u/I_love_Travel_1988

📍 Location: Istanbul, Turkey
📅 Interview Date (if available):
🧾 Visa Type: B1/B2
❌ Result: Denied

👤 Profile
Country of residence: Turkey
Occupation: Banking employee (started 2 months ago)
Travel history: Visited 2 visa-free countries
Family in the US: Fiancé in the US
Notes:
Graduate (PSIR, 2023)
~1.5 year career gap before current job
Engaged recently
Applied for honeymoon trip after planned wedding (September)
DS-160 filled together
Fiancé stated they would fund the trip
Fiancé holds a US visa (valid until 2034)

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: What is your purpose to visit America?
Me: For our honeymoon with my fiancé.
VO: Where are you working?
Me: At a bank.
VO: How long?
Me: 2 months.
VO: How much do you earn?
Me: xx Turkish Liras.
VO: Have you ever been abroad?
Me: Yes (mentioned two visa-free countries).
VO: Do you think you are experiencing violence or will experience violence after your return?
Me: No, absolutely not.
VO: Sorry, today we cannot approve your visa. (rejection given)

🔥 Officer Demeanor: Neutral / formal

⚠️ What Hurt:
Very recent employment (2 months)
Prior career gap mentioned in profile
Strong US tie (fiancé) but still assessed as insufficient return intent signals

🙏 Final Thoughts:
Application was for a honeymoon trip with fiancé, but visa was refused immediately after short questioning. No detailed explanation was provided at the counter.

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/usvisascheduling/s/f5bZEP6pVQ

Note: original post is from r/usvisascheduling and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location: Unknown

🧾 Visa Type: F1

❌ Result: Rejected under Section 214(b)

👤 Profile
Travel history: None

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: Why this College?
Me: Because they offered me a decent scholarship that covers 85% of my tuition fees, and they also have a strong program in my intended major in political science, and in my minor French.
VO: Who is sponsoring you?
Me: My mom is my main sponsor. Both of my parents own rental properties that are valued at about $XXX and generate around $XXX annually.
VO: Do you have any travel history?
Me: No.

🙏 Final Thoughts:
Felt like the decision may have been made early in the interview.

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/usvisascheduling/s/ZpuNzsWh6U

Note: original post is from r/usvisascheduling and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity

📍 Location: Mumbai, India (US Embassy)
📅 Interview Date (if available): Jan 30, 2026
🧾 Visa Type: K-1 (Fiancé Visa)
✅ Result: Approved
🔁 Previous denial: None mentioned

👤 Profile
Country of residence: India (beneficiary)
Occupation: Not specified
Travel history: Traveled outside India (details not specified)
Family in the US: Petitioner in the US (fiancé/now spouse)
Notes: Relationship of ~8 years, mid-20s, no prior marriages or children

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: Beneficiary name?
Me: [Answered]
VO: What is petitioner’s name?
Me: [Answered]
VO: How did you meet?
Me: [Answered]
VO: How many times have you met?
Me: [Answered]
VO: Were you a couple from your first meeting? / Were you romantic from the first meeting?
Me: [Answered]
VO: What is her job?
Me: [Answered]
VO: How many times did you meet? (clarity emphasized, avoid vague answers)
Me: [Answered clearly]
VO: What are you going to do there?
Me: [Answered]
VO: Where does she live?
Me: [Answered]
VO: When did you get engaged?
Me: [Answered]
VO: Have you traveled outside of India?
Me: [Answered]

📄 Documents Requested:
Passport
Sealed medical envelope
Standard K-1 supporting documents (implied)

🔥 Officer Demeanor:
Neutral / standard
Computer review (~6 minutes)
Direct questioning (~3 minutes)

💡 What Helped:
Long-term relationship (~8 years)
Clear, consistent answers (especially meeting count)
Organized process and documentation
Persistence with scheduling/payment issues (USVisaScheduling/VFS issues)

⚠️ What Hurt:
Website/payment technical issues during scheduling
Limited appointment availability (biometrics/interview delays)

🙏 Final Thoughts:
Approval after completing full K-1 process including medical, biometrics, and interview. Scheduling system issues were a major challenge, so frequent checking and community guidance helped. Strong emphasis on clear answers and consistency.

