Visa Experience - 08

[nemo]

Another cakewalk interview to add to the above experiences. My appointment was scheduled for 9-45 am on 24th June. I reached an hour early and queued up by 9.
The VO was an Indian looking guy wearing gold studs. It was more of a conversation rather than an interview. My wife will be accompanying me, so I had applied for her F-2 as well.
Here is the conversation:
VO: So both of you are going to the same place to study together?
Me: Both of us are going to the same place, but my wife is going as my dependent. (Smile)
VO: (Smiling and typing all the time) So how much financial aid are you getting from the school?
Me: (Quoted the figure, and needlessly added 'It's mentioned in the I-20').
VO: (Typing) I know, I am just confirming (Smile). So how much are you paying yourself?
Me: (Quoted the figure).
VO: (Still typing) And how long have you been married?
Me: 1 year and 3 months.
VO: Doesn't your current company sponsor MBA's?
Me: It does, but only MBA's in India.
VO: You should get them to sponsor foreign MBA's as well. That will help the next generation. Blah blah blah.
Me: (Nodding).
VO: What will be your GA duties?
Me: The exact details are yet to be specified, but it could be either assisting a professor in research or teaching an undergrad class.
VO: Maybe you will have to do both (Smile).
Me: I am prepared for that sir (An even bigger smile).
VO: (Finally stops typing, and staples the I-20's to the passports) OK, you should get your passport in 4 business days.
Me: (Realizing that it's over) Thanks a lot. Have a good day (Smile).

So, although it looks like a lot of dialogues, it appeared as if he had to keep asking something while he kept typing god knows what. I didn't even have to open my folder to show a single document. The only torture is waiting in the queues. One gets really anxious hearing the conversations at the windows ahead, with the VO asking 'Why did you choose this school, and how did you hear of that school?', and applicants mouthing off prepared answers.

Overall, I agree that a much too big an issue is created about F-1 visas. As long as you are going to a good university and have all the relevant documents, there is no chance of anything untoward happening.

All the best to anyone who will be attending an interview in the future.

[divine_dev]

My VISA experience might not be much of a help because it lasted for just about 30-40 seconds, but I do have something to share.

I feel all this VISA interview hype has been created by the so called VISA counselors, because it is their business. I was anxious about my VISA thing, so I decided to visit a counselor. And he made it sound so very complicated. He was like....he'll guide me in filling up the DS forms because a slight mistake in the DS forms would mean an outright denial...and that I'd have to take at least a 4 day leave to prepare for the interview..and I need to have liquid cash for both the years or I need to get a loan approval to show readily available funds for the 2nd year( Later on I came to know that he lends you cash if you are short on it) . It kept me worried for a couple of days and then I decided to go for it myself. I backed myself, and went for the interview...I was confident that there is no reason that I should be worried, because I had with me all the documents that are mentioned at the 'VFS' website.

And my interview(24th June 9:15 AM):

VO: So, You are going to UCI?
Me: Yes
VO: Could I see your offer letter please?
...While looking at the offer letter, he asks: do you have funds?
Me: yes
VO: Your VISA is approved, it'd be mailed to you within a week.
----
That's about it. And all the other guys heading to UCI who've had their VISA interviews have had similar experiences...So, I seriously believe that it is just the hype created by these counselors..and nothing more....Just be confident and keep a smile on your face.!!

[mbabuster]

My visa experience :

Went there early since my interview was at 7:45. Got in by 7:45 , after a wait till 8:15 I finally got to the interview booth . By this time a lot of people had already had their interviews ( for F-1 visa ) and many had got rejections ( for MS ) . So I was a bit nervous . Anyway I went up to the booth . The questions asked were pretty easy :

1. What kind of degree are you going to study ?
2. What kind of work experience do you have ?
3. Show me your supporting docs ?
4. Have you been to the US before ? ( I have worked 2 yrs on H-1 )

Your visa is approved .

Well that was it , took a bit over 3 minutes and was a stroll . So people nothing to worry about , visa interiews for MBA folks are pretty smooth.

[vds002]

Hi Guys,
I have an admit for MBA from www.itu.edu. Its a small university in california and doesnt require GMAT. I am planning to take visa appointment date for next month. I have all the necessary documents - Admission letter, I-20, and Financial documents. Is there anything else I need to support my VISA application as the university is not that well known and doesnt require GMAT....!!!ANY INPUTS PLEASE!!!!

[columbia10admit]

very short interview.

the visa officer did not look at anything besides the I-20, the SEVIS fee receipt, the visa forms, and the passport.

questions asked were why i applied to this school, which other schools did i apply to, how i intended to fund my studies (i said my peice and also said that it was mentioned in the I20)
thats about it! got my visa in 2 working days.