F-1 visa news: A student has taken to Reddit to share their disappointing experience with a second failed attempt at securing an F-1 visa for higher studies in the United States. The post was titled, “The F-1 visa interviews are horrible.” Despite being accepted into Albion College in Michigan and receiving a scholarship, the applicant said the interview process felt rushed and unfair, leaving them confused and helpless.
A Rushed Interview and Constant Interruptions
“Good morning,” the student recalled greeting the Visa Officer (VO). However, according to the post, the officer did not respond and instead immediately asked for the i20 and passport.
The questions that followed were brief and, in the applicant’s words, constantly interrupted:
VO: What university are you going to?
Me: I’m going to Albion College in Michigan.
VO: Why did you choose Albion College?
Me: I chose Albion College because what really stood out to me the most about Albion College was its honors program, which I was accepted into.
VO: (cuts me off)
When asked about “liberal studies,” the student explained: “Well, liberal studies means I will get to study a little bit of everything before declaring a major, usually after the first year.”
The interruptions reportedly continued when the applicant tried to answer how many universities they had applied to and who would fund their education.
Financial Stability and Family Background Overlooked
The student detailed their family’s financial capability to support their education, stating: “Besides the scholarship that I was awarded by the university, my mom will cover the rest.”
They further elaborated: “My mother owns and runs an automotive paint and body repair shop in [location] with my father. They’ve been operating this business for over 6 years, generating an estimated annual income of [amount]. She also has rental properties across various sites with a combined value of [amount].”
Yet, according to the post, the officer interrupted again before they could finish.
The applicant confirmed they had never traveled abroad and were eventually handed a 214(b) refusal slip, meaning they were deemed ineligible for the visa type.
Uncertain Future as Classes Near
“She was in a rush at first; in fact, I was the 5th person she interviewed after opening her windows. I don’t know what to do at this point. I am confused. Should I reapply? If I do so, the earliest appointment is on Aug 26. My class start date is Aug 25,” the student shared.
Calling the situation “pretty unfair” and blaming “bad luck,” the Redditor admitted they struggled to articulate their answers properly due to constant interruptions. They ended their post by asking the community for advice on whether to reapply despite the looming deadlines.
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