Visa Interview Experience
Visa Priority: Regular
Visa Interview Attempt:1st
Interview Date: June 20,2023 (10:30 am)
Interview Duration: approx 70 seconds
Approved Date: June 20
Issued Date: June 21
Delivery Mailed: June 22 (Thursday)
Passport Received: June 25 (Sunday)(Friday, Saturday off)
College: Florida International University (FIU)
Intended Program: BSc in Computer Science
Intended Term: Fall 2023
Documents Checked: Passport, I-20 (VO) & appointment confirmation(at gate).
Documents Carried: Passport, Original I-20, DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, MRV fee receipt, academic transcripts, official IELTS, SAT, bank statement and certificate of parents, employment certificates of parents and 2 copies of 2*2 visa photos.
(Need to stand for fingerprint in different queue first, then in interview queue)
Counter No: 12 (the famous bald man)
Conversation with Officer,
Me : Good morning sir!
VO : Please pass me your I-20 and passport.
Me : here is my passport, and here is my i-20, Officer
VO : *looks at my I-20". Nafiul Khalid? (Pronounced weirdly)
Me: Yes sir, it’s Nafiul Khalid (i corrected)
VO:So is this Bachelor’s or Master’s?
Me: it’s regular 4 year bachelor’s
VO: How many universities did you apply?
Me: I applied to 4 universities, that’s University of Massachusetts Boston, Arizona State University, Oregon State University, and Florida International University. I got offer from all of them but I chose to go to Florida International University.
VO: so it’s so expensive university, how will you pay for it?
Me: *Replied with same prepared answer of “what does your sponsor do?”
VO: *looked impressed and scanned me head to down twice*
VO: * asked three more questions about my father’s job*
* What type of job is this?*
* What’s the responsibility?*
Me: * Straight answers, prefer not to quote*
VO: *typing for at least 10 seconds whereas I was standing with a forced smile*
VO: *put my passport in his right-side table, with other passports, and handed me the blue leaflet* Congratulations! I’m approving your visa. Have a safe journey.
Me: surely, thank you sir.
VO: Enjoy your time there!
Appointment: 20 June 2023, 10:30 a.m.
Visa Status: Approved
University: The University of Texas at Dallas
Term: Fall 2023
Program: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Documents Taken: I-20, DS-160 Confirmation Page, Appointment Confirmation, SEVIS Fee receipt, Visa Fee receipt, Academic Transcripts, sponsors’ bank statements and certificate and 2 copies of 2x2 photos.
Counter Number: 11
*a middle-aged bearded man*
Conversation: (2 minutes)
Me: Good morning, Sir!
VO: Good morning! Please pass me your passport and I-20.
*Gives*
VO: So......why UT Dallas?
Me: Well, UT Dallas has always been one of top choices. This university is a Carnegie R1 Classified university, which means I can complete my studies at the same time engage in research there. Apart from that, they have provided me with the prestigious Academic Excellence Scholarship, due to my excellent grades and high SAT score, lowering my cost of attendance by making my residency status in-state. I have also been fond of one of their professors, Dr. Jie Zhang, for his excellent research in green technologies and power and energy systems. I can't wait to work with him.
VO: Okay, so why Mechanical Engineering?
Me: I have always been intrigued my mechanical systems such as the combustion engines in cars and the jet engines in aeroplanes. Apart from that, I have always looked up to my uncle, who is a professor of Mechanical Engineering in Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. My favourite subjects are mathematics and physics, and I believe the reflection of both these subjects can best be found in the discipline of mechanical engineering.
VO: Who is going to sponsor you?
Me: Both my parents are my sponsors….
VO: What do they do?
Me: My parents are Civil Engineers. My father is a Superintending Engineer and my mother is a Senior Assistant Engineer. Both of them work at the Local Government Engineering Department.
*Intense typing*
VO: Do you have any siblings?
Me: Yes, I have a younger sister.
VO: Which grade is she in?
Me: She is in Grade 10.
*pauses for about 10s*
VO: Congratulations, I am approving your visa!
*Hands me the blue brochure*
Me: *with a smile* Thank you very much!
Tips
In the end of the day, it’s all about keeping your cool and being confident. If you have completed your university application all by yourself, then you don’t need to worry much. Keep a clear idea on which courses you are going to take in your first semester. Speak clearly and honestly, there is no need to rush. They have no reason to reject your visa if you can show proper funding and make them believe you are going to return back to your home country at the end of your course. Two applicants in front of me got their visas rejected. It is important to not get intimidated by these situations and rather, be flamboyant and keep a smile on your face at all time during the interview.
Good Luck Everyone!
#Visa_Interview_Experience
Visa Type: B1/B2
Short intro:
I had the privilege of being selected as a finalist for the prestigious Hunsaker Scholarship at the University of Redlands. As part of the scholarship process, I was required to attend an in-person interview in the United States.