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/usvisascheduling/s/Uwy61UY6KM
https://www.reddit.com/r/K1VisaInfo/s/Qa78kim8us

Note: original post is from r/K1VisaInfo and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location: Netherlands
🧾 Visa Type: B1/B2
✅ Result: Approved

👤 Profile
Country of residence: Netherlands
Occupation: BSc international student
Travel history: Previous US visits (2015, 2019), UK visa, Canada visa
Family in the US: Uncle in the US
Notes: Father sponsors education and trip expenses

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: How long have you been living here in the Netherlands?
Me: About two years now.
VO: What is the purpose of your trip?
Me: I’m going for tourism in my summer break.
VO: What do you study?
Me: Answered and also mentioned my minor next year.
VO: What university?
Me: Answered.
VO: Who is paying for your education here?
Me: My father.
VO: Who will fund your trip?
Me: My father.
VO: What does he do?
Me: He’s a civil engineer.
VO: Where?
Me: Back at home.
VO: Do you have any family in the USA?
Me: No officer.
VO: Have you been to the USA before?
Me: Yes, once in 2019 and once in 2015.
VO: Why did you go back then?
Me: Tourism.
VO: Who did you stay with?
Me: My uncle.
VO: In DC?
Me: Answered what he does and where he is now.
VO: So tell me what are your plans in the Netherlands after your studies?
Me: Explained plans to pursue a master’s degree.
VO: Do you have any reason not to return to the Netherlands?
Me: No officer.

📄 Documents Requested:
Passport
Residence permit
Fingerprints/biometrics scan

🔥 Officer Demeanor:
Consulted with another officer briefly during the interview
Asked several follow-up questions that felt like verification checks

💡 What Helped:
Stayed confident
Maintained eye contact
Treated the interview like a normal conversation rather than focusing on approval/rejection

🙏 Final Thoughts:
Don’t get discouraged by what others say about your profile or by seeing rejections around you. Focus on your own situation and answer naturally and confidently.

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/usvisascheduling/s/Uwy61UY6KM

Note: original post is from r/usvisascheduling and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location:
Oakland Park / South Florida Field Office
🧾 Visa Type:
Marriage-Based Adjustment of Status (I-130 / I-485)
✅ Result:
Approved
📅 Timeline
I-130 & I-485 submitted: January 16, 2026
Interview scheduled: February 25, 2026
Marriage interview: April 16, 2026
I-130 approved: May 18, 2026
I-485 approved: May 19, 2026
🔁 Previous denial:
Not mentioned

👤 Profile
Notes:
Interviewed together (not separated)
Interview lasted around 45 minutes
Felt more conversational than intense
Officer discussed some personal family topics during the interview
Nervous beforehand, but experience was smoother than expected

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: When are your birthdays?
Me: Answered
VO: How did you meet?
Me: Answered
VO: Do you want children?
Me: Answered
VO: Questions about previous relationships
Me: Answered
📄 Documents Requested:

Joint lease
Joint phone bill
Authorized user/shared credit card access
Photos together
Emails/documents together

🔥 Officer Demeanor:
Friendly and conversational
Shared a little about her own husband/family during the interview

💡 What Helped:
Submitted joint evidence showing shared life together
No excessive evidence package required
No RFE received
No additional evidence requested after interview

⚠️ What Hurt:
Not hearing an approval decision immediately caused stress and anxiety afterward

🙏 Final Thoughts:
After the interview, status changed to “Case Is Being Actively Reviewed”
USCIS stated “nothing is outstanding at this time”
No second interview requested
About a month later, everything was approved
If you leave with a review notice, try not to panic—waiting can be the hardest part

