Fall 2018- F1 Student Visa Experience: (Chennai Consulate | University of Texas, Arlington | Computer Science- Approved)

Applicant Background:

University: University of Texas, ArlingtonProgram: MS in Computer Science

First AttemptChennai ConsulateDate: May 2018Status: ApprovedCounter Number: 26

Visa Interview Encounter:

Day-1: BiometricsI departed Bengaluru at 6AM on the BLR-CHN Shatabdi. The train was supposed to get to Chennai at 11AM, but arrived at 2PM?. I experienced a lot of anxiety since my biometrics appointment was set for 3PM and I was running late. I hired an auto to the hotel (New woodlands) that I had booked. I rushed out of the hotel and arrived at the biometrics facility at 2:50PM?. Biometrics finished by 3:10. The sole documents needed are your DS-160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation sheet, and your passport. A barcode sticker will be applied to your passport.

Day-2: Interview I departed the hotel at 7:30AM. Had breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Arrived at the consulate at 7:45AM. You will find numerous individuals outside the consulate waiting for their designated time. You are permitted to enter only at your scheduled time and not prior. It gets very hot and you will perspire heavily, so be prepared. I entered at 8:25AM, do not bring your phone, wallets, or watches. Security screening will be conducted and you will proceed to another building. Here the sticker on your passport will be scanned, and you will proceed to verify your biometrics. Finally you will join the line corresponding to your interview language (English, Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, etc.).

The visa officer was in his late 40s and appeared very agreeable and relaxed.

VO: Good morning Sir?ME: Good morning Sir?. Handed over my I-20 and passport.

VO: So you are heading to the University of Texas Arlington?ME: Yes sir.

VO: Why UT Arlington?ME: Among the acceptances I received, UT Arlington was the top choice.

VO: What other acceptances did you get?ME: University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and SUNY Albany.

VO: UWM and SUNY are quite solid universities, why did you pick UT Arlington?ME: (brief pause) well the curriculum at UTA is highly comprehensive and they offer a choice to select 2 specializations.

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VO: Hmm. What is your GRE score sir?ME: Stated my score.

VO: (extended pause gazing at the monitor and typing for a moment). So will you be resigning from your position at Schneider?ME: Yes sir.

VO: (extended pause once more while typing) Congratulations sir, your visa has been granted, have a wonderful stay in the US.ME: Thank you very much sir. (retrieved my I-20 and departed)

Important Takeaways: You will hear many rejections being issued around you. Remain calm. Maintain confidence when responding.

Documents that I brought along:

1. Passport
2. DS-160 confirmation page
3. I-20 properly signed
4. Appointment confirmation sheet
5. Visa fee payment receipt
6. Chartered Accountant Assets certificate
7. Bank statements and loan sanction letter
8. Assets documents copies only
9. Mark sheets from 10th standard up to Degree along with GRE and TOEFL scorecards
10. Copies of rejection and acceptance letters from other universities.
11. Employment proof - mine, ITRV and Form 16 documents
12. Sponsors ITRV, origin of funds.