1.
Visa Interview Experience
Finally! Alhamdulillah!
---------------------------
Visa type: F1 Emergency Visa
Interview date: 3rd July 2023, 8 AM
(Stood in line at embassy at 8:30 AM, had interview at ~10 AM)
Visa and CEAC status: Approved!
---------------------------
University: Central Michigan University
Intended program: Undergrad, hopefully Mechanical Engineering
Funding: Full Tuition Scholarship (Alhamdulillah 100 percent) and Myron and Hazel Georgia Scholarship (it's an endowed scholarship) and some family funds!
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Interviewer: Counter 7 (White Woman in her mid-thirties, very cheerful, which helped me to be easy during the interview. She was taking biometrics until a few minutes ago, as the biometrics line was empty, she offered to do some interviews. I was the second person she interviewed that day.)
Interview duration: Less than 1 minute, maybe 40 seconds?
Documents brought: Passport, signed I-20, DS160 + visa appointment confirmation, SEVIS and MRV fee receipts, 10 2*2in visa photos (I didn't want to take any chance), acceptance and scholarship letters, academic certificates (SSC, HSC transcripts, testimonials and my extracurricular certificates and Duolingo test results, I didn't take SATs or IELTS) and bank statements
Documents checked: Nothing but the i-20 and passport!
---------------------------
Me: Good morning! (Smiles)
VO: Good morning! (Smiling) Hand me your passport and I-20 please.
Me: Here you go!
*Typing for a few seconds*
VO: So, for what purpose are you going to the US?
Me: For a 4-years bachelor program at Central Michigan University.
VO: And how are you going to fund your program? Did you get any scholarship?
Me: Well, I got the full-tuition Centralis Scholarship and even more, the Myron and Hazel Georgia Scholarship.
VO: *Astonishingly stared at my I-20*
Me: (Continuing) *told how my family will bear my housing and meal costs*
VO: Oh, that's splendid.
Then she began typing for around twenty-thirty seconds (although it felt like forever to me), while taking a look at my i-20 every now and then. I became a bit nervous
VO: Alright, I'm approving your visa, have a nice day! *hands the blue leaflet*
Me: Thank you so much! Have a nice day!
VO: Have a nice day too!
---------------------------
Honestly, standing in line and anticipating what was to come was the worse part, there was a massive line, but the worst, for me, was to get up so early :). Like Sashwata Apu (Sorry if I got your spelling wrong Apu) said, there were lots of approvals yesterday. My first Emergency Request was denied, but the second got approved. I had prepared myself for all the usual questions, like when are you coming back to Bangladesh, what subject do you want to study. They didn't ask me anything, whether I shall return to my home country, what I want to do in the future and so on, neither did they want to see the bank statements.etc. Alhamdulillah luckily I got off real easy!
I think my scholarship played a great role in the interview. I tried to seem confident. I spoke smiling and in an American accent, which might also have helped!
I am grateful to Almighty Allah for helping me out in this process. Alhamdulillah for everything!
My Profile: SSC (2020)-HSC 2022 from DRMC Bangla Version, GPA-5 in both. My academics are Alhamdulillah quite strong, so that probably helped! I had done pretty good in my schools midterm or final exams. EFC: 0 dhorei apply kora start korsilam, meal plan ar housing er cost prothome kichu niye jaabo, In sha Allah pore bakita manage kora shombhov by on-campus jobs. I didn't take SAT or IELTS.
Duolingo- 145! I also got a Duolingo coupon from one of the universities I applied to, so I didn't have to pay for it :)
And Alhamdulillah I also had got a fullride from Chinese University at Hong-Kong Shenzhen! I won't be attending that, but that was really a joyous moment for me when I came to know that!
2.
Alhamdullilah Alhamdullilah Alhamdullilah ❤️🤲
Visa Type: F1
Visa Priority: Regular
Visa Interview Attempt:1st
Interview Date: 14 June 2023
Scheduled Time: 10:45
Reached Embassy: 9:45
Interview Start: 11:20
CEAC Status:
Interview Duration: 2 minute i guess
Counter No: 11 (A pretty black lady)
🎇🎇
College: Eastern Michigan University
Intended Program: BSc in Computer Science
Intended Term: Fall 2023
🎇🎇
Things that I carried with me: old and new passport, signed I-20, DS-160 confirmation, EBL money receipt, SEVIS fee confirmation,Scholarship contract, all academic Transcripts, IELTS score, Duolingo score, SAT score, Bank statement and solvency certificate of sponsor, most recent tax return of sponsor,proof of income of sponsor, proof of profession as my sponsors are lawyers.
🎇🎇
Me: Good Morning, ma’am! How are you?
VO: I’m fine. Pass me your I-20 and passport please.
Me: Here my I20 & passport
VO: Why this University?
Me: Well, there are several reasons. First of all, EMU is a Carnegie R2 Classified University, so I will get ample opportunities regarding my Academic studies and Research on Computational Technologies. Also, I have been motivated a lot by Professor Elsa Valeroso Poh and ikeji of my major, with whom I have been conversant on various topics. Lastly, I got a 4ward scholarship which will cover my tuition for last two years.
VO: Well, you have scholarships?
Me: Yes, I got 4 ward scholarship, this will cover my expenses for last two years. I have my documents. May I show you?
VO: Yes Please.
Me: Given. Check it for 5/10 seconds.
VO: Who is going to cover your expenses?
Me: Both of my parents are going to cover my expenses.
VO: What do they do?
Me: Both my parents are authorized lawyer of Bangladesh Supreme Court, and they are practicing more than 25 years as civil & criminal case lawyers. My father owns a lawyer's firm named as Mazed & Associates. Moreover, four people are working as junior lawyers under my father's lawyer firm. My mother was an executive member of Dhaka Bar Association from 2002-2004. Additionally, both my sponsors are panel lawyers of Pubali Bank Ltd & Ayesha shopping Complex Ltd.
VO: What courses are you planning to take?
Me: I’ll be taking 5 courses in my 1st semester. Introduction to Programming I & II, Calculus I, physics and writing as inquiry.
VO: Congratulations. I’m approving your visa.
Naive me: I cried infront of VO. She just said culm down young lady. I approved your visa, I didn't reject you.
Noted That: I have only waiver for last 2 years. So you can count me in as family or self fund. So it's totally a myth that only full fund got visa. I saw a girl infront of me who got almost full scholarship but she didn't explain her father's business and she was too much tensed, her hands were shaking. Visa officer just looked her eyes and within a moment she got rejected. Also all girls got visa is also a myth. You have to show your best and don't be nervous. That's not a job interview guys. Just a daily convo with one of your friends, think like this. Honestly speaking i was jumping while the guards tell me to move forward to another line and a guy was sitting beside me said that I was looking very excited (I was nervous tho). Just take a deep breath and pray to Allah for your Visa. Allah is the best planner. I have attached a checklist and Q/A made by myself. I think it will help some of you.
file:///C:/Users/88018/Downloads/Visa%20Q&A%20by%20Faizah%20(1).pdf
3.
~VISA INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE~
Visa Priority: Emergency
Visa Interview Attempt: 1st
Interview Date: 3rd July 2023, 8:45 am.
