F1 Visa Experience – 2nd Attempt – UT Tyler

Following F1 Visa Interview experience for University of Texas at Tyler is shared by Sudheer.

Profile

• GRE – 303
• IELTS – 7.0
• University : University of Texas Tyler
• Attempt : 2nd one (previously rejected with 214b)

It was 2:30 I woke up and was thinking about VI again slept and woke up at 6:00. Just went through the previous papers of prep just a glance (they were like a book). Then started to walk at around 7:30 to consulate.

Kept my Mind cool, saying to myself that  it’s ok even if he doesn’t give I have Australia (higher dollar value than USA. Last time I was tensed from 3 days before VI, I was like a freak thinking what will happen if he rejects me!. Don’t think about rejection or approval, just try to be centered learned from the previous attempt.

Then I went in waited for my number,went to bath room for 2 times ;),Then came my number, before me was a H1 interview going on, she was answering all the questions but VI was
not satisfied he kept on asking her, I was enjoying that interview.
Before me was a F1 B.pharm student for Missouri whom I met outside and cracked some jokes like they won’t give visa. But will puncture the I20 & passport many times :)) While standing in the like of counter 16 and enjoying the other interview, I was called to next counter, I am the first one to be interviewed.

No one in the line after me!…..kind of relieved that he doesn’t have to rush to complete it fast!

VI : Good morning

Me: Good Morning.
VI : How are you?
Me: I am fine.

VI : So you came 1 week back?
Me: Yes sir.

VI : So any changes you have made?
Me : No Sir, I was nervous and stuttering in the previous interview. Now I am more Open and clear.

VI : So what do you want to tell me which you didn’t tell the previous
VI ? (Smiling)

Me : (I thought this is my chance to speak out)…The decision to pursue MS was not an immediate one. I took GRE soon after completing my PG. But I thought having some Job experience would really be helpful for me to understand things in MS!! Hence with the experience this is the right time to pursue masters.

VI : So how much was your previous GRE? Me : 286

VI : Pass the GRE sheet.
Me: Passed it along with IELTS on the Top (got 7 band)

VI : How many backlogs?
Me: 4…..(There were 8 actually)

VI : Pass the Marks Memos
Me : Passed them. (Thought I got Doomed…I actually removed 2 mark sheets of second year 1st semester which had 3 backlogs – I was looking confident though)(He verified them for like 2-3 mins….VI next to him was asking him doubts. He was answering him looking at the memos….)

VI : So which company are you working for?
Me : “Factset Research Systems” which is a fortune 100, US based company.

VI : How much do you earn?
Me : Last time same question I told my pay per month. Got alert and told higher pay per annum.

VI : Name the Universities you have applied?
Me: Texas A&M kingsville, UT Tyler, CSU Sacramento, IIT. (Make sure tell all in full form)

VI : Why UT tyler?
Me: Before applying to the university, I researched about this and found out few imp points and told him UT Tyler is a 19th ranked in west. Its under the most prestigious “Texas System”. One of the Key points that attracted me is the research that is being done by Dr. Kulkarni ( Q&A with Dr.Kulkarani ). He has been doing research on databases since 25 years. I have worked for 6 months on database testing and It really caught my Eye.

VI : What are your Long term plans?
Me : (This would decide me because previously rejected me as Potential immigrant (214b)) Sir, I told him, HR people over here prefer taking in People with MS rather than people who are having experience.With 2 years experience and with MS degree there would a ample of opportunities for me in Hyderabad only which is a IT hub now.(since this is 2nd attempt, I continued) Moreover since my Father and mother both Govt Employees would retire by the time I complete MS. Hence to support them morally I have to come back. VI : VI started talking to his colleague switched off his mic. But I was able to hear them……asking advice on me. I could hear the other VI saying “his GRE is good” (I was staring at him as there were big pauses in between.)

VI : I am approving your VISA. ENJOY THE STAY!! Me: Thank you so much Sir!!!

I felt so happy that I was about to cry….so much of effort a dream of 3.5 years!!…….

VI : Study well there!!! ME :Sure sir!! and Thank you…

I was smiling like crazy person walking out of the hall. Everyone on road were staring at me!

Walking down the road (my house is like a 5 mins walk from consulate). I was not me at that time. I just thought at that moment that a super fast thing should come and drop me at my
Home. I opened the door and my father anxiously asked what happened?

I told smiling its done.

I went straight to my MOM and hugged her, She started to Cry. Then I rushed to my office and clicked on the “Resign Button” for which I was waiting since I joined the company! 2.5 years.

Conclusion:

Just don’t try to remember the answers before the VI preparation, Just write down what you feel and think only about coming back and always remember that you are awesome and US requires you!!…don’t read anything that was written by others…..just write everything from your heart and edit them and just remember the key words.

Related : F1 Visa Approved after 221(g) – Virginia Tech