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/USCIS/s/b7Gl9A6Zzt
Note: original post is from r/USCIS and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location: New Delhi, India
📅 Interview Date: 31 March 2026
🧾 Visa Type: B1/B2
✅ Result: Approved at interview (later informed under 221(g) Administrative Review)

👤 Profile
Travel history: Attended the last 2 World Cups
Family in the US: Family friend (US citizen originally from India)
Notes: Traveling for FIFA World Cup matches in the US

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: Why do you wanna travel to USA?
Me: I am a football fanatic and I have already visited the last 2 World Cups. Since USA is hosting this year, I want to go and see my team play.
VO: How many countries have you travelled?
Me: Answered
VO: What do you do in India?
Me: Answered
VO: How much is your father’s income?
Me: Answered
VO: Do you have any contacts in USA?
Me: Yes, I have a family friend who is a US citizen from India.
VO: Where will you stay?
Me: With my friend since we have the same match tickets.
VO: Did your friend go to US to find his love?
Me: No, he went for a job and has been staying in USA for the last 10–12 years.
VO: What does he do in US?
Me: Answered
VO: Which team are you supporting?
Me: Argentina
VO: Why not Brazil?
Me: Been following Argentina for the last 18 years, can’t do that.
VO: Your visa is approved. Collect your passport after 7 days from VAC Kolkata.
Me: Thank you.

📄 Documents Requested:
None
No documents requested after being informed of 221(g)

🔥 Officer Demeanor:
Friendly and conversational

💡 What Helped:
Strong travel history
Clear purpose of travel tied to FIFA World Cup
Confident answers

⚠️ What Hurt:
Applicant was not informed about administrative processing at interview
Email about 221(g) came after 44 days
CEAC continued showing “Approved”

🙏 Final Thoughts:
Passport remained under processing despite verbal approval
Applicant had valid FIFA tickets and was unsure whether to wait, email again, request passport return, or reapply

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/usvisascheduling/s/b9xmHILWbH

Note: original post is from r/usvisascheduling and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity

📍 Location: Chennai, India
📅 Interview Date: 17 April 2026
🧾 Visa Type: H1B
✅ Result: Approved

👤 Profile
Previous status: F1 → Change of Status (October)
Visa application: First-time H1B stamping
Interview originally scheduled: 17 December 2025
Rescheduled to: 17 April 2026

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: Is this a first-time application or an extension?
Me: First-time application
VO: Is it a change of status?
Me: Yes, I was on F1 and had COS in October
VO: Have you mentioned all your social media profiles with links?
Me: I’ve mentioned some, but not all
VO: Please email all your social media accounts with clickable profile links to this email ID
Me: Submitted requested information shortly after interview

📄 Documents Requested:
Passport
DS-160 confirmation
Appointment confirmation letter
I-797
Complete H1B petition copy
Additional request: Social media profile links via email

🔥 Officer Demeanor:
Neutral, direct, and brief

💡 What Helped:
Quickly sending all requested social media profile links after receiving 221(g)

⚠️ What Hurt:
Not including all social media profiles initially

🙏 Final Thoughts:
Don’t panic if you see a 221(g). In this case it was only for additional social media information and the process moved very fast once submitted.

Post-Interview Timeline:
8:15 AM → Status showed “Rejected” (221g)
Email sent shortly after
11:00 AM → Status changed to “In Consular Processing”
5:00 PM (same day) → Status changed to “Approved”
Monday (~2 PM) → Status changed to “Issued”
Premium delivery selected
Passport delivered Wednesday afternoon

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/h1b/s/UnAljWaQVO

Note: original post is from r/h1b and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location: Delhi, India
📅 Interview Date: January 6, 2026
🧾 Visa Type: F1
✅ Result: 221(g) Administrative Processing
🔁 Previous denial: None mentioned

👤 Profile
Notes:
Attending XXX University
Master’s applicant
Program name not shared