Visa Status: Approved
CEAC Status: Issued (After 2 days)
College: University of Rochester
Intended Term: Fall 2023
Intended Program: Bachelor in Biomedical Engineering
Documents carried: Passport, Original I-20, DS-160 Confirmation, Appointment Confirmation, SEVIS Fee payment confirmation, MRV Fee Receipt, Academic Transcripts, SAT Score Report, Bank Statement, Affidavit of Support & Asset Valuation, 5 Copies of 2x2 Photos.
VO Description: Pleasant young black woman (forgot the counter number)
Interview Length: Less than a min.
CONVERSATION WITH VO:
----------
Me: Good Morning ma’am.
VO: Good morning! Please pass me your passport and I-20.
Me: Here you go. *pushed them through to her*
VO: So how did you get this scholarship?
Me: I was nominated by the admissions committee as a finalist for the Handler Scholarship. After being chosen as a finalist, I had to also take part in 2 interviews. It is a full-ride scholarship that covers tuition fees, room and board, travel expenses and even a personal allowance. I’m also receiving a 5000 USD research grant.
VO: Ah congratulations. That’s an amazing scholarship. What courses are you taking this semester?
Me: Academic advising hasn’t started for us yet. But I’ll most likely be taking Intro to Biomedical Engineering, Calc I, Intro to Chem and the mandatory writing course. There’s also a course especially for the Handler Scholars.
VO: I’m approving your visa. Collect your passport within two weeks.
Me: Thank you so much!
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My visa interview was fairly short and straightforward, much easier than I’d expected.
As for tips on the visa interview, I’d just say the key to success is to stay calm and composed even though I understand it’s a fairly nerve-wracking experience to anticipate. Have some answers prepared roughly in your head for some of the most common questions. Go through other visa interview experiences that have been posted in this group or others. And in the end, just hope for the best. A good night’s sleep before the big day is crucial. Best of luck to all visa applicants in the future! Hope this helps. ~
4.
I AM DROPPING OUT FROM ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS UNIVERSITIES OF CANADA AND RETURNING TO BANGLADESH.
You've read it correctly. This is nowhere near the conventional posts that you're used to seeing in this group but I felt a necessity to share my experience. Please note that I have no intention whatsoever to discourage anybody from settling away from their home country through this post.
Even 2 months ago, you might have come across my success post regarding visa and admission in this very group. You might be one of those several people who knocked me up for queries about visa application, admission procedure, SOP, etc. I tried my best to help as many people as I could with their queries without charging anything even if it meant that I had to share my SOP sample. I tried posting informative contents in the group and I am so grateful that so many people have been benefitted through them.
Before I further elaborate the factors that influenced my decision, a background context is crucial. By the grace of Almighty, I have always scored good results, one of which is having an 8.0 in IELTS. I received offer letters from every single university I had applied to, including the top 3 universities in Canada, bagged substantial amount of scholarships even being at undergraduate level. My admission and visa processing journey have been very smooth in which I did everything all by myself without the help of any agency.
Even after coming here, my parents have been fully supporting me financially without the need of me doing a part time job and having an apartment all by myself. By the grace of Almighty, I am living the life so many people dream of. However, nobody prepares you for the harsh conditions you'll be facing once you move away. Canada or any other country for that matter isn't all sunshines and rainbows. It takes a toll on your mental and physical health. Please don't take my post as a form of discouragement. All I want is to convey a message that it's never the end of the world if you don't get your visa approved or don't receive an offer letter from your desired university. It's okay to not have an ultimate goal in life to settle abroad.
I see a lot of people posting hate comments on whoever's post discusses about the harsh reality of Canada saying "বাংলাদেশের কোন চিপায় বসে এইগুলা লিখছেন" or "এতো কষ্ট তো আপনি নিজে দেশ এ ফেরত আসেন না কেন". So here you go, this is me, typing this long post while being in Canada and confirming my return ticket as soon as I finish posting this, leaving every single privilege I have and had behind. It's okay to prioritize your physical and mental well-being because trust me, nothing can ever be worth more than this. If I can take such a brave decision, you can too ❤️.
Edit: I completely forgot to mention this point but I might as well mention it now since it seems important. I hated the Canadian teaching system. It's very different from the British curriculum (the one I'm familiar with) and not for the better, at least for me. Please note that it's my personal opinion and I totally respect anyone who has any other opinion. I tried to give it some time and devote myself into studies but at the end of the day, I hated it equally. I felt like I wasn't learning anything useful out of it and thus realized there's no point in continuing if I don't enjoy what I've been learning. The major I chose is one of my favourites and it came as a shocker that I wasn't enjoying it due to the way teaching materials had been provided to me. Since my ultimate goal wasn't getting a PR but rather a prestigious degree (trust me on that), the aforementioned factor was particularly bothering me.
5.
**********VISA INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE**********
Background: Sciences
Visa Type: F1
Visa Status: Approved
Intended University: University of Idaho
Program: Undergrad in Computer Science
Session: Fall 2022
Funding: Scholarship (16145 usd) + self fund
______________________________________________________
Visa Priority: Normal
1st Reschedule: 29 August 2022
Reschedule : 31 July 2022
Interview Date: 31 July 2022 (1:00 PM)
CEAC Status: Issued (within 24 hours of the interview).
Arrived Embassy: 10:00 AM (too much early)
Entered in the Embassy: 12:50 PM
Interview Started: 1:25 PM
Passport Collection E-mail: 01 August 2022
Passport Collected: 02 August 2022
Documents Checked: Appointment Confirmation, Passport, I-20.
Documents Carried: Appointment Confirmation, All Passports, I-20, DS-160 Confirmation Page, SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt, Visa Fee Payment Slip, Funding offer Letter, Salary statement, Bank statement, Tax returns, All academic transcript.
______________________________________________________
Interview:
- I gave my interview in counter no. 6
- The VO was a white middle-aged man, bald.
- Interview Duration: Less than 4 minutes
Conversations with VO:
VO: Good Afternoon, ma'am.
Me: Good Afternoon!
VO: He was looking at my I-20 for a few seconds and then said, “What is your CGP"
Me: I got GPA 5.00 out of 5.00
VO: How did you find this University?
Me: before applying, I did research about most of the American universities through their websites and found out that University of idaho gives opportunity to do undergraduate research. That's why I choose this University
VO: Who is going to sponsor you?
Me: My father will bear all of my expenses.
VO: What does he do?
Me: Told
VO: How much he earn ?
Me: Told.
VO: Do you have bank statement of your sponsor?
Me: pass it
VO: (look the whole document) Do you bring any other financial documents?
Me: yeah, sure. Here you go.( Salary statement and employment certificate)
VO: Type something (look the documents)
VO: Please, take it and collect your passport within two weeks. (Pass me the blue leaflet)
Me: Thank you so much! You made my day.
VO: Go enjoy your day. (VO nodded with a smile)
__________________
Universities and Programs Applied to:
University of Massachusetts, Boston.
Computer Science (without scholarship).
