Student Visa (F1, F2, M1, M2)

I came to US in the year 2015 July. I completed my masters from ACCT in march 2017 and I got my opt in May 2017. I got married in 2017 OCT. I came into US without any issues in immigration. and in December my schools got shutdown, so I have joined in second masters in “Campbells university” and then transfer to UC because in near to me, and started working on my (Day1) CPT. By here the first half of my story was completed.

Coming to the 2nd half, July 2018 my wife went for F2 Visa interview and got rejected by giving 214(b) and they said, she is not eligible to apply. Visa Officer asked my Visa and I20's, by the way my i20 valid till Dec 2019 visa will expire on june 2020. Please check the below conversation between my wife and VO.

VO: Why are you going to US

To stay with my husband

Vo: Can I have your husband I20
Provided

Vo: when did you married

xx-xx-2017.

Vo: since how long your husband is in US

3 years

Vo: how many schools did he changed till now

3 schools

VO: Why didn’t you go with your husband
To complete my studies, I stayed back

Vo: Sorry you are not eligible to apply for this visa.

He gave 214(b) and rejected.

Do I need to send her again to Visa interview or Do she need to apply for visiting visa?

Can you guys please give your suggestions on this. Ans also how to answer on the second masters with day1 CPT if the question arises.

Visa: Rejected
Time: 10 am
Location: Hyderabad

Me: Good Morning Sir
VO: Good Morning. Why do u want to study masters?
Me: To enhance my knowledge sir
Vo: So why H4 when you have F1 visa?
Me: F1 would allow me to do research work under professors and I will be eligible to get assistantships and scholarships
Vo: So what is research work?
Me: I would like to do research work under professors on autonomous cars which are aligned with my area of interests.
Vo: what is this pathway program?
Me: Pathway program is similar to regular master’s degree program and I will need to do an extra 1 credit hour English course apart from the regular csu masters degree program.
Vo: You will need to pass your pathway program and then only you will be eligible to work under professors and for this you don’t need F1 you can study on h4…. Do you know that?
Me: Yes sir eventually after my pathway prog I will be able to do research work under professors.(typed for almost 2 min)
Vo: what is your percentage?
Me: 77.04 sir
Vo: what’s your GRE Score?
Me: 293 sir
Vo: Which year have u passed out?
Me: 2014 sir
Vo: where does your husband stay and what is he doing?
Me: Told
Vo: Sorry I cannot approve your Visa for please take your passport (Gave 214B slip)
(small background information I got h4 visa on may 24th. I got conditional admit form csu and received my I20 on May 30th and so applied for f1 visa)
Guys can you let me know what’s wrong? (is he is considering me as potential immigrant?) Please comment

Today I will share with you my F1 Visa experience and I hope it will be helpful who wish to nail this experience, When I gave this interview which is like few days ago I saw many cases getting rejected, even the girl right in front of me got rejected her visa and it was quite nerve cracking but here goes my experience:

Visa: Approved
Time: 9:00 am
Location: Islamabad

Me: Good Morning
VO: Good Morning, Pass me your Passport and I20
Me: (smiled) passed her my I20 and Passport which was tied together and my DS160
VO: (starts typing) what are you studying
Me: Told
VO: Have you ever been United States
Me: Yes, twice, once as a J1 on government sponsored program and second time as an F1 to complete my High School in America.
VO: Sobyou went as a J? Which program
Me: Told
VO: and you completed your High school in America?
Me: Yes, told her the name of school
VO: who is sponsoring your education
Me: I have been offered full ride, my dorm and food is also paid for and no expense to my family
VO: Great! They are also paying for your dorm and food
Me: Yes, I have the notarized letter if you wish to see
VO: No need!
Me: (just smiling)
VO: okay everything looks good, I am approving your visa. It should be ready for pickup by next week and let me explain you somethings, US government is getting very strict about students working and not going to school.
Me: thank you very much, have a good day
VO: you too have a good day, good luck.
Me: thank you very much.

I was super happy, Went out to my parents who were super excited to hear about approval.
Almost all the applicants I saw were getting rejected but make sure you remain confident. Confidence is the key and make sure you have all the papers ready and are prepared. My interview lasted for about 6-7 minutes only.
I hope it helps somebody and if you have any questions, Feel free to ask fellows!!

I got accepted to California State University San Bernardino for fall 2018. My GRE is 283 and TOEFL is 105
I have my F1 interview on 20th July and I am very scared. I would appreciate some tips on how can I ace my interview.

VISA

Status : Approved.

Interview time : 6-7 minutes.

Background : I was applying for fall semester 2018 for an undergraduate degree in Computer Science engineering from University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Texas. It was my first attempt.

IELTS Score : 9 bands.

Visa date : 23 May 2018 (some of the worst days in American consulate, the acceptance ratio was 10:2)

Consulate : Mumbai.

Time : 8:45 AM

All of the student and work visas were getting rejected only B2 (visit visas) were being approved.

After about an hour and a half of waiting in 5 different lines, and experiencing all F1 visas before me getting rejected I finally get in front of the counter.

