11:05 am
**************************************
VO was Asian American guy in his early 30s. Serious looking with stone face. Had rejected 3 Visas in same slot.

I was waiting at stand point when previous interview got over. Stayed on spot until he called out next.
*****************************************
Me: Good morning. How are you?
No response from Vo.

VO: Pass me your passport.
Me: *Passed it*

VO: i20
Me: Here it is *Passing it*.

VO: Ok. What are you going to do in Northeastern University.
Me: I am going to pursue Master of Science in Information Systems.

VO: What other Admits did you get?
Me: (I prepared for i applied for universities and their name and then admits and their name. But keeping it precise to what VO asked) I received admit from 3 universities, namely Northeastern University, Boston, Rutgers University Newark and University of Texas Arlington.

VO: What is special about Northeastern University that you chose it over others?
Me: (Totally prepared for it) I was looking for Information System Program which has unique blend of technical and management subjects. The program is driven by decorated faculty like Khaled Bugrara and Yusuf Ozbek with their great practical methodology and interesting research papers ( Scored perfect with program here)

(Continued..) Northeastern University is ranked 44 in National University and 49 for IS program according to US news. (It is most trusted source).

(He was patient to hear more)
It has a student faculty ratio of 14:1 which is great stat for a US university.

Recently It was recognised by NCAA with public recognition award for high academic achievement. That is why i chose Northeastern University.
(looked satisfied by points. Didnt have to talk about facility as every University has it. He needed distinctive points ).

VO: Who is sponsoring you?
Me: (providing full detail) My father is sponsoring me with his liquid assets of ₹xx lac and fixed assets of ₹xx lacs. Apart from this i have secured a loan of ₹xx lacs from xxxx bank. (seemed satisfied with financial stability)

VO: What does your father do?
Me: ( he is not earning regular income but due to stable financial background with out wavering i told) He has retired from service as Joint president from xxxx company. Now he is working free lancer for (his field of work) projects.

VO: What will you do after masters?
Me: I am going to(confidence) procure a dignified position (stature) as full stack developer (area of expertise) in major players like google or amazon (goal) here back in India(intension) and am going to plan my marriage as well (career alone is not all that is left after masters).

VO: (didnt even congratulate me) Your visa is approved and you will get it with premium delivery as you opted.
Me : Thank you and left. (I smiled the whole time. No mention of you have made my day.)
*****************************************
Profile:
GRE: 307
AWA: 3
TOEFL: 102
Work Experience: 5.5 years in IT sector.
*****************************************

I hope the post helps... Though i am posting it quite late.

Stay confident and wish you all luck

0

I got Rejected

VO:Good morning
Me: Good morning
VO:Passport and i20 please
Me:Sure
VO:Why MS Regulatory affairs ?
Me: I am working in an FMCG company and with my level of experience I need to have in-depth understanding in Regulatory affairs. So have decided to take this course as it offer me a professional degree
VO: How many years have you been working for?
Me: 9 years
VO: What is your designation?
Me: Research associate
VO: What is your last qualification?
Me: Masters in Biotechnology
VO: Your designation is research associate, how is Regulatory helping you
Me: It gives me the knowledge of regulations for safety of molecules or ingredients tat can be proposed for product formulation
VO: Are you single?
Me:I am divorced
VO: what about your finances?
Me: I have been working for some years and have enough savings of 35 lakhs. My family has an asset of 2.2 stores (had all property papers, but it was in my father's name. My father is no more). As a backup I have my 2 sister's who are working and can sponsor my education too.
VO: Your visa is refused under 214b. You can reapply again

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