A prospective student pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science has shared a detailed account of their F-1 visa interview experience at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi on Reddit, providing valuable insights for future applicants.
According to the user’s post on the popular social media platform, the interview took place at 9:20 AM at Counter 17 of the embassy and lasted approximately three to four minutes. The visa officer, an American woman in her 40s, conducted the interview professionally and efficiently.
The student, who applied to Northeastern University’s Seattle campus, explained the rationale behind choosing the Seattle campus over the Boston one, highlighting the lower student-to-faculty ratio as a key factor. The visa officer probed the applicant’s financial background, noting a $100,000 education loan supplemented by a $6,000 scholarship.
The applicant clarified that the loan was co-sponsored by their father, a General Manager at a Fortune 500 company, and emphasized the family’s strong financial standing and liquid assets that supported the loan approval by the State Bank of India. The interest rate of 9.5% was also discussed during the interview.
When asked about relatives with U.S. travel history, the applicant mentioned a paternal uncle and aunt who had visited the United States on tourist visas. After a brief exchange, the visa officer approved the application.
Post-interview, the student confirmed with the officer that fingerprint scanning was not required after approval, marking a smooth end to the process.
This firsthand account shared on Reddit is helping demystify the F-1 visa interview process for Indian students aspiring to study in the United States, shedding light on common questions and effective responses.