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: Hand me the passport and I-20 please
Me: Good morning officer, sure here it is
VO: Can you hand me the SEVIS ID receipt?
Me: Gave the receipt
VO: So why did you choose United States for your masters?
Me: Because of the research happening in my field. I am keen to work on that, see how global research happens, and because of the technology advancements happening in the US.
VO: So you are going to XXX University for which program?
Me: Told my exact program
VO: Apart from this university which other admits did you get?
Me: Answered all other admits
VO: When did you complete your bachelors?
Me: Answered with university and graduation year
VO: What does your father do?
Me: Answered his position and details
VO: I am taking your passport. I hope you have all the social media accounts set to public
Me: Yes officer, I have all my social media accounts set to public which I mentioned on the DS-160
VO: Hands over 221(g) slip

📄 Documents Requested:
Passport
I-20
SEVIS fee receipt

🔥 Officer Demeanor:
Interrupted answers a few times
Interview was very quick

💡 What Helped:
Stay calm if asked to repeat biometrics
Smile and remain confident
Answer honestly

⚠️ What Hurt:
Nothing specifically mentioned

🙏 Final Thoughts:
There were multiple biometric checks before the interview, including a repeated biometric process.
Do not focus on other applicants’ interviews while waiting in line. Stay focused on your own interview and remain calm.

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/usvisascheduling/s/x98BZlUXiD

Note: original post is from r/usvisascheduling and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location: Chennai, India
📅 Interview Date (if available): Not provided
🧾 Visa Type: B1/B2
✅ Result: Approved
🔁 Previous denial: None mentioned

👤 Profile
Family in the US: Children in the US (no other contacts mentioned)
Notes: Visiting for child’s graduation ceremony (May 2026) + tourism as a family

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: What is the purpose of the visit?
Me: To attend our child’s graduation ceremony in May 2026, and visit some tourist places nearby as a family
VO: What are the names of your children?
Me: Stated our children’s names
VO: Do you have your children only, or do you know anyone else in the US?
Me: We don’t know anyone else in the US apart from our children
VO: How many days will you stay in the US?
Me: A few weeks after the ceremony
VO: Are you planning to stay during the visit with them or any other relatives?
Me: We will be staying with our children throughout the stay and plan trips
VO: Who is sponsoring you?
Me: My daughter is sponsoring us

🔗 Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/usvisascheduling/s/oq5TbSF8C6

Note: original post is from r/usvisascheduling and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location: Ankara
🧾 Visa Type: F1
✅ Result: Approved

👤 Profile
Notes: Pursuing a Master’s degree; company encouraged graduate education for advancement into senior roles
Funding: Self-funded with personal savings and property; parents listed as backup support
Family details: Mother works at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, father is a teacher

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: “What is your purpose for pursuing a Master’s?”
Me: “My company encourages us to pursue a Master’s degree to take on more senior roles, and that is my goal.”
VO: “It is an expensive school. How will you finance it?”
Me: “I will finance it myself. I have the necessary funds in my bank account and also own property. As a backup, my parents can also support me.”
VO: Asked follow-up questions about parents’ occupations
Me: Confirmed their jobs and details

📄 Documents Requested:
Passport and standard processing documents
Social media profiles requested to remain public after 221(g)

🔥 Officer Demeanor:
Straightforward interview
Lasted around 2 minutes

💡 What Helped:
Clear academic intent
Strong financial proof with backup support

⚠️ What Hurt:
Temporary 221(g) issued for social media review

🙏 Final Thoughts:
221(g) issued initially, but status updated to Approved the next day
Issued within 48 hours
Passport received on day 3 after interview

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/usvisascheduling/s/SG1IRtLQEx

Note: original post is from r/usvisascheduling and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location: Kingston, Jamaica
🧾 Visa Type: B1/B2
✅ Result: Approved
🔁 Previous denial: Yes — denied 1 year and 2 months earlier under 214(b)

