F-1 visa: A Reddit user has shared their experience of securing an F-1visa approval at the New Delhi consulate through an emergency appointment, offering a detailed account of the visa interview process and lessons learned. The post has drawn attention online, especially as the applicant noted that two candidates before them at the same counter were refused visas.
The interview took place on December 16 at 8:30 am, under an emergency slot. According to the user, the visa officer began with standard document checks, asking for the passport and I-20, before moving on to questions about academic background and course selection.
Questions on Academic Transition and Course Choice
During the interaction, the visa officer focused on the applicant’s decision to transition from mechanical engineering to electrical and computer engineering at the postgraduate level. When asked why a master’s degree in mechanical engineering was not pursued, the applicant explained their academic exposure to electronics during undergraduate studies and how it influenced their career goals.
“I took 4-5 subjects in electronics domain. I loved the subject and have done some minor projects. This further sparked my interest in the field and I decided to study the field professionally. Hence, I applied,” the applicant told the officer, as per the Reddit post.
The officer also questioned why a specific university was chosen. The applicant responded that the curriculum offered the prerequisite coursework needed for a smooth academic transition between disciplines.
Funding, Social Media Checks and 221(g) Slip
The interview then moved to financial arrangements and application history. When asked about funding, the applicant stated, “I have approved education loan of 50 Lakhs, and my mother has 25 lakhs in her savings account.” The visa officer also enquired about the number of universities applied to, with the applicant confirming four applications and two admits.
A notable moment came when the officer asked about social media usage over the past five years. The applicant initially mentioned Instagram and LinkedIn, later clarifying active use of Quora and Reddit as well, explaining that there were no options to list these platforms on the DS-160 form.
The interview concluded with the officer issuing a 221(g) slip, indicating administrative processing. “I’ll need to carry out further administrative checks before I finally approve your visa,” the officer said, according to the post, while retaining the applicant’s passport and I-20.
The Reddit user described the outcome as a “soft verdict” and summed up the experience with a key takeaway: “Don’t lie about anything! Be confident about your answers and be extremely honest with the VO.”
The post has since resonated with students preparing for US visa interviews, particularly those applying under emergency slots or transitioning between academic disciplines.
Disclaimer: This story is based on a post shared by a social media user. The details, opinions, and statements quoted herein belong solely to the original poster and do not reflect the views of Financialexpress.com. We have not independently verified the claims.