Fall 2018- F1 Student Visa Experience: (Mumbai Consulate | University of Maryland College Park | Computer Science- Approved)

Profile Information:

University: University of Maryland College ParkCourse: MS in Computer Science

Mumbai ConsulateDate: May 2018Status: Approved

Visa Interview Experience:

The US consulate at BKC is quite active, featuring people lined up outside for an initial check where a security guard verifies your appointment time. My slot was scheduled for 8:45 am, and I was permitted through the gate at 8:00 am, so it is best to arrive early and join the line well ahead of time rather than waiting until the last 15 minutes.

1. There is a security screening quite comparable to airport security procedures. Afterward, you are directed to a seating area arranged in 6 rows of chairs, where you are seated based on your designated appointment time slot.
2. When your turn arrives, you are instructed to move into the next part of the building and form another line. Initially, biometric scanning is conducted again, following which you must join a subsequent queue.
3. This queue moves at a moderate pace, giving you a clear view of all the interview windows where you can observe at least 20 visa interviews taking place. Do not panic even if you witness rejections, as the applicant right in front of me was refused.
4. I was directed to counter number 33, where the visa officer was a very young man who greeted me with a smile.

VO: Good morning, how are you doing?ME: Good morning sir, I'm doing well, how are you you?VO: Good Good, please pass me your passport i20 and SEVIS receiptME: (passed it)VO: So. Why do you wish to go to the USA, to the University of Maryland? Why do you wish to be a terp?ME: *answered*VO: Isn't it a very expensive university?ME: It is sir, but *answered, mentioning about their industry and consumer centric teaching approaches etc* ended with "that's why it's worth all the money".VO: Who'll be sponsoring your education?ME: My father will be sponsoring me sir.VO: How does he plan to finance it?ME: He has savings of ₹XXX and his annual income is ₹XXX which will be sufficient to fund my education.VO: Okay. Which subjects will you be taking in your first semester?ME: I'll be signing up for the Elective xyz for sure, but other than this I'm not really sure because I haven't been assigned a program advisor yet.VO: Okay. (Types something for about 10 seconds)VO: Best of luck for your education I'm approving your visaME: Thank you sir, have a great day!VO: You too!

The entire conversation lasted barely 45 seconds.Here are some pointers:

• Speak clearly throughout your responses. The applicant ahead of me was denied because she lacked a solid explanation for choosing XYZ University and stumbled or stammered when questioned about her sponsor and funding sources.
• Keep a friendly smile on your face, as it sets a positive tone for the interaction.
• Securing a visa is not overly complicated; avoid dishonesty, remain modest yet confident, and you should succeed.