👤 Profile
Occupation: Works in an exports division role liaising with embassies, high commissions, and consulates
Travel history: Germany, France, Luxembourg, and Caribbean islands
Family in the US: Brother in the US; husband has held a US visa since 2018
Notes:
Married
Lives with husband and 3-year-old son
Visiting the US to celebrate a 1-year wedding anniversary
Shared monthly income during interview

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: May I have your passport please?
Me: Good morning, sure. Here you go.
VO: What do you do for work?
Me: I work with the exports division in my company. I liaise with embassies, high commissions, and consulates as part of my role.
VO: Can you repeat the title?
Me: [Repeated job title]
VO: Do you have a job letter?
Me: Yes. [Handed it over]
VO: What’s the purpose of your visit?
Me: My husband and I will be celebrating our 1-year anniversary, and we’d love to visit the United States to mark the occasion.
VO: Does your husband have a US visa?
Me: Yes, he’s had one since 2018.
VO: What does he do for a living?
Me: He’s a teacher.
VO: Do you have travel history?
Me: Yes, I’ve been to Europe — Germany, France, Luxembourg and some Caribbean islands.
VO: How did you get there without a US visa?
Me: There are direct flights from Montego Bay to Germany.
VO: Condor?
Me: No, Eurowings. It’s seasonal.
VO: Who do you live with?
Me: My husband and our 3-year-old son.
VO: How much do you make?
Me: [Shared monthly income]

📄 Documents Requested:
Passport
Job letter

🔥 Officer Demeanor:
Engaged and conversational
Asked follow-up questions and seemed attentive

💡 What Helped:
Strong travel history
Clear employment details
Honest answers
Supporting job letter

⚠️ What Hurt:
Previous denial under 214(b), where only one question about family in the US was asked

🙏 Final Thoughts:
The applicant felt this experience was completely different from the previous interview. The officer listened, asked thoughtful follow-up questions, and created a more comfortable interaction. Persistence and honesty paid off.

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/USVisas/s/BFVPCmg93D

Note: original post is from r/USVisas and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location: Hyderabad, India
📅 Interview Date: Early March
🧾 Visa Type: F1
✅ Result: Approved

👤 Profile
Notes: Duke University for Master’s in xxxx Engineering
Other admits: JHU, Brown and BU

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: Hi, can you pass me your passport and your I-20 please?
Me: Here you go, officer.
VO: So where are you going to study?
Me: Duke University, officer.
VO: That’s exciting, are you going to be pursuing a masters in engineering there?
Me: Yes officer, I’ll be pursuing a masters in xxxx Engineering.
VO: That’s really interesting, was Duke your first choice?
Me: Haha yes, it was my most aligned program.
VO: Which other places did you apply and get into?
Me: I got into JHU, Brown and BU.
VO: That’s great, can you place your four right fingers on the scanner?
Me: (Does as told)
VO: I’ve temporarily put your application on refused for administrative processing, keep your social media handles public. You can take your documents back.
Me: Thank you officer, have a great day.

📄 Documents Requested:
Passport
I-20

🔥 Officer Demeanor:
Seemed pretty lenient and friendly
Smiled during the interview

💡 What Helped:
Stayed calm and smiled throughout
Kept answers straightforward

⚠️ What Hurt:
Seeing many B1/B2, F1 and F2 rejections around created stress
Temporary administrative processing initially caused concern

🙏 Final Thoughts:
Status showed “Approved” immediately after exiting the consulate
Changed to “Issued” in ~48 hours
Passport received on the 6th day after interview
Entered at 9:30 AM despite a 10:15 AM slot and finished before 10:00 AM

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/usvisascheduling/s/eEyFI52IJs

Note: original post is from r/usvisascheduling and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location: India
🧾 Visa Type: B1/B2
✅ Result: Denied (214(b))
🔁 Previous denial: None mentioned

👤 Profile
Country of residence: India
Occupation: Working with group company (11 years total experience; 6 years in current subsidiary)
Travel history: Singapore, Thailand, UAE, Philippines, Macau, Indonesia
Notes: Married, 1 child (1.5 years old), living with parents in India

