Basic Steps
- Get I-20
- Fill DS-160 using I-20.
- Make Visa profile.
- Pay SEVIS Fee for I-20 (must be paid 3 days before your booked visa interview)
- Original Passport
- Passport Copy
- Appointment Confirmation Letter
- Photograph
- DS-160 Confirmation
- SEVIS Payment Confirmation
- Signed I-20
- VISA Payment Receipt
- Multiple photographs according to the requirement. They ask for it sometimes.
- GRE Score Report
- TOEFL Score Report
- Bank Statements
- Loan Sanction Letter
- Proof of Employment Certificate
- University Acceptance Letter
- Resume
- 10th Mark Sheet
- 12th Mark Sheet
- BITS Transcript
- Aadhar Card
- Drivers License
- PAN Card
- Keep multiple copies of really important documents.
- Bring documents in a transparent bag.
- Bring a pen.
- Join the relevant Whatsapp and Telegram groups. You can find these through university admit groups or through Reddit. Monitor these actively.
- Download the Check US Visa Slots extension on browser as well as a phone app. Save your Visa portal login saved on your phone.
- Find a group of friends to monitor slots together. The Visa portal is known to log you out after multiple slot checking attempts so you can take turns in monitoring the portal.
- Alternatively, take out a stretch of days to be terminally online and check the portal every 15 minutes. You can slots released in minor openings this way.
My advice
- Don't view the interview like one. Prepare for it and ensure you do your research. However, on the appointment date, treat it like an informal chat.
- Don't mug up answers, but at the same time don't stutter when you're answering. The former is a sign of preparation, while the latter raises suspicion. Simply have a mental model of what you're supposed to answer for which questions but don't memorise them.
- Ensure you know the details of your university and program. You don't want to give a hint that you're going to the US just for the sake of it.
Advice found online
- Be confident and concise in your answers. Don't attempt to over elaborate your answers.
- Never claim that you intend to stay in the US, because the law states that you are not eligible for an F-1 visa if your intent is to remain in the United States permanently. If you indicate during your interview that is the case, they are legally obligated to reject your visa.
- If you're asked if you intend to pursue further studies, you can say you haven't decided for sure yet, but right now your plan is to come back right after graduation. If you're asked about training, you can say that you are willing to stay in the US if you get a job that will sponsor your OPT.
- For the question, 'what are you planning to do after your studies in the US?' it would be a good thing to plan to contribute to your country's economy, technical capacity, environment, infrastructure, and/or social institutions. The US prides itself on educating future leaders. Use that to your advantage.
- Try to avoid using "sir" or "ma'am" (at least after the official greeting). There's no need to be obsequious.
- Write down your strengths, and lead with your strengths in the VISA interview. Don't be humble in the VISA interview.
- Be an active interviewee. Frame your answers in a way that provides them the information about you that you want them to know. Lead their questions. Listen to their question, but give them the answer that you want to give them.
The following videos are helpful in understanding the perspective of the Visa officer.
- Visa Officer Reveals Biggest Red Flags For F1 Visa Interview
- Ex-Visa Officer TOP TIPS for the F1 Visa | Student Visa (youtube.com)
A day before the interview, I spent some time in front of a mirror practicing answering the following questions (in order)
- Hello What's your name?
- What are you planning to study in the US?
- Why (your branch) ?
- Which university have you selected?
- How did you come to know about (your university)?
- Why did you select (your university)?
- How many universities have you applied to? Advice: If you're asked where else you applied and/or where else you were accepted, you should list a few and offer to share a more extensive list (e.g. "I applied to Harvard, Yale, Penn, and a few others. Do you want me to list them?")
- How many universities did you get into?
- How did you come about these schools?
- Why did you not go to (x university instead)?
- What are you doing currently?
- Why did you decide to quit your job and pursue a Master's degree?
- Why did you decide to pursue studies in the US, and not India?
- How do you plan on funding your education?
- What do your parents' do?
- Why didn't you mention your father as a sponsor?
- Why did you take a loan then?
- What do you plan to do after graduating?
- How do you intend to resolve cultural differences that you might face in the US?
- What is the significance of your chosen field of study? How will it contribute to the development of your home country?
My interview only lasted about 30 seconds. Here's how it went:
Me: (walks up to the desk, hands over passport and I-20)
Officer: Thank you. (looks at I-20) You're going to UIUC?
Me: Yessir
Officer: What program will you be studying?
Me: I will be studying the Master's in Computer Science program, officer.
Officer: How will you be funding your education?
Me: Officer, my parents have funds of X dollars. Additionally, I have been working at Microsoft for the past 2 years and have saved Y dollars. These funds collectively cover the amount mentioned on my I-20. However, I have also taken a loan of Z dollars just in case something unforeseen happens.
Officer: (gives me a receipt) Your visa has been approved.
Me: Thank you officer!
- Try not to take your phone with you. At the Bombay VAC, it cost 500 rupees to store your phone. I think the price at the consular was lower, but it definitely varies from centre to centre.