VO is an American lady in her late 20's or early 30's.

Me: Good Morning ma'am, how're you this morning?
VO : Maybe replied, I didn't pay attention.

VO: Pass me your passport and I20.
ME: Done.

VO: Why US?
ME: (A well rehearsed answer) Well, US is the education capital of the entire world...

VO: Okay, fine. Stop. (In an exasperated tone.)
ME: (completely thrown of the game all of these conspiracy theories came to my mind that maybe she has already decided to reject my visa and such, I push it out if mind.)

VO: When did you finish your undergraduate?
ME: I am actually going for my undergraduate...

VO: (interjecting) Yeah, but when did you finish your 10+2?
ME: I finished my 10+2 in 2016..

VO: (interjecting, again) So what have you been doing till now?
ME: I didn't want to graduate from any mediocre college that's why as soon as I was done with my 10+2 I started working on the entrance test for IIT and Bits Pillani but unfortunately , couldn't get in and missed out by just a scratch my Plan B was to get my undergrad degree from abroad and US was the first country that came to my mind because a degree from US is valued all over the world. (I knew about midway in my answer that she wasn't liking the answer, her frown deepened as I kept going.)

VO: Wait, so you couldn't get into these Indian universities and your Plan B was to try for US? That doesn't make any sense.
(I was shook, I wasn't expecting this)
ME: Actually these are 2 of the best universities in India it is really hard to get into it.

VO: Okay. (shrugs) (Starts typing on keyboard)
ME: (Thinking on my feet, I knew I had to say something and fast, the first thing that came to my mind was a times of India article I read almost a month back)
The reason i don't want to continue my education here is because the situation here is very bad.

VO: How so?
ME: Well there are about 5000 engineering colleges in India. 1.3 million engineers graduate every year. There are only 500K new jobs available every year. So If am to have any kind of career in my field of study I am expected to have exceptional skills. And education from USA allows me to attain those skills and when I come back to my country I will have an edge above the rest of the graduates.
(All true facts, but not something I prepared for, just said of the top of my head.
In hindsight if I hadn't given this answer I am almost sure I would have been rejected in the next minute.)

VO: Okay that makes sense. So I see you have been given a scholarship how are you planning to pay for the rest of your education?
ME: (Gave a detailed answer, she was obviously satisfied, didn't even ask for my financial documentation.)

Final Question (And The answer that got me my visa)
 
VO: (Starts typing then stops, looks at me and asks) So, you said you're from Hyderabad right? (I had mentioned that in my sponsor answer) Then why are you applying from Mumbai?

ME: (Wasn't completely prepared for it, Was debating if I should say the truth or make something up, something told me that this VO wasn't you're average VO she'd understand if I lie, I decided on telling the truth)

Well a friend of mine, who had an excellent profile applied from Hyderabad and his visa got rejected for no specific reason, he took a deferment applied for the second time and his visa was approved. In my situation my mom told me that I had this one chance to get my Visa and if I don't I'll have to continue my education in India, I didn't want to take any chances or risks which is why I am here.

VO: straight up starts laughing for at least 20 seconds (she liked the answer).
Everybody in the hall were looking at me curiously, this hadn't happened before (at least in the past 2 hours.)

VO: (stops laughing, but still smiling) I have never hear that answer before.
Me: No comments.
VO: How old are you? (casually)
ME: I am 19.

VO: Alright, give me a minute. (she turns off her mike, and starts typing for a whole minute, at this point I was hopeful that I'd get my visa than she signals toward someone and another American guy comes up beside her and they started discussing. It was at this point all my hopes came crashing down because of all the reaserch I had done and experiences I had read I understood one thing if the VO calls someone to discuss, it means your visa is getting rejected. I lowered my gaze to the floor and started making plans on what to do next. About a minute after she knocks on the glass, I look up.)

VO: So I am keeping your passport, and approving your visa. (Then she passes me the slip on how to collect your passport, I don't respond, I still haven't processed what I heard)

VO : Are you gonna take this?
ME: Yes Of Course, thank you so much, you made my day. (And I was about to take the slip she pulls it back, I look up)

VO: congratulations on your Visa and best of luck in your future endeavors. (smiling)
VO: Thank you again. (Took the slip and basically ran out of there.)

She didn't ask for any of my documents only the I20. The rest was all based on the conversation. Even though my scholarship and IELTS score was my plus points and I wanted to push it but I didn't even get a chance to mention it.

I know that its popular belief that you need to answer to the point, but I obviously went for another strategy I gave long and detailed answer for every question. And I think this is what got me my visa. You just need to talk on the subject and not defer into other things and you will be fine.

Other than that stay calm, collected and never panic or be nervous. Think that it doesn't matter if I get accepted or rejected. (even if it does) It will help you immensely.