Documents: Invitation letter, Appointment Confirmation, SEVIS Fee Confirmation, Duolingo Certificate, Bank Statement - 2 lacs (I had just took it to be safe, I was not required to take any because it was full funded trip).
Here is my interview experience:
VO: Good afternoon!
Anika: Good afternoon!
VO: So, Anika, I see here that you're applying for a tourist visa. Could you please tell me who your sponsor is for this trip?
Anika: Certainly. My trip to the USA is actually for an in-person interview as I am a finalist for the prestigious Hunsaker Scholarship. This trip is fully funded by the University of Redlands including my airfare, accomodation, transportation everything. They have invited me to their campus to conduct the final interview as part of their selection process.
VO: That sounds like a wonderful opportunity, Anika. Congratulations on being a finalist for the Hunsaker Scholarship. When do you plan to return to Bangladesh?
Anika: Absolutely, I have to go there just to attend an interview and If I get selected, maybe I will see you again (for my student visa). !! 🤓 interrupted!!
VO: (Smiling). Ok Ok, I am approving your visa. Congratulations! I wish you the best of luck with your scholarship interview. Have a safe trip!
Anika: Yeeee!! Thank you so muchhhhh!
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Visa Interview Experience
Visa Priority: Regular
Visa Interview Attempt: 1st
Interview Date: July 14, 2023 (08:15 am)
Interview Duration: approx 50 seconds
Approved Date: July 14
College: St. Edward's University
Intended Program: BSc in Computer Science
Intended Term: Fall 2023
Documents Checked: Passport, I-20 (VO), & appointment confirmation (at gate).
Documents Carried: Passport, Original I-20, DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, MRV fee receipt, academic transcripts, Tin, bank statement, and 2 copies of 2*2 visa photos.
Counter No. 08 (nice white women)
Me: Good morning, miss.
VO: Good morning. Please pass me your passport and i20.
Me: Here you go, miss
VO: Tell me about your scholarship. How did you get it?
Me: Told
VO: Who is your sponsor?
Me: My father
VO: What did he do?
Me: told
VO: Have you visited outside of Bangladesh?
Me: Unfortunately. I did not get any opportunity to visit.
VO: Does that mean it's your first time?
Me: Yes, miss
VO: Be safe, and congratulations! I'm approving your visa.
Me: "Thanks, ma'am." You made my day.
#visa #visaexperience #fall23 #Undergraduate
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𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄
Interview Date: 31 October 2022
Time: 7:45 am
Status: Issued
Counter: 10 (Bald white gentleman. Rejected at least most of the candidates so I was highly scared).
University: University of Akron, Ohio
Major: Electrical Engineering
Documents I carried: Passports (both present and previous one), I-20, Appointment Confirmation, DS-160 confirmation, Sevis payment confirmation, Sponsor's bank and solvency statements, IELTS & SAT score report, Academic Certificate and transcripts, Covid-19 Vaccination certificate, Acceptance & Scholarship letter, EBL receipt, NID, Parents visiting cards, 4*Passport size photograph.
Interview:
Me: Good morning sir.
VO: Pass your passport and I-20.
Me: Here you go sir.
VO: Why are you taking the liberal arts major?
Me: (At first I didn't hear the question. So I asked him to repeat it. So he got a little bit annoyed)
*He repeated the question and I answered.
Me: Sir, my actual major is Electrical Engineering and as per my university policy, the university will not issue mentioning the original major in the i20, until the student is admitted (He stopped me)
VO: Which courses are you taking?
Me: Sir, according to my university policies, upon my full admission, I will meet the Academic Advisor and take the courses. But, I am planning to take the basic Electrical Engineering courses.
VO: Why do you want to study in the USA?
Me: From my junior high school, when I was researching about the higher education, I found USA to be the perfect fit to my higher education. Additionally, the certificate which I will receive after the graduation is internationally recognized and it will put good impact in my studies or work afterwards.
VO: Who is going to bear the expenses?
Me: Both my father and mother are going to pay for my education.
VO: What does they do?
Me: Told
Then he asked me to wait for a while to check some informations. Then he started the questions again.
VO: Do you have any sibling(s)?
Me: Yes sir, I have one elder sister.
VO: What does she do?
Me: Told.
VO: Congratulations, I am afforving your visa. Collect your passport within 14 days.
Me: Thank you so much sir.
I was quite nervous throughout the interview and I was shivering seeing the amount of rejections in that time. But by the grace of the Almighty, I aced it.
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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)
---------------------------
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
---------------------------
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.
Good luck to y'all still waiting on your interview or finding a slot - hope we make it through this!
