Fall 2018- F1 Student Visa Experience: (Chennai Consulate | University of Southern California | Computer Science- Approved)

Applicant Background:

University: University of Southern CaliforniaCourse: MS in Computer Science

Chennai ConsulateDate: May 2018Status: ApprovedCounter No: 14

Visa Interview Transcript:

I will share my notes and tips at the conclusion. If this assists even a single person, writing this will have been worthwhile.(Greetings Exchanged with a courteous smile)

VO: Do you have your i20 on you?ME: (handed over)

VO: So, USC! Why USC?ME: Their Curriculum. It’s pretty flexible....(was cut off by the VO here)

VO: Don't give me the typical. Tell me honestly.ME: Well, their Engineering School is very highly ranked. And they don't force subjects on you. Apart from Algorithms, which you have to take, you can pretty decide your own curriculum around it. So I really meant it when I said I was impressed how flexible their curriculum is.

VO: (Giving a nod of approval while he listened) So, where else did you apply?ME: (listed universities)

VO: Why USC among all these then?ME: It really came down to NCSU and USC. And I have friends at both places. Talked to them, did my own research, and USC came about to be the better option with the reasons I was telling you about.

VO: How are you sponsoring your education?ME: I have savings and an education loan.

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VO: What does your Mom and Dad do?ME: (answered)

VO: What's your Father's annual income in lacs?ME: (answered). I do want to point out he’s not sponsoring my education.

VO: No, that’s fine. You’re good. Have you paid your SEVIS fee?ME: Yes, Sir. Did you want the receipt?

VO: No I got it, even if you had not told me. (laughs)

VO: What are you going to do after MS?ME: I want to move to New Delhi. Been in South India for 8 years, I think a change of location is called for.

VO: What was your GRE score?ME: 309.

VO: (Impressed expression) Good job.ME: (confused expression) Well, I think I could have done better, but thank you.

(At this time he opened my passport for the first time and noticed I have B1 and have travelled to US)

VO: Have you travelled to US before?ME: Yes, Sir. First time I travelled for Business and last year I had gone for vacation.

VO: (Impressed) You already have a B1! Why didn't you start with it? (Rhetorical)ME: Smiled.

VO: You’re like the first student that at least I saw who already had a B1 and will have an F1. Pretty good.

VO: You’re good to go. Study hard and enjoy your stay.ME: Thank you so much!

• He did NOT check any document although he asked about almost everything.
• It felt more like a casual conversation than an interview, which can sometimes be tricky to navigate.

Recommendations:

• The obvious points: maintain your confidence and politeness.
• DO NOT volunteer extra details. AT ALL. It is his responsibility to ask what he wants to know. Allow him to lead.
• Organize your paperwork thoroughly. You should be able to retrieve any document instantly without searching. The last thing you want is to fumble for a paper when asked.
• Do not hesitate to ask or clarify something.
• There are no right or wrong answers to any question; how you deliver the response matters most.
• If you spot their name on the badge and address them by it, you will earn extra points. This applies to any interaction, and a visa interview is simply a conversation. (The key is not to overdo it or make it forced)
• Remember to celebrate after securing your visa.
• Make sure to share your journey and assist others.