Fall 2018- F1 Student Visa Experience: (Kolkata Consulate | State University of New York at Buffalo | Civil Engineering- Approved)

Applicant Profile:

University: State University of New York at Buffalo Course: MS in Civil Engineering

Kolkata Consulate Date: May 2018 Status: Approved

Register for F1 Visa Awareness Session

Visa Interview Encounter:

VO: Hand over your I-20 and passport. ME: Good Morning. (Handed over the I-20 and passport).

VO: What is your highest level of education? ME: Ma'am, a B.Tech in Civil Engineering.

VO: So, you are heading to Buffalo for the same field? ME: Yes ma'am.

VO: Any specific concentration? ME: Yes ma'am, with a focus on Structural and Earthquake engineering.

VO: How many universities did you apply to? ME: 6, and I received admissions from 5.

VO: What was your alternative choice? ME: Ma'am, Arizona State University.

VO: How do you intend to finance your studies? ME: Ma'am, I secured a student loan from HDFC Credila for 35 lakhs INR, and my parents--(I was cut off here, my parents are also supporting me through their savings.)

VO: Is the loan secured with or without collateral? ME: Without collateral. Additionally, both my parents will sponsor me, holding savings amounting to 25 lakhs.

VO: Excellent, what is your parents' occupation? ME: My father works as an architect by profession, employed at Kothari and Associates in Kolkata for the past 28 years. He also takes on freelance projects during his spare time. My mother works as a tutor.

VO: Your visa has been approved. Thank you. (Retained my passport). ME: Ma'am, I also participated in your USIEF seminar concerning Visa interviews. VO: (Smiling) USIEF will host additional programs. Make sure to attend. (She signed a USIEF invitation card bearing my name and handed it to me).

My Recommendations- Maintain strong confidence during your responses. AVOID STUTTERING. No paperwork was requested aside from the I-20, DS-160 confirmation, and passport. Remember to smile. I witnessed 3 F1 Visas face rejection as the applicants hesitated during their answers and stumbled while speaking.