EDIT: for those asking about my profile, https://www.facebook.com/groups/BdBeyondBorder/posts/6641586059203151/
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VISA INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE
Visa Type: F1
Intended University: Howard University– Washington D.C
Intended Program: Bachelor's in Computer information system
Intended Term of Entry: Fall 2022
Funding Details: Almost full tuition fees
______________________________________________________________
Visa Priority: Emergency
Interview Date: July 18, 2022 ( আমার ইন্টারভিউ ছিলো সেদিন, একবারে প্রথম, আমার আগে শুধু একটা আপু ছিলো, ওনারও হইছে)
CEAC Status: Issued ( আমার Issued দেখাইনি কারণ, আমি আমার ক্রেডিট কার্ড পাসপোর্ট এ-র ভিতরে ভুলে রাইখা আসছি, তা-ই পরের দিন, আমাকে কল দিয়ে বলছে গিয়ে পাসপোর্ট নিয়ে আসতে Embassy থেকে 😁😁 ).
Scheduled Interview Time: 12:30 PM
Arrived Embassy: 10:00 AM
Entered Embassy: 12:15/20 AM
Initial Visa Slot: June 14, 2023
1stReschedule: September 14, 2022
Applied for Emergency: June 13, 2022
Emergency Approved on: June 22/23, 2022
Emergency Approved for July 29 But Again Reschedule kore July 18 nilam.
______________________________________________________________
Interview:
The VO was a white American Lady.
Counter: 6
Interview Duration: Less than. 1.5 মিনিট😁 টাইপ করছে বেশি সময়।
______________________________________________________________
Conversation with VO:
Me: Good Afternoon mam, How are you (with a formal smile and passed my passport and I-20).
VO: Looking at my I-20 and Say Congratulations. Almost Full tuition fees
Me: Thank you
VO: Why You choose Howard University?
Me: Told ( আস্তে কথা বলতেছিলাম, আমাকে বলে মহিলা তারাতাড়ি আর জুড়ে কথা বলেন😀)
VO: So, How is going to pay your living expense?
Me: My father's and ( জিজ্ঞেস করার আগেই I explain father Business and earning source)
VO: Do you have any siblings study MS in US?
Me: No mam, Both of my siblings are younger.
VO: Have you visit any country?
Me: No mam, But I have a plane to travel around the world
VO: What course you have in your first semester?
Me: College Algebra 2, Business problem solving, etc....
VO: What will you be do after completing this major?
Me: I have a dream, actually I want to join a public Universities as a Professor, this also my parent's...
VO: (She was nodding to my answer and didn’t let me finish my answer) Hmm, hmm.
VO: (Passed me the blue leaflet and said Congratulations I'm approving your VISA, collect your Passport within 5 days)
Me: Thank you mam, you made my day (Left the counter).
______________________________________________________________
Documents Checked: Passport and I-20.
Documents Carried: Passport, Appointment Letter, Funding Letter, I-20, DS-160 Confirmation, Visa Fee Payment Slip, Sevis Fee Payment Confirmation, Admission Offer Letter, Funding Offer Letter, All Academic Certificates, IELTS score, NID, Photographs, Vaccine Card, Bank Statements, Credit Card,. [You don’t need all things. I just wanted to be safe!]
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Applied to 15 Universities and got accepted + Scholarship from 15 universities -
1. Howard University (accepted+ Scholarship)
2. UIW- San Antonio/ Texas ( accepted +Scholarship)
3. Rowan University (Accepted+Scholarship)
4. Texas A&M- Commerce (Accepted l+Scholarship)
5. McDaniel College(accepted+Scholarship)
6. University of North Texas ( Accepted+ Scholarship)
7. Eastern Michigan University (Accepted+ 2 years tuition fees)
8. Cleveland State University (accepted+Scholarship)
9.
10.
11.
.....................................USA................................................................
EU.....⬇️⬇️⬇️
12. Franklin University in Switzerland ( accepted + 37k € Scholarship)
13. Amsterdam University of applied science ( accepted without scholarship)
14. University of Debrecen, Hungary ( accepted+2k scholarship)
Got rejected from these 1 universities –Texas A&M
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I have been following this group since my School life. Heartfelt gratitude to the people of this group who have helped even a tiny bit.
Good wishes to the future applicants.
((Post টা কপি করা হইছিলো এক ভাইয়ার থেকে শুধু পদ্ধতি অবলম্বন করার জন্য, যাতে অনেক বেশী টাইপ করা না লাগে))
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Visa experience
My whole visa experience is a bit different, but I think this might help a few people in the future. Initially, I had been given an interview waiver since I had a B1/B2 visa which expired in 2020 (it was a single entry). I submitted all the necessary documents ( photocopies of academic certificates & financial documents ) through VFS around the end of June but two weeks later when I checked CGI federal website I was asked to schedule a follow-up interview from the dates that were available. The earliest one was on September 1st and my classes were supposed to start on August 22nd 2022. I picked up my passport and all the documents I had submitted along with the 221g letter from VFS which said I had to schedule an interview. I scheduled an interview for the 14th of September and deferred to the next semester in January’23. I did try to reschedule and request an emergency interview date, but I did not have the option to request one.