The University of Kentuckey, Biochemistry (bluegrass spirit scholarship)
University of idaho, Computer Science Science (Invitation to Idaho scholarship)
Transylavnia University, Computer Science (academic based scholarship)
Drake University, Computer Science (Academic scholarship + leardership scholarship + International grant)
It was a long and stressful journey, the entire time was very hard to pass. But after this hectic process the outcome turns out very well. When I got the blue leaflet, I feel relief, a comfort after a long trip instead of joy. I was happy that I did it. I thought I wouldn't make it, but I make it happen. I really proud of myself cz I create the whole path by myself and walk the whole way alone. People, in one words they were strangers at that time but I was surprised that they help me a lot (i can't tell express in words), I didn’t expect that. I will be grateful to them. Without their help, I couldn’t come to this point.
6.
Visa Interview Experience
Visa Type: F1
Visa Priority: Regular
Visa Interview Attempt:1st
Interview Date: June 26,2023 (9:15 am)
Interview Duration: 30-40 seconds
Visa Status: Approved
CEAC Status: Issued
College: Texas Tech University (TTU)
Intended Program: BSc in Computer Science
Scholarship/FinAid Type: Presidential Merit Scholarship
Intended Term: Fall 2023
Documents I took: Original I-20, DS-160 confirmation, Appointment confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, MRV fee receipt, academic transcripts(SSC and HSC), IELTS TRF, Sponsor's Bank Statement and Certificate, Tax Certificates and 2 copies of 2*2 visa photos.
Counter No: 7 (a graceful white woman in her 30s)
Conversation with Officer:
(I started the interview with a good morning and a forced ear-to-ear smile)
VO: Good morning (smiles). Kindly pass me your I-20 and passport
Me: Sure, here you go. *kept smiling*
VO : *looks at my I-20* Mhmm Texas Tech University, what courses are you going to take?
Me: Being a CS major, I need to take the Fundamental Engineering courses in my first semester as every student going to Edward E. Whitacre Jr College of Engineering at TTU is required to. I picked Computational thinking with Data Science, Physics 1, Calculus 1 and Calculus 2.
VO: Who’s going to be your sponsor?
Me: My parents are going to be my sponsor. Both of them have jobs and they have been planning for my undergraduate education in the US for a very long time. They have saved up to X USD which will be covering the cost of my first two years at TTU easily as I have received their highest merit scholarship (Presidential Merit Scholarship).
*the VO types sth*
VO: What do your parents do?
Me: My father works as an X at ABC Ltd which is the pioneer of the modern Y industry in Bangladesh and my mother works as a Q at ABC School she also runs a business. Besides,
*the VO interrupts me here*
VO:*hands me the blue leaflet* Congratulations! I’m approving your visa. Collect your passport within two weeks.
(I’m pretty sure I spaced out for a while after she handed me the blue leaflet)
Me: Thank you so much, have a nice day!
Note: It’s obviously normal to be nervous in these situations, however, try not to reflect that on your face. Talking to people around me, drinking water and faking a smile helped me to settle my nerves. Have faith in yourself, try to sound confident and things won’t go south for you hopefully, good luck.
7.
Visa Interview Experience
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Visa Type: F1
Counter No. : 7 ( Dynamic Middle Aged White American Man )
Visa Priority: Regular
Interview Date: 16 July 2023
Scheduled Time: 10:00 AM
Reached Embassy: 9:50 AM
Start of Interview: Around 11:15 AM
Interview Duration: Around 1 minute
CEAC Status: Approved immediately after interview and then Issued the following day
Passport Return Date: 19 July 2023
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
University: State University of New York at Buffalo
Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Scholarship: $15,000 per academic year for 4 years
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Documents Carried: All Old And New Passports, SEVIS Fee Receipt, DS-160 Confirmation Page, I20, Appointment Confirmation Page, SAT Score Report, MRV Fee Receipt, Academic Transcripts, Bank Statement, Bank Solvency Certificate, Birth Certificate, Acceptance Letter, Scholarship Letter, 2*2 Visa Photos
Documents Checked: Passport and I20
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Conversation With Visa Officer:
Me: Good morning!
VO: Good morning! Please pass me your i20 and passport.
Me: *Gives*
VO: So why did you choose SUNY Buffalo?
Me: The faculty members at UB are highly accomplished researchers and experts in their respective fields. Having the opportunity to interact with such knowledgeable professors will provide me with valuable insights and mentoring opportunities. I am particularly interested in Professor David Doermann’s research on artificial intelligence and data science, which aligns perfectly with my academic interests. I also got into two of their most competitive programs -- The Honors College and Leadership House.
VO: Who’s going to be your sponsor?
Me: My parents are going to sponsor my education in the US. They are involved in the freight forwarding industry and they run their own freight forwarding business which focuses on providing logistics solutions for companies involved in international trade.
VO: Did you apply to any other universities in the US?
Me: Yes, I applied to 14 other universities in the US and got accepted to 12 of them.
VO: That’s amazing! What was your second and third choice universities?
Me: It was the University of Washington at Seattle and then UMass Amherst.
VO: Do you have your old passports with you? Please pass them to me.
Me: Sure, here they are.
VO: *Skimming through my old passports* Why have you travelled to the UK?
Me: I visited there last summer with my family for a short vacation.
VO: Do you have any siblings?
Me: Yes, I have one younger brother. He’s studying in 10th grade right now.
VO: Alright, I’m approving your visa. You’ll get an email within two weeks. Take this ( hands over the blue leaflet ) and carry your i20 with you when you go to the US.
Me: Thanks! Have a great day.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Need suggestions and encouragement too 😊😊
I've a study gap of 10 year
SSC 2010 4.38
HSC 2012 5.00
Now I intend to do my undergraduate from USA.
During this gap I work for some renowned MNC & International company.
Alhamdulillah, I got accepted from University of Dayton, Miami University.
Got scholarship of $28k defecit $20k from Dayton & got scholarship of $15k deficit $23k from Miami. Miami will offer additional fund after completing the 1st semester as I have work experience.
Received i20 from Miami already and will receive i20 from Dayton in coming weeks.
Now can you guys suggest me which one will be better for me?
What sort of preparation should I take for visa interview.
#Update
I got i20 from University of Idaho with $16k scholarship. I'm planning to face visa interview with Idaho. My visa interview schedule is on 18th July. Wish me luck.
Thanks in advance. ☺️☺️
Profile: HSC-5(2020) IELTS- 7 No SAT
I applied to 6 universities and got accepted by almost all of them. But four of them provided me with a scholarship and here I am wanting to know which one would be better to choose in case of getting positive nods at the visa interview. (i know getting the visa depends on me but just need some proper recommendations here cuz my visa got denied in the winter 22 )
1)university of Idaho - 16k scholarship out of 27k tuition fees
2)SUNY Plattsburg - 13k Scholarship out of 18k (But might not consider it cuz had to pay the tuition within July that would be risky )
3)Minnesota state university - 7k scholarship out of 18k tuition fees
4)SEMO - 8k scholarship out 16k tuition( denied Visa after choosing this uni in winter 22 )
Thanks in advance 💯
8.
Visa Interview Experience
Visa type: F1 VISA
Interview date: may 22
Scheduled time: 10:15 am
Reached Embassy: 09:00 am
CEAC status: Approved
Incoming University: The University of Mississippi
Intended Term: Fall 2023
Intended Program: Electrical Engineering
VO Description: A White gentleman with spectacles at counter 12. (Rejected everyone infront of me in that line)
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
VO: Hello
Me: Hello, sir.