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: Passport, please.
Me: Handed over passport
VO: What is the purpose of your visit?
Me: I will attend two conferences – RoarCon 2026 and RSA Conference 2027.
VO: What is RoarCon? What relation does it have with your company?
Me: Our company and a US company are technology partners. We develop cybersecurity solutions for customers.
VO: How long have you been working with your company?
Me: 11 years.
VO: Any past travel?
Me: Singapore, Thailand, UAE, Philippines, Macau, Indonesia.
VO: Any harmful activity due to which you are leaving for the US?
Me: No.
VO: Any harmful activity that may stop you from returning to India?
Me: No.
VO: Fingerprints, please.
Me: Done

💡 What Helped:
Long-term employment (11 years in group company)
Strong international travel history

⚠️ What Hurt:
DS-160 not updated with final travel plan (RoarCon 2026 vs RSA 2027 mismatch)
Possible inconsistency in employment explanation (11 years total vs 6 years current subsidiary)
Outdated DS-160 submitted long before interview
Unclear or shifting conference purpose

🙏 Final Thoughts:
The refusal appears linked to inconsistencies and unclear travel intent under 214(b). Keeping DS-160 fully aligned with current interview answers is critical, especially for B1/B2 conference travel cases.

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/usvisascheduling/s/YfQE0smbjX

Note: original post is from r/usvisascheduling and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location: Hyderabad
🧾 Visa Type: B2
❌ Result: Denied

👤 Profile
Country of residence: India
Occupation: Software Development Engineer (Tier 2 MNC)
Travel history: No previous international travel
Notes: 24F, 3 years work experience, friend stays in the US, tourism purpose, DS-160 listed intended stay of 2 months

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: What is your purpose of visit to the United States?
Me: My purpose of visit is tourism. I am planning a short vacation to the US.
VO: Tourism? Who stays for two months for tourism?
Me: No, I am actually planning only a 20-day vacation.
VO: But your application mentions two months.
Me: That is my intended stay. Since there was an option to select a longer duration (up to six months), I mentioned two months. But my current plan is for 20 days, and I have a clear itinerary.
VO: Have you traveled outside India before?
Me: No, this will be my first international trip. But I have traveled extensively within India.
VO: I am asking about travel outside India. Why are you not interested in traveling to other countries?
Me: Due to work commitments and personal reasons, I did not get a chance earlier. Now I am starting with an international trip.
VO: Your visa is rejected.

🔥 Officer Demeanor:
Direct and skeptical, especially about trip duration and lack of travel history

⚠️ What Hurt:
Inconsistency between DS-160 (2 months) and interview answer (20 days)
No prior international travel history
Long intended stay for a first-time traveler
Presence of a friend in the US may have added scrutiny

🙏 Final Thoughts:
Consistency between DS-160 and interview answers is critical
First international trip applicants often face stricter scrutiny

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/usvisascheduling/s/eiDg0NkxdZ

Note: the original post is from r/usvisascheduling and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location: Columbus, OH
🧾 Visa Type: I-485 EB Dependent
✅ Result: Pending at interview time (Positive experience)

👤 Profile
Occupation: Working at a large bank on STEM OPT
Notes:
Entered the U.S. on F-1 status
Married to the primary applicant last year
Combo card approved March 27
Third FTA0 appeared March 31–April 1
Primary applicant approved April 1
Interview notice received April 9
Combo card produced April 10
Combo production took approximately 2 weeks after approval

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: When did you get married?
Me: Answered
VO: How is married life going?
Me: Answered
VO: What do you usually do together as a couple?
Me: Answered
VO: Clarify your previous DS-160 domestic partner/civil union entry.
Me: Explained it referred to a previous boyfriend listed during the F-1 application process in early 2023.
VO: Standard I-485 yes/no questions
Me: Answered

📄 Documents Requested:
Passports
Real IDs
Primary applicant’s green card
Additional notes:
Full accordion folder and photo album brought but never requested
Officer said the photo in the system was poor quality due to scanning
RFE issued for a replacement photo
New digital photo uploaded within 2 hours

🔥 Officer Demeanor:
Straightforward and neutral
Interview lasted approximately 15–20 minutes

💡 What Helped:
Arrived 40 minutes early
Brought complete documentation

⚠️ What Hurt:
Photo scanning issue triggered an RFE

🙏 Final Thoughts:
The interview felt smooth and simple overall. No relationship evidence was requested, and now waiting for the final official decision.

