A 24-year-old veterinary master’s student from Hyderabad has successfully obtained her B1 visa to attend a professional veterinary conference in the United States, after navigating a stressful and complex application process. The journey began in January when she first started the visa application process, but securing an interview slot proved to be difficult. After months of trying, she was able to secure an appointment through a contact she met on Reddit in March. Although she acknowledged that trusting a stranger online was risky, she described her experience as a stroke of luck that ultimately helped her move forward with the process.
The interview itself, which took place at the Hyderabad Consulate on June 2nd, was surprisingly brief. Despite being part of what some consider a “red flag” category — young, single, and a student — she went into the interview prepared with clear answers. She had a well-structured explanation for each question, and her calm and confident demeanor helped her present her case effectively.
During the interview, she was asked three straightforward questions. The first was about the purpose of her visit, to which she responded that she was attending a veterinary conference in the U.S., providing both her registration details and an official invitation letter. The second question focused on the length of her stay, which she clarified would be seven days—arriving a day early and leaving right after the conference. Finally, when asked who was covering her expenses, she confirmed that her father would be responsible for all costs associated with the trip.
After these brief exchanges, the visa officer approved her application, and the applicant was told, “Congratulations, your visa is approved.” The process was completed with a sense of relief, as her visa status was updated to “approved” the same day. Just two days later, she received an email notifying her that her passport was ready for pickup.
Looking back on the experience, the student highlighted several important takeaways. She stressed that confidence played a crucial role in her success. Even though she felt nervous, she focused on staying composed and presenting her answers calmly. She also noted the importance of dressing neatly and presenting oneself well at the interview. While she didn’t go overboard with her attire, looking presentable helped her make a positive first impression.
The student also advised others not to overanalyse the experiences of others. While she had witnessed a few F1 visa rejections while waiting for her interview, she reminded applicants that every case is different and that it’s important to stay confident in one’s own situation. Additionally, she cautioned against interpreting a visa officer’s serious expression as a negative sign, as her officer was similarly reserved but ultimately approved her visa with a smile.
Responding to the post, a user said, “I feel you were straight up confident. No mugged up answers. Helps a lot.” Another added, “Congratulations!! Fellow Veterinary Student from India here, though I have applied for CPE date.”