VO: Pass me your I-20, passport please.
Me: Here you go sir.
VO: So, you are going to the university of Mississippi right?
Me: yes sir. That’s correct.
VO: I see you have an academic excellence scholarship. Tell me about it.
Me: This is a merit based scholarship which was given on the basis of my academic excellence. It covers my tuition.
VO: And who is going to cover up your deficit?
Me: My father will.
VO: what does he do?
Me: He owns a restaurant business and a construction material supply business.
VO: What type of food does he serve there?
Me: Thai and Chinese.
VO: ooo yumm. Okay so you graduated from Bangladesh International School and college. Tell me about your experience there.
Me: I was there only for two years and i made some amazing friends. I was voted the organising secretary of BISC IT club as well. I also enjoyed playing football on campus.
VO: Can you show me your academic transcripts?
ME: Showed (He didn’t even check)
VO: Okay I am approving your visa. Collect your passport within 14days.
Me: thanks.
Tips: Don’t be nervous. Take everything that you used for your application as they might ask for it.
9.
Visa Type : F1
Interview Date : Feb 16, 2023
Initial status : Pending Under 221(g)
CEAC Status : Pending Under 221(g)
Scheduled time : 8.00 AM
Entered embassy : 7.55 AM
Interview Start : 8.30 AM
____________________________
I applied for my visa on November 2022, My initial interview date was June 8th, 2023. My emergency request was denied. I used 1 reschedule and got an appointment on Feb 16, 2023. But I had to defer my application anyway.
____________________________
Intended University: University of Idaho
Intended term: Spring 2023, Deferred to Fall 2023.
____________________________
VO: Good Morning
ME: Good Morning Sir.
VO: Pass me your Passport And I-20
Me: Here it is sir. My passport and I-20
VO: Tell me about your scholarship.
ME: The University offered me a 60% ($16145) scholarship based on my result.
VO: Is this an international or academic scholarship?
ME: This is an academic scholarship, sir.
VO: Why choose UID
ME: Cause I really wanted to focus on the practical side of learning and the University of Idaho is famous for this, so it was a perfect choice for me. Also, UID is one of the best public universities in America, and on top of that, they offered me this much scholarship per year. And another reason in my younger brother is studying at this university with an f1 visa.
VO: Really, Do you have his visa copy.
ME: No Sir I don't have that document at this moment.
VO: So who is sponsoring you?
ME: My Uncle. And explained why my uncle sponsored me instead of my father.
VO: What does he do?
ME: He is a businessman, he owns his own real estate business in Boston.
I have my Uncle's bank statement and tax return if you want to see them.
VO: Please show me the Bank Statement.
After seeing that he gave it back to me. and asked
VO: Did you apply to any other universities?
ME: Yes sir. one other university which is Arkansas State University.
VO: Any other University you listed but didn't apply to?
ME: Sir I listed a total of five universities. Minnesota State University, California State University, New York City University. and these 2.
Then he show me my I-20(Spring 2023) and said here your program starting date and SEVIS ID is expired. Please ask your University to provide an I-20 with the Updated program starting date and SEVIS profile. Without those, we won't be able to approve your visa. When you get that document (Handed me the 221(g) slip) please email us at this email address.
ME: Thank you, Sir.
I was at counter Number 6. The VO was the one who everybody fears about. When I stand at that counter I was prepared that my visa will be rejected. But when he explained and gave me a 221(g) slip I was confused and still am.
I already submitted the required documents but still no updates.
10.
#visainterviewexperience
𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞: F1
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 30 Oct 2023
𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 11:00 AM
Reached Embassy: 9:30 AM;
Interview started 11:05 AM.
Document Check & Process: Appointment check at the gate, security checks, updated passport check, scanning and affixed sticker, information check at counter, fingerprint at counter, then the interview took place at 11:05 AM
𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝: Passport • Visa appointment confirmation page • Visa fee payment slip • DS 160 confirmation page • SEVIS fee payment confirmation page • I-20 Old+New • Bank statement • HSC Transcript •IELTS certificate •
𝐂𝐄𝐀𝐂 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Approved on 30 Oct, issued on 31 Oct
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𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫sity: The University of Akron
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦: BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Spring 2024
𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Presidential Scholarship 5000$, Akron Advantage Award 3000$ and Honors College admission with Scholarship worth 1000$.
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𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨: 08 [Indian American Guy, rejected two in front of me]
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Approximate around 5 mins.
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𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐎:
Me: Hello! Good morning, officer.
VO: Good morning. Please pass me your passport and I-20
Me: There you go. [Passed two I-20; one deferred from fall-23 written OLD in pen and another from spring-24)
VO: Why are you going to the US?
Me: To complete my BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology.
VO: Oh, so you're going for Bachelor's?
Me: Yes, Officer.
VO: What are you doing Currently?
Me: I'm studying at Daffodil International University with a bachelors major in CSE.
VO: But your DS says you're in Dhaka University?
Me: Yes officer, since I changed my university recently, I thought it'd be wise not to make a change in DS frequently.
VO: Why did you leave Dhaka University?
Me: My given major in Dhaka University was Zoology, which does not appear to be interesting to me and in the context of Bangladesh, the sector is not very well-known. That's why I have moved.
VO: but why have you not changed within Dhaka University?
Me: The regulations would not allow me to change my faculty once enrolled as it is very competitive to get into.
[VO: Type something, looking at the passport]
[VO is silent so I took the chance to say some other stuff]
Me: I have been trying to get the embassy date scheduled earlier, due to the unavailability of dates, I have had to defer my entry term. Additionally, one of the scholarship is not mentioned in the I-20, as I was awarded it recently. I brought the scholarship letter, if you'd like to see?
VO: That's fine. Excuse me for a minute;
Me: Sure thing;
[Talking with another staff]
VO: so why this program: I aspire to be a Automobile Engineer. I'm still very curious about combustion engines of cars and turboprop engines of aeroplanes. That interest has drove me off wanting to be a Automobile Engineer. To go after my dream I needed in depth knowledge about x,x,x, and x, and all these courses are available all at once in Uakrons MET program. Additionally, my program director Dr. X is very well known in this field of study and he's a patent of 146 US Innovations. I believe It'd be an honour to learn from him.
VO: good, have you applied to any other University?
Me: Yes officer, I have applied to 4 other University.
VO: what are they?
Me: University of Houston, University of Cincinnati, Colorado State University and Montclair State University.
VO: Have you been outside Bangladesh?
Me: Yes officer, been to India.
VO: so, who's your sponsor?
Me: My parents are my sponsor. My father runs one of the largest **** *** business in Sylhet. He's been running this business since 2004. We have x outlets and x warehouse. He basically imports x and supplies them to local x, x and x, as he has collaborations with many of them. He generates around 90-95k $ per year. My mother teaches x in a local x.
(My voice was loud and sharp. VO was typing continuously while I was answering her question)
VO: Okay. I'm approving your Visa.[Passed me the blue leaflet & I-20's)
Me: Thank You very much.
