#Visa_Interview_Experience
I'll be sharing me and my best friend Rafiul Islam Rafi's VISA interview experience. At first, his and then mine.
𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞: F-1
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 02 July 2023
𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Approved
𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 2:00 PM
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𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲: University of Lynchburg
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦: Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design) [My friend's]
Bachelor of Biomedical Science [Mine]
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Fall 2023
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𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝: Passport, I-20.
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨: 05 (A young Lady)
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𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐎:
My friend passed his passport along with I-20 even before asking.
VO: Good Afternoon (with a smile) How are you?
My Friend: I'm doing great. Afternoon, peace be upon you. How are you?
VO: Good. So, Why do you want to go to the United States?
My friend: I want to pursue my bachelors degree from the US on Graphics Design major with a minor in Digital Media Arts. I have a very intimate relationship with Art & Designing from my childhood and I have a vision to do a massive startup business based on three major design branches. Universities in the US offer so much practical education not only on major and minor subject courses but also focuses on extra-curricular activities, seminars and programs on entrepreneurship, marketing and so on which are so essential for our career. I've been speaking with my professors and came to know about the multitude of opportunities I'll have there. So, These are the main reasons that fascinated me to choose the US as my bachelors and further study destination.
VO: Okay, I'm approving your VISA. Please collect your passport within 2 weeks.
My friend: Thank you 3000.
My friend and I shoulder bumped while he was returning. I was waiting just right behind him for the interview. Then it was my turn.
Me: Good Afternoon. (Passed my passport and I-20)
VO: Good Afternoon. Do you know him?
Me: Yeah, he's my childhood friend. Best friend.
VO: Oh, I see (Smiles). So, why do you want to study in the US?
Me: Started Answering...
VO stops me and says, "Hey, your answer is kinda similar to your friend's. (Smiles) Okay, so you two are going together. I'm approving your VISA. Have a safe trip!!!
Me: Thank you so much. You've made my day.
The duration of our interview was a maximum of 30 seconds. Maybe it was the shortest interview ever. It was unreal and what we prayed together came true. We prayed, "please Allah do not let the VO ask too many questions to us 😅."
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We applied to a total of 6 universities and got acceptance from all of them.
Try to be confident and precise with your answers.
"ALLAH is sufficient for us and he is an excellent trustee"
- (Quran: 3:173)
The rules and regulations for international students in the USA can vary depending on the type of visa they hold and the specific policies of the university they attend. Here are some general rules and considerations:
Student Visa (F-1 or M-1):
- International students usually enter the USA on either an F-1 visa (for academic and language training programs) or an M-1 visa (for vocational programs). These visas are typically sponsored by the educational institution the student plans to attend.
SEVIS Compliance:
- International students must remain in compliance with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a web-based system that maintains information on international students and exchange visitors.
Maintaining Full-Time Enrollment:
- F-1 students are generally required to maintain full-time enrollment during the academic year. Dropping below a full course load without proper authorization can lead to visa issues.
Work Authorization:
- International students on an F-1 visa may be eligible for certain types of work authorization, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT). However, there are specific rules and eligibility criteria for each.
On-Campus Employment:
- F-1 students are generally allowed to work on-campus part-time during the academic year and full-time during designated breaks, but there are restrictions.
Off-Campus Employment:
- Off-campus employment is generally not allowed for F-1 students without proper authorization. Optional Practical Training (OPT) and certain types of Academic Training are examples of off-campus work authorization.
Health Insurance:
- Many universities require international students to have health insurance coverage. Students must comply with the university's health insurance policy or purchase a plan that meets the institution's requirements.
Reporting Changes:
- International students are often required to report changes in their address, academic program, or other significant details to the Designated School Official (DSO) at their institution.
Visa Renewal:
- International students must ensure that their visa documents (I-20 for F-1 students) remain valid. Extensions or renewals may be necessary, and students should work with their designated officials to complete the required processes.
Social Security Number (SSN):
- International students may be eligible for a Social Security Number if they have employment authorization. The SSN is required for certain types of employment and financial transactions.
It's essential for international students to familiarize themselves with the specific rules and regulations of their university and to consult with the international student office or designated school official for guidance on maintaining compliance with immigration and university policies. The rules can vary by institution and may change, so staying informed is crucial.
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