Latest news with #I-20
News18
10 hours ago
- Business
- News18
Internet Reacts As Indian Developer's F-1 Visa Gets Approved In Just 30 Seconds
Last Updated: The applicant worked for two years as a Backend Developer at a reputed Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) in India. As the US reopens student visa interview slots, a young Indian software engineer's swift F-1 visa approval at the Hyderabad consulate has sparked attention online. The applicant, who has worked for two years as a Backend Developer at a reputed Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) in India, recently shared their visa interview experience on Reddit. The scheduled slot was at 10:30 AM IST, and the interaction lasted only a few moments. According to his post titled 'F1 approved in 30 seconds," the consular officer began the process by asking for their passport and I-20 form. Once the documents were verified, the officer inquired about the current professional role. 'I work as a Backend Developer at a PBC," he responded. The next question focused on their motivation to pursue a Master's degree at this point in their career. 'While I was working as a developer, I realised I need to gain more knowledge and an in-depth grip on a lot of core concepts, so that I could come back to India and work in even better companies and better roles," the user explained. His post gained traction and in the comment section, users shared their mixed reactions. One Redditor commented, 'Congratulations! that answer. Even they know that you not doing masters to come back to India and work. I'm sure that's your college or VO was in good mood." 'You won't gain more knowledge in USA. You gain debt, depression and jobless. Situation is so bad, and it gets much worse. Save yourself and enjoy life in India," another said. Someone shared, 'No even though VO was aware that you won't come back, still they approve because they only approve the candidates who can add value to their country, economy after education." 'Same story 4 years ago, VO went chill as soon as he saw that I worked for a reputed American MNC," read another comment. Meanwhile, the US State Department has confirmed that it will continue scheduling appointments for international students but with one condition. The applicant is required to make their social media accounts publicly viewable during the application process. Officials have reportedly been directed to monitor applicants' online presence closely and search for 'any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States." These changes come after a temporary pause on F-1 visa appointments in late May during which the US government was said to be revising its policies toward foreign students. F visas are primarily issued to international students seeking academic degrees in US and are now subject to tighter scrutiny under the revised guidelines. First Published:
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Business Standard
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
US F-1 visa interviews just got tougher: What Indian students can do right
The United States has resumed F-1 student visa processing after a brief suspension, but applicants now face stricter scrutiny. A new requirement announced on Thursday by the US State Department mandates foreign students to provide open access to their social media accounts—part of what officials describe as a step towards national security checks. What Indian students should keep in mind when preparing for F-1 visa interviews? Indian education consultants say students need to prepare both practically and mentally, not just for the visa application but also for the interview. 'F-1 visa interviews are a high-stakes but nuanced process, and it's understandable that students feel unsettled when outcomes vary widely. But what we've seen over the years is that success often hinges less on perfect answers and more on whether the student can clearly and confidently articulate their intent, preparation, and long-term plan,' said Akshay Chaturvedi, founder and CEO of Leverage Edu. 'Confidence helps but it's not about being bold, it's about being clear. My advice is: aim for coherence over cleverness; the ability to clearly connect your story, course, and career goal often stands out the most,' he said. Recently, an Indian student shared his experience at Delhi embassy in a Reddit post, where three people ahead of him were denied visas, but his was approved. According to his account: • The first candidate, pursuing computer science, failed to name any programming language when asked. • The second detailed family finances—'₹1 crore in savings, ₹5 crore in FDs, plus a ₹1.4 lakh loan'—which may have appeared excessive or rehearsed. • The third, a female applicant, cited the city's weather and lifestyle as her reason for choosing a university, without mentioning the course. His own interview was more straightforward: The officer, an Indian-American, asked for his passport and I-20 form. He was questioned about his BSc and MSc in mathematics and his proposed PhD. Despite a minor fumble, he described his research focus and stated that his programme was fully funded. The officer simply responded, 'Your visa has been approved. Enjoy your stay in the United States.' How to prepare for the F-1 visa interview 'Officers look for students who understand why they are going, what they are studying, and how they are funding it,' said Sanjog Anand, co-founder of Rostrum Education. 