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𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞:
HSC from Science
GPA: 4.89
ECA: Cadet, Debate, Science Fair, Sports, Programming Certificates (a few)
IELTS: 7.5
Countries Visited: India
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Applied using common app. Offer letters received 13±. Supplied essay. Had to make seperate scholarship applications. Granted and assured of the scholarship. I have been trying to get the embassy date scheduled, I made mistakes and I was late. Had to defer my term. So brought two I-20's.
Comments: VISA is dependant on your luck. I have seen constant rejections from counter 09. With and without reasons. I was taken to counter 09 and then moved to counter 08. My suggestions are, be confident about whatever you state. Smile and maintain a nice gesture and eye contact.
I am immensely grateful for all the support.
11.
F1 visa Interview Experience
Date : 11 December, 2023
Spring 2024
Actually, my semester was in Fall 2023, but unfortunately didn't able to get a slot in August. That's why I have to defer my I-20.
School : Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
Major : Computer Science, Bachelor's
Scholarship : 20,000 USD per Year
Rest of the Tuition : 20,225 per year
Counter number : 09
Visa officer Description : American Black Lady in her 30's
VO: How did you manage your scholarship?
Me: The scholarship is based on my merit results and my English Proficiency Test ( Here I told her indirectly that I have IELTS)
VO : How will you pay the rest of the deficit?
Me : My father will bear all of my living and tuition expenses
Vo: What does he do?
Me : He is a businessman
Vo: What type of business?
Me: He owns a pharmaceutical store in Chattogram where he runs a business of Medicines and surgery accessories. He is a retailer and whole-seller. He's been running this business since 1998. Also, he supplies medicine items in many districts of Bangladesh.
Vo : How much his monthly Income?
Me : He earns around **** USD per month
Vo : Why this school?
Me : I was researching for Universities in USA that offers degree in Computer Science and gives focused on Cyber Security and upon my research I stumbled upon Miami University that offers me small class sizes, their heavily equipped LAB facilities and their research- active faculties. This University has also a program called First Year Research Experience program which involves students in research projects from the very beginning of their undergrad life. And moreover, I got 20 thousand dollar scholarship from this University. That's why I choose it.
Vo : Okay, your visa have been approved
Me : Thanks a lot ma'am, many many thanks. You make my day
This lady was rejecting all applicants today. Before me only one student she gave visa. the surroundings was quite disappointing while seeing the rejection infront of my eyes , but I was confident as I'm a genuine student. That's the main plus point of me. My Ds-160 was correctly filled up. I passed my HSC in 2021 but this thing doesn't bother me as I mentioned in the DS that I am currently studying in CSE at Brac University, my second semester is ongoing.
Profile :
SSC 2019 and HSC 2021
Both GPA 05
Brac University, CSE, 2nd Semester ongoing.
IELTS : 6.5
12.
#visa_interview_experience
Visa Type : F1
Visa priority : Emergency
Interview Date : July 29, 2022
Initial status : Approved ✅
CEAC Status : Issued ( 3 hours after the interview)
Scheduled time : 10.30 AM
Entered embassy : 10.10 AM
Interview Start : 11 AM ( due to super friday's rush )
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*** I applied for visa on 15 July and got it today on 1 August from VFS global. So, I got my VISA in just 16 days. My initial interview date was in 9th January 2023. ***
** I will skip all the procedures after entering the embassy as it has been shared multiple times before and it was the exact same for me.**
____________________________
Intended University : University of Idaho
Intended Program : B.S in Computer Science
Intended term : Fall 2022
____________________________
The Interview :
V.O : Good morning
ME : Good morning sir.
V.O : Pass me your Passport and I-20
ME : Here you go sir, this is my passport and this is my I-20.
V.O : So why did you choose this university?
(I knew this was going to be the first Question)
ME : So, I wanted a university that is suited best for me and University of Idaho did just that. I really wanted to focus on the practical side of learning and University of Idaho is famous for this, so it was a perfect choice for me. Also UIdaho is one of the best public universities in America and on top of that they offered me over 16,000 USD scholarship per year. So considering all of this I decided to choose university of Idaho.
V.O : Great, tell me about the city of Moscow.
ME: Umm Moscow is a small city with about 25,000 residents.
University of Idaho is a big part of the city. The city is mostly know for its history in arts, it is home to some art museums and it hosts a lot of art festivals every year. It even has a nick name "heart of the art".
V.O : How far is it from Boise? ( Capital of Idaho)
ME : I think about 200 miles so a little bit far away. ( It is actually 234 Miles 😁).
V.O : So who is sponsoring you?
ME : My uncle, who is the older brother of my father.
**Instantly I explained why my uncle is sponsoring me and not my parents, he listened to me carefully and looked convinced**
(I can't include the explanation as it is personal)
V.O : and what does he do?
ME: So he is a businessman, he owns his own real state business in Boston, Massachusetts
V.O : wait did you say Boston, Massachusetts?
** At this moment my heart skipped a beat 😅, we all know how hard it is to get a visa when parents ar not sponsors and on top of that he is a U.S citizen.**
ME : ( I repeated even more loudly and confidently ) yes, he is a U.S citizen and he lives in Boston Massachusetts and his business is also located there.
** He started typing something in the computer**
ME: Sir, I have my uncle's Bank statements and tax returns if you want to see them.
V.O : No need!😬
** After typing something for few seconds he was going towards the stack of blue leaflets but then suddenly asked**
V.O : Did you apply to any other universities ?
M.E : Yes, I applied to 4 other universities : Kent state, Wright state, university of south Dakota and West Virginia university. I got accepted to all of them but UIdaho was most generous with their offer.
V.0 : Have you ever traveled to any other countries?
M.E : In last five years, no, but I did went to India back in 2007 for my mother's operation.
** After a few seconds he said those magic words 😁**
V.O : "Your visa is approved", please keep your I-20 with you when traveling to USA, collect your passport within 14 days and try skiing while you are there.
ME: Thank you sir, thank so much. I will definitely try it. Thank you. Have a great day.
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I had two major red flags in my application.
1. Sponsor was my uncle.
2. He is a U.S citizen.
I was more prepared for rejection honestly.😅 What did the trick for me is "confidence". Right from the start I was super confident and answerd everything without any hesitation. Also Because the V.O asked me normal questions first about my university, I was able to build a good first impression, which I think helped me a lot. If he asked me about my sponsor first, god knows what would have happened.
Confidence is key, the gentleman before me seemed really smart but during his interview he was so nervous that he couldn't even say a single sentence properly and was rejected.
I would also suggest wearing something you are comfortable in. It doesn't have to be a formal attire. One person in counter 7 was wearing a proper suit and was sweating like crazy with all the nervousness. I couldn't hear the whole interview but I think he was fully funded but still got rejected. So wear something that is proper but also you are comfortable in.
I hope my experience helps others. A big thanks to Mohammed Maruf for all his help and answering all my dumb questions, I will always be grateful.
12.
