Fall 2015 - F1 Student Visa Experience: (Hyderabad Consulate | California State University, Los Angeles | Computer Science - Approved)

Applicant Profile:

University: California State University, Los Angeles Course: MS in Computer Science

First Attempt Mumbai Consulate Date: July 2015 Status: Approved Counter No: 29

Visa Interview Encounter:

Arrived at the consulate at 9:15 carrying only my document folder and an umbrella (analog watches are permitted, by the way). The security guard directed me to join the line. The queue moved quickly, and I was inside in just 15 minutes. My folder was placed in a basket, and I was instructed to queue up again for screening. Afterward, I was told to proceed through a door into the main, larger facility, where I joined another line (there are chairs available so you do not have to stand the entire time). Both the person on my left and my right were F-1 visa applicants (tip: talk to those around you to help calm any nerves!). Finally, I walked through the inner door into the Visa Interview Zone. I stood in line, passports were gathered, and an officer took my fingerprints while confirming my presence in the database from my OFC appointment the previous day. Once verified, my passport was handed back to me, and I was directed to another queue. The applicant directly ahead of me faced a rejection (which I think made my heart skip a beat). Then I was called forward. The visa officer was a woman around 30 to 35 years old wearing large glasses.

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VO: Good morning ME: Very good morning, ma'am.

VO: Hand me your passport and I-20. ME: (handing over the documents) How are you doing this fine morning?

VO: I am doing fine, thank you, how about you? ME: I am fine, thank you.

VO: So what program are you heading to CSULA for? ME: For an M.S. in Computer Science.

VO: What particular area in Computer Science? ME: Software Development. VO: Why this specific college? ME: Ma'am, it offers high educational standards with an exceptional faculty. I have a computer background, and the CS department at CSULA is its premier division with an outstanding departmental profile, allowing me to study under the best.

VO: Okay. So what are your plans after your MS? ME: I plan to return to India and would love to work for multinational corporations.

VO: What will your role be there? ME: I will work as a Software Developer.

VO: Why multinational corporations specifically? ME: Because they offer a good compensation package (with a broader smile).

VO: (with a final tone) Right! But why a Software Developer and why do you want to work at an MNC? ME: Because, ma'am, ever since I was a child I have been deeply fascinated by programming and would love to build upon those skills.

VO: So, who is funding your education? ME: My parents.

VO: Do you know how much they have saved for your studies? ME: Yes, ma'am. It is XXXX lakhs, and I have also secured a loan of 20 lakhs from SBI. (She stopped reviewing my documents)

VO: Your visa is approved. You can collect it in a few days. ME: Thank you, ma'am.

ME: Ma'am, when will I get my passport back? VO: I am holding onto your passport to print the visa approval, so you will receive it in a few days.

ME: Oh! Thank you, ma'am, have a wonderful day!

And off I went. (Waited in line for an hour, and the visa was approved in a minute.)

Final takeaway: The atmosphere is not overly stressful; it feels quite casual and upbeat, so do not let it worry you. The officer sits behind a glass partition, but rest assured, you can hear everything they say very clearly through the speaker on your right. There are several counters in a row where interviews happen simultaneously, but you do not need to concern yourself with that because your entire focus will be on your own interview! Lastly, a smile goes a very long way.

Note: The material in this article is sourced from a public forum moderated by Ashiraj. Personal details that could compromise anonymity have been removed.