A Reddit post by an Indian student who recently secured an F-1 visa for study in the United States has gone viral among aspirants, thanks to its detailed account of a seamless visa interview and valuable tips that could help others prepare.
The student, who appeared for the visa interview at the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata on June 18, 2025, was applying to pursue a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Northeastern University. The interview, according to the post, lasted only a few minutes and was granted approval at the very first question.
The Visa Officer (VO) asked basic questions such as, “Why did you choose this course?” The student responded confidently, outlining a well-articulated academic plan including specific AI courses like Probabilistic ML and NLP, future aspirations to work at a research company in India, and alignment with the research of specific professors at the university.
The post emphasized that the key to success lies in clarity, specificity, and authenticity. “Don’t give generic answers copied from the internet. VOs instantly know what’s genuine,” the student cautioned, also stressing the importance of mentioning strong ties to India — a critical component for approval of the non-immigrant F-1 visa.
Further advice included:
- Be confident and maintain eye contact.
- Highlight your academic fit with the university and professors.
- Be clear about financial preparedness, including income, savings, and loan details in USD.
- Avoid dishonesty, especially about prior travel or immigration history.
The student also advised greeting officers politely and staying composed, regardless of the outcome of previous applicants. “I saw two people rejected before me, but I stayed focused,” the post read.
The story, originally shared on Reddit, has since been widely circulated among student communities and is being praised for its honest insights and practical tips for navigating the often-stressful visa interview process.