'Balance confidence by practising mock interviews and avoiding rehearsed or exaggerated answers. Speak naturally, stick to the point, and always answer truthfully; overexplaining or faking confidence often raises red flags,' he added. On visa denials despite academic excellence or scholarships, Anand said: 'In order to get an F-1 visa, one must fulfil three categories, one of which is showing that you will be returning to your home country after your studies. Other factors include concerning digital footprint, inconsistent or vague career plans, suspicious documents, and rehearsed answers.' Application authenticity matters Piyush Kumar, regional director (South Asia, Canada and Latin America) at IDP Education, pointed to the importance of authenticity. 'A key reason behind the success of applicants is the authenticity of the application and the intent that they are able to communicate to the visa officers. Therefore, students are advised to be honest and clear about their academic background, journey and goals,' Kumar said. 'Consistency and transparency help establish credibility. Applicants must ensure that the visa application forms are filled out accurately and reflect the same information shared during the interview and on their social media platforms,' he added. Kumar also noted that the ability to express ideas fluently matters more than perfect grammar. 'Having a proficient command of the language is pivotal. Being able to articulate thoughts and express goals and choices matters more than using perfect grammar. The visa officers are also gatekeepers of quality, and evaluate candidature based on language proficiency required to effectively live and study in a foreign country,' he said. Top reasons for F-1 visa denial According to Mamta Shekhawat, founder of the most common reasons Indian students face rejection are: Intention to return home: Students must show strong ties to India. Lack of family connections, property, or a clear job path may create suspicion about potential overstay. Poor interview performance: Nervousness or unclear responses about study and career plans can harm chances. Documentation issues: Incomplete or inconsistent documents can lead to denial even if the rest of the application is strong. Country of origin and risk category: Students from regions with high overstay rates may face additional scrutiny. Previous visa history: Past visa refusals or attempts to switch visa types could work against the applicant. Coping with rejection "Receiving an F-1 visa denial, particularly following careful preparation, could be demoralising and disheartening for students. It is not a reflection of your worth or potential; rather, it is a consequence of things outside your control, like increasing rejection rates, location trends, or merely the personal nature of consular interviews," said Shekhawat. She advised students to read denial letters carefully to identify areas of concern such as financial strength, ties to India, or vague career goals. 'Your next step must be to improve on these areas for your future applications. It must express your academic and professional plans in all sincerity,' she said. Anand added, 'Visa denial is not final; you can always reapply. If your visa gets denied in the first attempt, chin up and learn what mistakes led to that and improve that aspect of your application. You can always reach out to professional mentors and educators to seek professional help.'
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Business Standard
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Get F-1 visa in 40 seconds? What Indian students did right at interview
In the midst of rising scrutiny around US student visas and reports of F-1 interview rejections, one Indian student from Delhi claims his visa was approved in just 40 seconds. Sharing his experience on Reddit, the undergraduate applicant said he was scheduled for an appointment at 9:30 am at Counter 13 of the US Embassy in Delhi. The visa officer asked a few pointed questions about the student's academic background, course selection and financial preparedness. The student is set to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science and linguistics at a US university, and said he chose this particular college over more well-known institutions such as the University of Michigan, UC Irvine and UC Davis because of its research opportunities in AI, ML and natural language processing. 'The combination of CS and linguistics is rare, and this university aligns with my research interests while offering a lower cost per credit,' he explained. On the funding front, he said he would be covering costs with an education loan and additional support from family assets. The visa officer then asked about his parents' occupation before smiling and saying: 'Congratulations, your visa has been approved.' The student ended his post with some advice: stay confident, avoid talking about jobs, be financially prepared and answer only what is asked. Another Indian student posted a similar experience last week, also from the US Embassy in Delhi. According to his post, three applicants ahead of him were rejected, which made him nervous — but his visa was granted. He described the situation in detail: • The first candidate was pursuing computer science but said 'no' when asked if he knew any programming languages. • The second person went into great detail about finances, saying, 'My father has ₹1 crore in savings, ₹5 crore in FDs, and I also have a ₹1.4 lakh education loan.' The post suggested it may have been unnecessary. • The third, a female applicant, was asked why she chose her university. She spoke only about the city's weather and beauty, not the university or the course. 