Fall 2016- F1 Student Visa Experience: (Chennai Consulate | University of Michigan, Dearborn | Information System- Approved)

Profile Details:

University: University of Michigan, Dearborn Course: MS in Information System

First Attempt Chennai Consulate Date: July 2016 Status: Approved

Visa interview Experience:

I was the second applicant for the visa officer. He was in his mid-40s and deeply focused on the financial documents of the preceding candidate. Since I was next in line, I had the opportunity to observe the placement of the speaker and microphone, figuring out the most comfortable spot to stand. This was helpful because the previous person had to shift left and right repeatedly to hear the officer clearly.

Now it was my turn.

VO: Please pass your passport. ME: Handed over my passport and I-20. VO: Gladly, I will take your I-20 as well. So, why the University of Michigan-Dearborn? ME: Answered by connecting my professional background at Honeywell International with my specific area of interest, while also mentioning some details regarding the campus infrastructure and the relevance of the program in India.

VO: Alright, Honeywell International with 3 years of experience. That is fantastic. ME: Acknowledged with a broad smile and said yes. VO: Who is sponsoring you? ME: Explained my scholarship and sponsor details, providing the exact amounts. VO: May I have the details regarding your scholarship from the university? ME: Replied sure. It took me a few seconds to retrieve the document from my folder while he typed on his computer. I then handed over my Chartered Accountant statement and fixed deposit receipt as well. He set the fixed deposit aside and began reviewing my Chartered Accountant statement.

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VO: What do your sponsors do? ME: Described their employment and mentioned their years of experience. (If your sponsors are government employees, be sure to share their job titles and tenure as well.) VO: (Abruptly shifting topics) What is your husband doing? ME: (Although I knew the answer, my mind raced with questions.) I told him he is a student in the United States of America. VO: Oh, a student. Which university, and is he being sponsored by the same person? He stopped typing and focused entirely on me. ME: University of Michigan-Dearborn, and he holds a scholarship of a specific amount along with an educational loan. Should I hand over the original scholarship or loan paperwork? VO: He replied no. That is why you also chose the University of Michigan-Dearborn! ME: (Thinking to myself: That is it, I am finished, my visa will be denied.) I told him no, Sir. I want to pursue my ambition in the field of Enterprise Information. I had applied to UMD-Ann Arbor and The Ohio State University as well. UMD-Ann Arbor was my top choice, while Ohio and UMD-Dearborn were equally strong alternatives. Unfortunately, I did not secure admission to my top two choices. VO: Hmm, what program did you apply for at Ohio and Ann Arbor? ME: The same Master of Science in Information Systems. VO: Why not just get an F2 visa and settle down with him? Rather than studying, taking on stress, and leaving a job with 3 years of experience? ME: Once again, I explained that I want to follow my passion and work in this field. I have no intention of settling down without completing my goals just yet. VO: How long have you been married? ME: Two months. (He smiled back.) VO: How many months is the coursework you have enrolled in? ME: (Unsure of how to answer in months) I stated it is a 2-year program. VO: What are your plans after completing your Master's degree? ME: I want to return to India to launch a company focused on enterprise information management. In India, data is widely available, but proper structuring and management demand specialized knowledge. I trust that the education I receive here will give me the competence to achieve this. VO: He picked up my Chartered Accountant statement and began performing some calculations. After a few moments, he picked up his pen and spoke: I AM APPROVING YOUR VISA. ENJOY YOUR STAY! I am keeping your passport with me, and you will receive a notification in a couple of days.

ME: Thank you, Sir. Have a wonderful day!

Be bold and confident. Maintain a pleasant smile whenever appropriate. Place your folder on the left side where designated space is available. Keep your hands relaxed and maintain steady eye contact throughout the discussion. The officer may be typing while listening closely. Even if they do not explicitly ask for financial proofs, it is wise to carry a Chartered Accountant statement and present it if needed. Familiarize yourself with a few facts about the university and tie them into your academic interests, as this will help you answer various questions. The officer may try to rephrase the same questions in different ways to test consistency, so your answers should remain steady and uniform.

Note: Content in this article is taken from a public forum moderated by Ashiraj. Personal details which may reveal the identity have been removed in order to maintain anonymity.