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/USCIS/s/eGtyH23c0h

Note: original post is from r/USCIS and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location: New Delhi, India
📅 Interview Date: 14 May 2026
🧾 Visa Type: F1
✅ Result: 221(g) / Administrative Processing

👤 Profile
Occupation: Data Engineer
Notes: Accepted to UIUC, UMD, and Duke (not accepted to JHU); chose UMD for MSIS at Robert H. Smith School of Business
Scholarship: $XX from UMD
Education gap: 5 years after graduation before pursuing master’s

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: Which course and uni?
Me: MSIS in UMD’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.
VO: Why this course?
Me: Explained alignment with data engineering background, future techno-managerial goals, relevant courses, and capstone project.
VO: Source of education fund?
Me: Mentioned scholarship, personal savings, education loan, and father’s support.
VO: When did you graduate and why are you going for a master’s after 5 years?
Me: Explained attempts to transition into techno-managerial roles and realizing the need to upgrade skills through academics.
VO: What does your family do?
Me: We own multiple residential and commercial rental properties.
VO: You worked at this xyz company for how long?
Me: Started June 2025; before that worked as a data engineer at another company.
VO: Do you know your surname has a beer name in Indonesia?
Me: Yes, saw that during a Premier League sponsorship.
VO: You watch Premier League? What’s your favourite team?
Me: Shared favourite team and had friendly banter.

📄 Documents Requested:
Passport
I-20
SEVIS receipt

🔥 Officer Demeanor:
Friendly and conversational
Casual banter toward the end

💡 What Helped:
Strong explanation of course fit and future goals
Stayed comfortable during conversation

⚠️ What Hurt:
Received a 221(g) slip and was instructed to make everything public

🙏 Final Thoughts:
Avoid listening to other interviews in the queue; it can increase stress.

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/usvisascheduling/s/QE2KYD3bGh

Note: original post is from r/usvisascheduling and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location: India
🧾 Visa Type: F1
❌ Result: Denied (214b)

👤 Profile
Undergraduate graduation year: 2021
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Occupation: SDET / Automation Engineering
Worked across multiple companies
Specialized in automation engineering
Transitioning toward leadership-focused roles
Around 5-year gap before master’s

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: Which university?
Me: Cornell Tech.
VO: Undergraduate graduation year?
Me: 2021
VO: Major?
Me: Mechanical Engineering
VO: Why master’s now after 5 years?
Me: I am transitioning toward more leadership-focused roles.
VO: What did you do during these 5 years?
Me: I worked as an SDET across multiple companies and specialized in automation engineering.
VO: “That’s it? What did you do to prepare for your master’s and going back to academic?”
Me: I mentioned GRE preparation and experience leading a team of 5 people.

💡 What Helped:
Relevant work experience in SDET and automation
Team leadership experience

⚠️ What Hurt:
Felt underprepared during responses
Fumbled while discussing university and GRE preparation
Career path explanation may have sounded unclear (Mechanical → SDET → leadership/master’s)
Weak articulation and interview delivery

🙏 Final Thoughts:
Applicant felt interview performance and delivery may have affected the outcome despite having solid work experience. Looking for feedback from others with similar experiences.