Hi ! I got my Visa approved. It's a pretty interesting situation. So I'm currently studying at Swinburne University of Technology in Australia. But somehow I got scholarship that covers my tution fees from Cleveland State University and for studies I definitely agree that US is thousand times better. So I took this leap of faith lol and jumped in ....I would say US visa situation is kinda similar in Australia as well for me as a Bangladeshi...they literally interrogate me why USA when you can do the same thing in Australia ...so yeah . This is a post just to share my experience with all of you guys and best of luck everyone with US visa and admissions.
#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)
13.
Visa Interview Experience
Appointment: 14 July 2023, 9:15am
Visa Status: Approved
CAEC Status: Issued on 16 July 2023
Passport Received: 19 July 2023
University: Temple University
Term: Fall 2023
Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Documents Taken: I-20, DS-160 Confirmation Page, Appointment Confirmation, SEVIS Fee receipt, Visa Fee receipt, Academic Transcripts, sponsors’ bank statements and Solvency certificate and 2 copies of 2x2 photos.
Counter Number: 10
*a middle-aged jolly lady*
Conversation: 45 seconds
VO: Good morning! How are you doing?
Me: Good Morning! I'm doing great.
VO: Please pass me your I-20 and passport.
Me: *Gives*
VO: So why are you going to the United States?
Me: I am going to complete my four years Bachelors program at Temple University.
VO: Perfect Answer! *with a very sweet smile*
Me: Thank you *with a smile*
VO: Okay so who in your family works for Google LLC?
Me: *after a 5 seconds pause* Oh my uncle from my father's side.
VO: Did you forget?
Me: Yeah *with a nervous smile*
VO: Hey don't worry I'm approving your visa. Congratulations!
*hands me the blue leaflet*
Me: Thank you so much.
Tips
At the end of the day it's all about the confidence. While I was sitting in that interview room I saw everyone get rejected infront of my eyes. Infact the two people ahead of me in counter 10 got rejected. I was definitely overwhelmed seeing all that but I chose not to pay attention to that. I was literally playing with the kid in front of me and that caught my VO's attention. So just keep your calm and present yourself with confidence and you are good to go.
Goodluck everyone
14.
Hello commons! Hope you guys are doing very well. I would like to share my US interview experience with you for future reference.
Visa category: F1
Intended University: SUNY Buffalo State University.
Field of study: Bachelor of Science in Computer Information System.
Interview Date: emergency request (10 August).
Counter: 09
Visa officer: Famous bald gentleman.
Visa Status: Approved
Passport Collect : 15 August.
Interview with VO:
Me: Good Morning! How are you sir?
Vo: তাকাইয়া ছিলো কিছুক্ষণ।কিছু বলে নাই।Pass me your passport and i-20
Me: Sure!
Vo: How many university did you apply??
Me : I've applied to total 4 universities and they are SUNY Buffalo State University, The University of Akron, Adelphi University and Hunter College under CUNY.
Vo: How did you know about Adelphi University?
Me: Very first time I knew about this University via EMK Center, at Dhanmondi, Dhaka.After completing my HSC when I decided to go abroad for my higher education, i joined different seminars arranged by EMK Center at Dhanmondi, Dhaka. Later on, I researched a lot on the university official website.
Vo: Who is your sponsor??
Me: My paternal uncle is my sponsor.
He is involved in the clothing business.He purchases clothes from garments manufacturers and then sells them in the wholesale market.
Sometimes, he also does some contract business with buyers.
He earns around 65 to 75 thousands USD per year. So he can pay for my education.
Vo: Why not your father, why your uncle?
Me: My father is a govt. service holder and presently serving as a head teacher at X GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL in Chandina, Cumilla. That's why he doesn’t get the enough time to look after our family business. In that reason,my uncle takes care of our family business and going to be financial sponsor.
Vo: How many children does your paternal uncle have?
Me : One baby.He was born few months ago.
Vo: Oh really.
Me: Yes sir
Then VO কিছু বলে নাই Blue leaflet টা দিলো and said: collect your passport within 2 weeks
Me: Thank you Sir with a big smile.
Academic History:
SSC 2019 GPA 5.00
HSC 2021 GPA 5.00
IELTS 6.
It's been 3 months here in the USA. I did my whole procedure by myself. I didn’t seek over agencies.My friend Tonmoy Jubaer helped me and that's it. Be confident and do research a lot. It's a tight schedule here but I'll be happy to help you guys if needed. Wishing all of you a very best of luck.
15.
Visa interview experience
Visa type- F-1
Visa status: Approved
CEAC status: issued
Appointment date: 3rd January, 2022
Time: 1:00 pm
Reached embassy: 12:54 pm
Intended term: spring 2022
Incoming university: Bennington college
Intended major: Public health and global affairs
Funding details: Bennington presidential scholarship, Bennington need based grant, Bennington Scholarship
Interview duration: about 1-1.5 minutes
VO description: white bald gentleman at counter 10
The interview
VO: please pass me your I-20 and passport
Me: sure *proceeds*
VO: oh wow! Okay You’ve got a nice scholarship I see
Me: thank you so much
VO: so who is your sponsor?
Me: both of my parents are my sponsors
VO: what does your parents do?
Me: my mother is the senior officer at X bank and my father is the executive director at Y company.
VO: what kind of company is Y?
Me: it falls under RMG
VO: so why this college?
Me: I’ve always intended to pursue education in a liberal arts curriculum…
VO: interrupts.. have you been to Bennington before?
Me: nope, I’ve been to the US But not particularly Bennington or the area
VO: *types a bunch of stuff*
Ok I’m approving your visa but do you know, the place you’re going to study is soooo beautiful? It’s absolutely breathtaking! *smiles and puts an emphasis on so*
Me: oh yes I absolutely love the location! have you been to Bennington?
VO: yes and I’m sure you’re going to love it. Collect your passport in two weeks, have a good day!
Me: thank you so much!
Documents I took
* appointment confirmation
* Valid passport and previous passports
* DS-160 confirmation
* I-20
* Sevis fee receipt
* Visa fee receipt from EBL
* HSC+SSC marksheets
* Acceptance letter + scholarship letter
* Duolingo score report
* 2*2 visa photos
Advice: please make sure you start early, the traffic was intense today, although I reached the embassy 6 minutes before my scheduled appointment and everything went really smooth, taking plenty of time is very important.
Make sure you have a good posture when speaking to the VO. Speak clearly and LISTEN when the VO speaks. Making the VO repeat words can be a hitch.
If you have any questions I’m happy to receive them via inbox
16.
#interview_experience
Type: F1
Date:18 july 2022
Time:12.45
University: University of idaho
Program:Bachelor in biological science
Counter:12
Interview duration: 8-10 minutes
VO: A beautiful black american lady
She rejected one applicant before me.But i was confident enough.
Conversation with VO
Me: Hello Officer,Good Afternoon
VO: Hey Good Afternoon, How are you doing?(with smile)
Me: I am doing great,What about you?
VO: Fine,Pass me your passport and I-20 please!
Me:Sure
VO:You are going to U of I?
Me: Yes Mam
VO:How did you find this University?
Me:Very first time I knew about this University via common app then I researched a lot on the university official website. Later, I talk to one of the process Mr. Barrie Robison.He actually guides me in a great way and I know in detail about the university from him.specially about the biological faculty as he is a professor of biological science department.
VO:Oh i see!your major is biological science?