'The visa officer at my counter looked like an Indian-American. He was calm, polite and switched between English and Hindi while speaking to elderly applicants before me. That helped calm my nerves,' the student wrote. His interview was straightforward: • The officer asked for his passport and I-20. • Then he asked about his educational background — a BSc and MSc in mathematics. • Asked about his PhD plans, the student admitted to fumbling slightly but gave a sincere answer on his research focus. • For funding, he simply said the university was offering full funding. That was enough. The officer said, 'Your visa has been approved. Enjoy your stay in the United States.' He handed back the I-20 and kept the passport for stamping. Advice from consultants: What students should keep in mind Mamta Shekhawat, founder of told Business Standard, 'For students, thorough preparation is the key to success: review the admission essays and be ready for discussions as to why a particular university and course are your top choice, how it fits your career goals, and your plans after graduation. 'Second, organise all the documents: papers such as academic records, financial proofs, passports, and admission letters are vital. 'Third, confidence and honesty: answer questions with integrity and honesty. Avoid giving the impression that you intend to immigrate or work in the US upon graduation. 'Finally, make a positive first impression: dress appropriately, arrive on time, greet politely, and remain confident throughout the interview.' Shekhawat added that practice goes a long way in easing nerves. 'Practice answering common questions, exhibit your genuine academic intentions, and show how studying in the US will benefit your future in India.' Sanjog Anand, co-founder of Rostrum Education, advised students to tick three key boxes before appearing for their interview. 'To qualify for an F-1 visa, Indian students must: (1) have a valid I-20 from a SEVP-approved institution; (2) ensure financial documents are clear and genuine; and (3) rehearse with mock interviews to answer confidently,' said Anand. He also recommended students maintain a 'positive digital footprint', noting that social media accounts are sometimes reviewed by consular officers. 'Attend mock interviews, keep documents updated, and stay organised. Preparation and clarity during the interview greatly improve your chances of approval,' he added.
Global News
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Amid Trump bans, should Canadian students avoid U.S. universities?
The recent move by U.S. President Donald Trump to bar international students from attending Harvard University is 'concerning,' but experts who help Canadian students apply abroad say it shouldn't deter them from considering American schools. On Wednesday, Trump signed a proclamation to try and bar foreign students from entering the U.S. to attend the institution. Harvard retaliated, filing a court challenge that led to a federal judge placing a temporary pause on the proclamation. But while that pause is in place, the U.S. has moved to revoke the visas of international students, with those targeted studying under F-1 and J-1 visas. Canadians have so far been able to escape some of these, as visas are not required to study in the U.S., but those studying at Harvard are in a different situation. Story continues below advertisement The school has approximately 686 Canadians enrolled as of 2022, and it's yet to be seen what could happen to those studying or applying could also face difficulty. According to Global Affairs Canada, the most recent data shows that nearly 28,000 Canadian students headed to the U.S. for study in 2023. Canadian students should still apply, but be cautious Yet while there could be difficulty, it shouldn't necessarily deter you from making the jump. 'If they're really passionate about studying at a particular American institution, there's no reason right now that they should entirely abandon the country and its higher education system,' said Elizabeth Buckner, an associate professor of higher education at the University of Toronto. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Buckner said it doesn't mean Canadian students shouldn't still be cautious, noting that those potentially accepted to Harvard could face uncertainty if they have to leave the school in the middle of their degree. Story continues below advertisement When applying, students should be aware of what they need in order to study and take precautions given the uncertainty. 1:58 Trump administration moves to cut all remaining federal contracts with Harvard According to the U.S. Embassy in Canada, Canadian citizens don't need a visa to study or participate in an exchange program in the U.S., but they need to obtain an I20 certificate of eligibility from the school or exchange program they plan to attend. Once they've received the I-20, the student will be registered with SEVIS, the student tracking system, and required to pay a registration fee. On crossing the border to begin their program, the student must then provide a Canadian passport, the I-20 or DS-2019 certificate, proof the SEVIS fee has been paid, proof they can pay fees and living expenses in the U.S. and proof of ties to Canada. Story continues below advertisement It's why, Buckner said, Canadian students may need to think about potential circumstances that might not have come up in the past and may need to have a backup plan should they have to leave if more schools are told to limit international student attendance. 'If you suddenly can't continue enrolling in your same institution, you don't want to lose those one, two, three years of study without a degree, especially knowing how expensive the tuition is at American universities,' she said. She added that students may want to research whether their program could be transferred to a Canadian institution if such a shift were to occur. Consider Canadian universities or ones abroad Tejbir Singh, the owner of Toronto Education Consultants, told Global News it may be worth it for Canadians to consider schools at home or abroad to avoid the uncertainty south of the border. Story continues below advertisement 'They should trust Canadian universities that they're going to get the right education,' he said. But Singh added that while some may be after the programs at the U.S. schools, others may pursue the name — being able to say they studied at Harvard or Yale University. 