I came to the USA in September 2016 on H4 visa and started going to school from January 2017. I applied for a change of status H4 to F1 in June 2017 and my H4 expired in October 2017. I got a denial from USCIS with the reason that my H4 expired before 30 days of my program start date. I initially applied COS for August 2017, but my University deferred the start date to January 2018 and August 2018 subsequently. So, my COS is denied as I could not maintain my H4 visa while COS is pending. However, I traveled back to my home country immediately after COS denial and would like to apply for an F1 visa at a US consulate here.
In this situation,
1. Does my SEVIS id change if I apply for an F1 visa now?
2. Do I have to pay SEVIS fee again?
3. What happens to my previous SEVIS history if that record is terminated after COS denial?
4. Is there any way that I can transfer my credits from old SEVIS id to new SEVIS id?
5. Do I face any OPT issues as I only have a semester left?

Thanks,
Deepthi.

Hi,

I am an international student needing some advice on travelling outside the US. Here is my current situation –

I am working on my OPT (F1 student visa)
My company applied for H1B petition this year and my application was picked up in the lottery. I think it’ll be effective from October onward once appoved.
But I am planning to leave my company in coming June and join another University in August for graduate school.
I was told that my OPT would end as soon as I transfer my i-20 to my new university so I waiting until June to leave my company and then transfer my SEVIS and i-20 record from current to new University.
 

My question is – Can I travel to India in July (after leaving my company and before joining my new graduate school)? I would have transferred my i-20 by then so I’ll have the new i-20 from new University to enter the country. I understand that having new i-20, I shouldn’t face any problem entering US but I am afraid that having my name in H1B petition has made it trickier. Under the petition, I am asking USCIS to convert my F1 to H1B so technically my F1 is no longer acceptable to re-enter the country, is that true?

Profile - I have completed my computer engg. in 2013 . After that i worked as adnroid developer for 1 year then i was employed in finance company as technical stock analyst in Indian stock market for more than 3 years. and now i want to do MBA in finance.

Visa Interview date - 3rd of April 2018, Venue - Mumbai , Visa Type - F1
It was my first attempt.
Experience of more than 3 years .

Interview time - 8:45 ,

I was nervous but still tried to smile at counter.

VO- Good morning (Without any smile)
Me- Good morning (Try to smile but nervous inside)

Vo- Passsport and I20 ?
passed both. I didnt staple my I20. He looked at me with anger on face.

Vo- Why do you want to go Monroe college?
Me- There are are several reason behind this, First and foremost reason is curriculum. I was looking for such curriculum in which i could learn Financial Analysis and M&A. and I found such curriculum in Monroe college, Second reason is Trimester system of Monroe which will help me to get my degree faster.and third reason is small class room size of Monroe which will help me get more interaction with my faculty.

(My body language was positive,my hand was moving and i was smiling also with nervousness inside.)

Vo looked at me.

Vo- What is your GRE score?
Me- Actually my college required good academic and English proficiency. For English proficiency i appeared IELTS and on base on my strong academic i got admission so i didn't required this GRE exam.

He stopped me without completing my answer. ( I want to say if it will be required in future than i will give it.)

He typed in computer for while then said
V0- Sorry for this type . your visa is denied. and passed my passport back.

I took that and smiled at him with big disappointment.

so what was my problem? Was my visa denied because of i didn't give GRE EXAM?
or I want to do mba and I am engineer . Was that a problem?

I am confused now . What should i do now .. please help me.. should i appeared GMAT/GRE and reapply in next intake ?

 
Thank you.

Hi, I need some clarification on my DS160 profile. Have been to the U.S embassy one's unfortunately my F1 visa was denied but wanted to reapply now. I finished college 2010 to 2017 my first visa attempt that's 7yrs. On the Work/Education/Training information I only filled in a year course i had in desktop publishing, i didn't put in my academic record on the first profile application but now wanted to fill in my academic record on the second application. Need to know if it's possible for me and will i have any questioning problems at time of interview. Please your advice is highly welcome. Thank you

Profile - Been rejected thrice in 2011 for F1 visa
              University - Oklahoma city University for the first 2 times and NYIT for the 3rd time.

Visa Interview date - April 25th 2015, Venue - Chennai, Visa type - F1
University - University of South Florida, Master's in Management.
Work experience - 2 years, GRE - old format gave in 2010 dec (converted score - 302), Toefl - 102.
Profile - Below Average.
Interview time - 8:30. Reached the line at 7:30am.
Went inside the Building at 7:55 and within no time was already in line for the counter no 22.

ME - Good Morning Sir.
VO - Morning.

VO- Passport and I20.
ME - Handed him.

(there was a staple on my passport)
VO - handed my passport back and asked me to take it off and come back in line.

Waited for my turn again.
Handed him the passport again.
Typed something for few seconds with silence.

VO - Have you applied for visa before?
ME - Yes sir.

VO - you have been rejected 4 times.
ME - No sir it is three times.

VO - No it is 4 times.
ME - Kept quite.

Was 100 percent sure wont get the visa

VO - Ok your visa is approved.
ME - Thank you very much sir.

So, My visa interview ended in just 2 mins without even asking me which university. Maybe it was just luck and also i chose a decent university.
Just wanted to share my exp with you guys.