Me:Yes,It is.
VO:Why you choose this University?
Me:explain
VO:Do you apply to any other university?
Me:Yes four and told the name
Vo:did you got scholarship from all the University?
Me: Yes but this University scholarship is really high also UofI is ranked university.
Vo:Who will pay the rest?
Me:My father
VO:What does he do?
Me:explained properly
Vo:Have you ever been to US?
Me:No
Vo:Any other country?
Me:No
Vo:why didn’t you travel any country yet?
Me:(I wasn’t expected this question but answerd confidently.) Well officer,you know Bangladesh education system is quite busy and we usually get vacation 10-12 days which is not enough to travel also i am quite passionate with my study. So didn’t get time to travel.And also I'm just 19.(After this answer VO was smiling)
VO:Fine.(then she went to another room and back after 2 minute)Tell me about your one Professor name with the purpose of talking?
Me:Told
VO:Okay,What do you want to do in future?
Me:Told nicely
VO:then she was typing a bit and told me with smiling face,Congratulations! Your visa is approved. Collect your passport within 2 weeks.
Me:Thank you mam.You made my day.Take care.bye
Vo:Bye young man.
My opinion is to be confident and deliver your answers until VO stop you.Best of luck guys.
Please Don't share it on any other group🙏
17.
#Visa_Interview_Experience
𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞: F1
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: August 31 (Thursday)
𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Accepted
𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 10:30 AM
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𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲: Salisbury University
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦: Undergrad in Business Administration and Management
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Fall 2023 (deferred to Spring 2024)
𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: 11.9k per year
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𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Fall i-20, Spring i-20 Appointment confirmation, DS-160 confirmation, Acceptance Letter, NID, birth certificate, academic transcripts
+IELTS+SAT, Self Sponsor Proof
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨: 7
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𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐎: (Duration 2 minutes )
VO: Good morning ! pass me your i-20
Me: Good morning sir, hope you’re having a great day so far ! I do have two i-20’s given i have had to defer due to clash of appointment date and my start date of Fall.
VO: Alright pass me both of them please! Why this University?
Me: Salisbury University is home to the perdue school of business which is one the largest college level centre of business in the region. i have also received $16K worth of scholarship. The scholarship is mentioned in my acceptance letter may i give that to you?
VO: Yes please that’d be great. Do you know why the scholarship isn’t mentioned in the i-20 ?
Me: No unfortunately i really do not
VO: who’s your sponsor?
Me: I will be self sponsoring. My dad did an FDR of xyz amount under my bank account. If needed i can show you the papers?
VO: smiled and said No need at all
VO: your previous school?
Me: *mentioned schools name*
VO: you recently applied for B1/B2?
Me: Oh I didn’t, my parents did actually
VO: have you been outside the country ?
Me: Yes, i have been to the US in 2016 and also China Singapore and Malaysia
VO: Oh so you have been to US before? that’s great!
VO: a relative of yours lives in USA?
Me: yes, my maternal uncle he lives in (mentioned address)
VO: alrighty! Congratulations! Your visa has been approved. Please collect your passport within 7 days
Me: Thank you so much sir (i said it 3 times🗿)
( HE NEVER ASKED FOR PROOF OF FUND or academic transcripts 🫠✌🏻)
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𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞:
O and A level completed
IELTS: 7.5
SAT completed (twice)
Applied to 5 universities
Got $16k Scholarship
Loads of ECA
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1. DO NOT BE NERVOUS. Or stand rigid. Be as confident and laid back as possible. Try to form a positive connection with your VO. Make sure you have a soft smile and you’re making eye contact.
2. DO NOT memorise answers at all.
3. Make sure you have every possible document that you of course can take as proof with you
Best of luck everyone💗💗💗
18.
#PleaseAttention ❓
I got I-20 from
✔️ Universiry of Michigan-Flint (No scholarship, Tuition fees around 22k)
✔️ University of Idaho (16k Scholarship)
Which one would be the best to appear in the interview for the 3rd time??. (Previous was a different Institute)
Suggest me which University has higher visa chances??
Thank you...!
#visa_interview_and_overall_experience
𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞: F1
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 and time: 3rd July 2023 (Emergency), 7:30 am
𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Approved - 3rd July 2023
Issued - 6th July 2023
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𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲: Truman State University
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦: Bachelor in Computer and Information Sciences
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Fall 2023
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𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 Carried: Passport old and new, I20, Visa Appointment Confirmation, DS160 Confirmation, SEVIS Fee Payment Slip, Offer Letter, Bank statements, All Original Certificates (SSC, HSC), IELTS Score Certificate, Visa fee payment slip, 2×2 photo(4 copies)
𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝: Visa Appointment Confirmation, Passport and I-20.
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨: 8 (White Bald American Gentlemen with glasses)
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Interview duration: approximately 1.5 minutes or less.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐎:
VO: Good morning, ma'am. Pass me your I-20 and passport, please.
Me: Good morning, Officer. (passed the I-20 and Passport)
VO: How many universities did you apply to? (He was typing something)
Me: I applied to 4 universities and I got accepted in 3.
VO: Which one rejected you?
Me: Lehigh University
VO: Lehigh?
Me: Yes (He was typing)
VO: Name the universities you got accepted.
Me: Missouri University of Science and Technology, Westminster College, and Truman State University (He was typing something and there was a lil pause)
VO: What type of Scholarship is this? (pointing at my I-20)
Me: It's a merit scholarship.
VO: What is your GPA? ( Again typing something )
Me: My HSC GPA is 5.00
VO: 5 out of 5? (Typing and once looked at me)
Me: yes
VO: Wow! Who is gonna pay for this? (pointing at the deficit on my I-20)
Me: My father is my sponsor. He will bear all my expenses.
VO: Tell me about your father.
Me: Told (He was typing something and I felt like he was barely listening to what I was saying)
VO: Do you know what the Mascot of Truman State University is? (Holding the Blue Leaflet)
Me: Yes, It's Bulldog(With a wide Smile)
VO: You're gonna be a Truman bulldog. I am approving your visa( passed me the blue leaflet)
I didn't hear his single word after this☺️
Me: Thank your officer. You've just made my day.
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𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞:
SSC GPA: 5.00/5.00
HSC GPA: 5.00/5.00
IELTS: 7.00
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19.
#dropboxsubmission
#f1visa
Alhamdulillah For Everything
Visa Type: F1
Visa Status: Issued and collected
Intended University: Bates College
Program: Bachelor's [STEM Field]
Session: Fall 2023
Scholarship Info:
Institution: Bates College, Class of 2027
Address: Lewiston, Maine, United States
Decision Release Date: December 10th, 2022
Application Round: Early Decision 1
Scholarship Type: Full-Ride Scholarship [100% Scholarship]
Financial Aid Amount: US$365,000 (for four years)
Financial Aid Coverage: Tuition, Food, Housing, Study Materials, Personal Expenses, Transportation, and Health Insurance
Consulate: U.S. Embassy Dhaka
SEVIS Fee Payment: 04 May 2023
Visa Fee Payment: 17 May 2023
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Dropbox Location: VFS Global, 4th Floor, Delta Life Tower, Plot 37, Gulshan, Dhaka 1212
Documents Submitted: Passport (with a valid B1 visa), Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter, DS-160 Confirmation Letter, Original MRV Fee Receipt, 1 Photo [2 x 2], I-20 Form, SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt, Bates College Acceptance Letter & Financial Aid Award Letter, SSC-HSC Certificates & Transcripts, SAT Score Report, SAT Subject Test Score Report, and TOEFL iBT Score Report. I did not submit my father's occupational documents, bank statements, and real estate papers because of my full-ride scholarship.