I thought I had to submit another DS-160 and update my CGI federal profile before my interview because there were significant changes to my plans as I had to defer a semester. Since the case is already open and under administrative processing I did not have to do that. An updated I-20 is enough. For the interview, I took the original academic certificates, updated bank statements and all the necessary documents.
Interview Experience
Me: Hello sir, hope you are having a great day ( with a smile )
VO: Please pass me your I-20 and your passports ( He did greet me back with a very welcoming tone )
VO: Have you applied for a visa before?
Me: Yes I did back in 2020 for a tourist visa.
VO: Which university are you going to?
Me: The Pennsylvania State University University Park
VO: So what is the nickname for you guys? ( I guessed he was asking about the school mascot )
Me: Nittany Lion
VO: So you are going to be Nittany Lion then?
Me (I replied while laughing): Hopefully
VO: This is an expensive university how are you going to pay for it?
Me: My father is going to sponsor my education.
VO: What does he do?
Me: He is a Chittagong-based businessman. He is the chairman of A, B and C.
VO: How many people work for your father?
Me: X employees at A, Y employees at B and Z employees at C.
VO: I am approving your visa, please collect your passport within 2 weeks. Best of luck and safe travels. ( Gave me the blue leaflet along with my old passport and I20)
The visa status changed from refused to approved after about an hour or so. The visa was issued the next day and I picked up my passport the following Monday.
If you are in a similar situation and need help with something please do reach out.
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#### Visa Interview Experience ####
Background: Science
Visa Type: F1
Visa Status: Approved
Intended University: University of Central Florida
Program: BS in Computer and Information Sciences
Session: Spring 2023
Fundings: Self funding
______________________________________________________
Visa Priority: Emergency
1st Appointment Date: 26 March, 2023
Emergency Appointment Date: 16 October, 2022
Interview Time: 16 October, 2022 (1:00 PM)
CEAC Status: Issued (withing 24 hours)
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 ,All statements of sponsors, All academic transcript.
Some background: I've passed my HSC in 2020. So I got 2 gap years. Actually I've prepared myself for the public universities admission exam. Got chance in DU, BUET, MIST and had a great mark on GST exam. But got admitted in DU's Applied Mathematics program. From tomorrow my 2nd year's class is going to start 😂. But I always dreamed to study in the USA. Took this decision on March, 2022. Gave sat and IELTS. Then applied to US.
______________________________________________________
Interview Experience:
I gave interview on counter no 6. VO was a bald white guy. Rejected the applicant before me so, I got a bit shaky (He got a good amount of funding from Beloit College. Talked with him after my interview)
- Interview Duration: 4-5 minutes
Conversation:
Me: Good evening sir
VO: Good evening. Pass me your passport and I20 please.
Me: Sure sir.
Took my passport and checked a bit then asked:
VO: Why have you chosen UCF?
Me: Sir, basically, UCF is one of the prominent public research universities in USA. I want to do research on my undergraduate level so, sir.... (Stops me and asked another question)
VO: How many universities have you applied to?
Me: Told 4 universities name.
VO: Which college have you attended?
(After hearing this, I gave a dumb answer at first)
Me: Sir University of Central Florida.
VO: (Smiled) No, I've asked you what is your high school's name. You guys say college in your country, isn't it?😅
Me: (Smiled) Oh sorry sir. I've completed my college from Notre Dame College.
VO: Who will be your sponsor?
Me: Sir my parents are going to be my sponsor. They have a yearly income of X usd and they have a savings of about X usd for my education.
VO: Do you have any siblings?
Me: Yes sir. I have a younger sister.
VO: Which courses will you study?
Me: Told 5 courses name
VO: Do you have any previous passport?
Me: Yes sir. Here it is.
(Checked that and typed something then asked me)
VO: You got rejected for USA tourist visa twice.
Me: Yes sir. On 2013 and 2015
VO: Which countries have you visited?
Me: India, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore.
VO: Tell me a thing. You have applied all of the universities inside Florida. Do you have any special reason for that?
Me: To be honest sir, I'm such a guy who can't handle a lot of cold weather. Florida's weather is very nice and similar to Bangladesh. That's why basically I've applied all of the universities inside Florida.
(VO then typed something an told the magical words)
VO: I'm approving your visa. Congratulations. Collect your passport within 2 weeks.
Me: Thank you so much sir
VO: Welcome.
__________________
One thing that I noticed today is I've not been asked to show them my financial statements. And this happened with the previous applicant as well. What I felt is that you need to be confident at every stage of this interview process. You have to give straightforward answers. That's it.
(I've written this Post yesterday but posting today. I got email that my visa got issued and I can collect it tomorrow)
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