F-1 Visa: A student from Mumbai has shared a detailed account of their F-1 visa interview experience at the US Consulate, offering insights into the process for prospective applicants. The interview, conducted on October 1, 2025, saw the applicant successfully secure a visa to pursue a Master’s in Information Technology and Analytics at Rutgers University. The experience was shared on Reddit, gaining attention from students preparing for their own interviews.
Early Morning Process and Waiting Times
The student booked a 7:15 AM interview slot and arrived at the consulate in BKC around 7 AM. “I reached BKC around 7am and got in the line, pretty smooth handling of the line and was inside the Consulate at around 7:10am,” the student wrote. Inside the consulate, a courtyard area allowed F-1 applicants to wait for their turn. The student was finally called in at exactly 9 AM.
Interview Questions and Approval Under Section 221(g)
During the interview, the visa officer asked several questions about the applicant’s education and family business. The student explained, “So my family watches over the last mile transportation of Government regulated and distributed materials like fertilisers and grains and my family has been in the logistics business for 35 years, after joining them I realised that the way our company operates is too outdated and switch to tech is needed, my goal at Rutgers is to learn the required tech needed for our business and come back to expand our business here.”
Other questions included prior U.S. visits, including a trip in 2021. “Sir, I was in San Jose for a cousins wedding after which we decided to explore more of the west coast and also travelled to New York during this trip,” the student said when asked
Despite initial refusal under Section 221(g), the visa was eventually approved. The student concluded the account by offering advice to future applicants: “Hope this helps and good luck to anyone appearing for their interview, stay confident!”