Passport Submission: 21 May 2023
Date: 21 May 2023 [CEAC Status: No Status]
Date: 24 May 2023 [CEAC Status: Application Received]
Date: 25 May 2023 [CEAC Status: Approved]
Date: 29 May 2023 [CEAC Status: Issued]
Passport Collection: 30 May 2023
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Education:
SSC: 5.00/5.00 [English Version]
HSC: 4.50/5.00 [English Version]
Institution: St. Joseph Higher Secondary School, Mohammadpur, Dhaka
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Standardized Tests:
SAT - 2019: 1590/1600 (EBRW: 790, Math: 800)
SAT Subject Test (Biology M) - 2019: 780/800
SAT Subject Test (Chemistry) - 2019: 800/800
English Proficiency Tests:
TOEFL iBT: 119/120 [R: 30, L: 30, S: 29, W: 30]
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Alhamdulillah. I will be joining Bates College this fall 2023 as a full-ride scholar from Bangladesh.
Always be grateful to Allah. Thank you. Have a nice day.
20.
Visa Interview Experience
(After all the months of stress over trying to find slots, writing those words feels therapeutic...)
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Visa type: F1
1st ER submitted on 30th April, rejected on 2nd May
2nd ER submitted on 8th June, accepted on 15th June
Interview date: 3rd July 2023, 9 AM
(Stood in line at embassy at 8:30 AM, had interview at ~10 AM)
CEAC status: Issued (status changed on 5th July)
Passport return date: (still haven't gotten the email, will update here)
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University: Brown University
Intended program: Undergrad, likely CS/Maths
Funding: 95% (scholarship and campus employment)
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Interviewer: Counter 12? Bald, white, energetic guy
Interview duration: ~1 minute
Documents brought: Everything! Passport (including old ones), signed I-20, DS160 + visa appointment confirmation, SEVIS and MRV fee receipts, 2in*2in visa photos, acceptance and financial aid letters, academic certificates (IGCSE + IAL + IELTS + SAT score report + German test scores), bank statement, tax return, and whatever else I could fit into my bloated file
Documents checked: Nothing! Other than the passport (old ones too but those were checked before the interview), I-20, and DS160 + visa appointment confirmation
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Me: Good morning! (<- noticed the VO was lively with the interviewees in front of me)
VO: Good morning! Hand me your passport and I-20.
*notices my Brown hoodie as I pass the documents* This (I-20) better say Brown... oh, it does!
Me: *laughs* Yep!
VO: So, what degree do you plan on?
Me: Sorry, could you repeat that? (after repeating) I'll be declaring my major by the middle of my fourth semester, but it's likely I'll pursue something in CS or math.
VO: Sorry, what did you say?
Me: Computer Science, or mathematics.
VO: I see, and what do you plan on doing with the degree?
Me: So, I intend to come back to Bangladesh and use the skills and connections gained at Brown to maybe start a tech startup, since startups are booming here. (added something about being able to contribute to society with those skills)
VO: How many colleges did you apply to?
Me: I applied to 4 ivies and some of the top LACs.
VO: Which LACs did you apply to?
Me: (named some off the top of my head)
(he didn't ask about the acceptances or an exhaustive list of my colleges)
VO: Alright, I'm approving your visa, take this! *hands the fabled leaflet*
Me: (startled by the casual acceptance) Oh, thank you so much! Have a nice day!
VO: Have a nice day!
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Honestly, standing in line and anticipating what was to come was the worst part! In contrast to what I've seen here, though, there were a *lot* of approvals yesterday. Maybe coz it was mostly emergency appointments? We'd all basically written essays to be there in the first place.
Most of my answers were cookie-cutter and coulda used improvement (e.g. the startup answer was very non-specific). I likely got off easy coz of my uni + financial aid, so I'd still advise preparing for the main questions thoroughly, like the ones about your plans after graduation (you have to assure the VO you won't be immigrating on a non-immigrant visa, by demonstrating ties to a non-US country - harder in case of immigration petitions), your sponsor's job and assets, why this university/degree/research topic, etc. The links at the end of Tajrian's guide (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y5QDxKc9YnoW_QeBi3N2ZDm-T8LF3D6FTN7jf5s80uE/edit) can be helpful to get interview samples or question examples!
From what I've seen, the peeps who get hit with the unholy 214b rejection are usually the ones who get tripped up by the VO. Someone in front of me couldn't name the city that their state university was in (they were confusing state with city), among other issues, and ended up getting rejected. Meanwhile, two PhD peeps went on about their research topics with enough buzzwords to fill ten papers, and the VO just said "that's interesting" and approved 'em. If you're a genuinely well-informed, well-prepped applicant, you should have a good shot.
#Visa_Interview_Experience
𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞: F1
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: July 14, 2023 (Super Friday)
𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Collected
𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 10.00 AM
𝐂𝐄𝐀𝐂 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Approved on July 14th,
Issued on 16th July, Collected 20th July
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𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲: Suny Buffalo
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦: Undergrad in Computer Science
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Fall 2023
𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: 10k per year
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𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: I-20, Appointment confirmation, DS-160 confirmation, Admission Letter, Offer Letter, NID, all certificates and transcripts including IELTS, Sponsor Tax+Trad+Tin+ Income mentioned Tax documents breif
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨: 10
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𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐎: (Duration 30 seconds)
VO: (Big smile dye amk dak dilo) Good morning !
Me: Good morning mam, How are you doing today?
VO: (no response, she was talking with someone behind) Why this University?
Me: I choosed UB because its a top tier public research university and the course curriculum which is perfect blend with tech and managerial courses.
VO: What do your parents do?
Me: My legal sponsor is my Father (she put my passport in the table where all the passports those who get approved), he is a _____ and his work is something like _______ and sometime he works as a ______. Besides he ________. Then described the amount. (At the middle she passed the blue leaflet)
VO: Congratulations! Your visa has been approved. Please collect your passport within 7 days
Me: Thank you mam (2x)! Have a good day.
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𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞:
SSC 2020: 5.00
HSC 2022: 5.00
IELTS: 6.0 (Listening - 6.5, Writing - 6, Speaking - 6.5, Reading - 5.5)
Applied 60+ Universities for Free😁
Got 6 Full Tuition Scholarship
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I were in waiting room for around 10m and my experience says,
1. Those who are confidently answering first 1/2 questions are getting visa easily.
2. Those who aren't getting their visas they are trying to spread rumours to others. Be confident and delete all the telegram and messenger minimum 2 day before your interview bcz if they share any kinda bad news youllbe demotivated!
Good Luck buddies, 2 year research + kosto amr success Alhamdulillah..
Dua korben.
😇say MashaAllah and keep scrolling 👇
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