'Instead of just going after the names, I would recommend them to go after the right quality education so they can actually learn something and then work in whatever field they are trying to prepare themselves for,' Singh said. 8:35 Students face uncertain future as Trump-Harvard litigation battle gets underway Singh's company assists Canadians, permanent residents and international students in their applications to schools both in and outside Canada, as well as providing career counselling. He noted that Canadians should also consider schools outside of Canada and the U.S. as another way to avoid uncertainty south of the border, which may give students a new opportunity. Story continues below advertisement 'Sometimes what happens is people or students, once they complete their college, they usually try to study abroad to actually feel that lifestyle of being a student and start their journey,' he said. Regardless of that uncertainty, both Singh and Buckner noted that Canadians shouldn't be discouraged from heading south to study overall, but can consider other schools if they want to limit risks. — with files from The Associated Press
NDTV
03-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
What Can International Students Do To Adapt To Pause On Student Visas
We're seeing a sharper focus on strategic planning: choosing intakes with better visa processing timelines, diversifying destination options, and pre-aligning career goals with immigration frameworks. It's no longer just about studying abroad; it's about where you'll grow professionally and personally over the next 10 years. NDTV's Ambika Singh speaks to Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder & CEO of Leverage Edu, about recent changes in the F-1 visa application process, new restrictions, and the latest trends in US university admissions for international students, including trends in STEM courses. Here is the full interview: Have there been recent changes in the F-1 visa application process or approval rates for Indian students? There's been increased scrutiny, but not systemic denial. Approval rates have dipped slightly, especially in Tier 2/3 cities. Students who articulate their intent well and show career alignment are still seeing success. It's a signal for deeper prep, not deterrence. Are there new restrictions or regulations affecting post-graduation work opportunities under OPT and H-1B pathways? There's more noise than change. The core OPT framework remains intact, but the ecosystem around it is being recalibrated. Expect tighter compliance, not closures. H-1B is seeing reform debates too, but Indian talent continues to drive value, and policy will eventually reflect that. How are US universities adapting to visa policy changes to support international students? Universities are stepping up with faster I-20 issuance, more transparent communication, and expanded career services. International students are critical to their sustainability now, especially amidst budget cuts. Expect more targeted outreach and support systems going forward. How do F-1 visa changes compare to other visa regulations? The US still offers a powerful mix of academic excellence and work pathways, but countries like Germany, Ireland, and the UAE are gaining edge with friendlier, more predictable policies. Students are actively taking immigration frameworks into consideration while planning for the long-term. What are the latest trends in US university admissions for international students? Data science, AI, engineering management, and public health programs are seeing a marked rise in interest, driven by their alignment with global workforce trends. These fields offer students the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges, with relevance and impact playing as critical a role as employability in shaping their appeal. How competitive is the application process compared to previous years? The bar is higher but so is the access to information. Students today are more prepared, more strategic, and better guided. What we're witnessing is not competition fatigue, but clarity in ambition. What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available for Indian applicants in 2025? Universities are increasing aid for qualified international students to keep their cohorts diverse. From STEM-focused merit scholarships to fully funded PhD offers, the window is widening. Students must take initiative early, plan ahead, and craft applications that speak directly to each opportunity. Are there alternative pathways to studying in the US, such as community colleges or transfer programmes? Absolutely. Community colleges and 2+2 pathways are gaining real traction, especially for those seeking affordability without compromising on eventual university brand. Are STEM courses still the most preferred for Indian students, or are new trends emerging? STEM dominates, but new verticals like AI ethics, climate tech, digital health, and design-led entrepreneurship are rising. Students are not falling for what's hot, they're carefully choosing what aligns best with their future. How does Leverage Edu assist applicants in navigating these challenges and optimizing admission chances? At Leverage Edu, we operate as a full-stack lifecycle partner: from discovery to visa, accommodation to careers. Our AI tools and mentorship network empower students to make data-backed, purpose-driven decisions. In a complex global environment, clarity is the real currency and we help unlock that.