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/usvisascheduling/s/YXmCJeV7YB

Note: original post is from r/usvisascheduling and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location: Hyderabad, India
🧾 Visa Type: B1/B2
✅ Result: Approved

👤 Profile
Purpose of travel: FIFA World Cup + Tourism
Family in the US: Cousin
Occupation: Managing father’s business
Travel history:
Germany
France
Spain
Italy
Netherlands
Switzerland
Dubai
Qatar
Notes:
Previously traveled to Germany for UEFA Euro 2024
Visited Qatar for FIFA 2022
Applied with spouse

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: What is your purpose of travel?
Me: To watch the FIFA World Cup and for tourism purpose.
VO: Where will you be going in the U.S?
Me: Kansas City.
VO: What’s your annual income?
Me: Answered to the point.
VO: How much money are you spending for this trip?
Me: Answered to the point.
VO: What do you do for work?
Me: I manage my father’s business.
VO: Do you have anyone in the U.S?
Me: Yes, my cousin.
VO: Have you traveled anywhere?
Me: Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Dubai, and Qatar.
VO: Why did you go there?
Me: I went to Germany to watch UEFA Euro 2024.
VO: For how many days did you go?
Me: 7 days.
VO: How many days were you in France and the other countries?
Me: 15 days. Also mentioned Qatar for FIFA 2022 and Dubai.
VO: Do you face any harm or violence in your country?
Me: No.
VO: What does your wife do?
Me: She is a homemaker.

📄 Documents Requested:
None mentioned

🔥 Officer Demeanor:
Professional and calm

💡 What Helped:
Strong international travel history
Previous sports-event travel (UEFA Euro 2024, FIFA 2022)
Clear purpose of travel
Genuine answers despite nervousness and stuttering

🙏 Final Thoughts:
Even with nervousness and stammering, honest answers and solid travel history helped secure the approval.

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/usvisascheduling/s/JavpFOAv5R

Note: original post is from r/usvisascheduling and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location: Hyderabad, India
📅 Interview Date: 1 May 2026
🧾 Visa Type: F1
✅ Result: Approved (after temporary 221g administrative processing)

👤 Profile
University: Arizona State University
Course: Masters in Artificial Intelligence Engineering
Intended stay: Tempe, Arizona
Funding:
Education loan
Mother’s savings
Mother’s occupation:
Government teacher under Telangana State Education Department

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: Why are you going to USA?
Me: I am going for Masters in AI Engineering from Arizona State University.
VO: Tell me 2 benefits of using AI.
Me: AI makes us efficient so that we can work faster.
VO: How are you funding?
Me: I secured an education loan and my mother is funding part of it from her savings.
VO: What does your mother do?
Me: She works as a government teacher under the Telangana education department.
VO: When is your course starting?
Me: 20 Aug 2026.
VO: Where are you going to stay there?
Me: Tempe, Arizona.
VO: Do you use social media? Are they public?
Me: Yes, they are already public.

📄 Documents Requested:
Passport
No I-20 requested
221g issued for administrative processing

🔥 Officer Demeanor:
Strict initially but interactive
Smiled during conversation
Asked unexpected AI-related questions instead of standard university questions

💡 What Helped:
Staying confident and positive
Being prepared for unexpected questions
Showing genuine excitement about studies
Clear funding explanation

⚠️ What Hurt:
Panic moment during the AI benefits question after giving only one point

🙏 Final Thoughts:
Don’t assume every VO will ask traditional “Why this university?” questions.
Be prepared to discuss your field of study naturally.
Temporary 221g does not always mean a long delay.
Timeline:
Refused status at 11:30 am
Approved at 5:00 pm same day
Issued next day
Ready for pickup shortly after

🔗 Source:
Reddit Post

Note: original post is from r/usvisascheduling and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.

📍 Location:
New Delhi, India
📅 Interview Date:
07 May 2026
🧾 Visa Type:
F1 – PhD in Biological and Biomedical Science
✅ Result:
Approved after 221(g) submission

👤 Profile
Country of residence: India
Occupation: Former biomedical science professional in the US
Travel history: Previously studied and worked in the US
Notes:
Completed M.S in Biomedical Science in the US
First entered US in 2018 on F1
Worked on F1 OPT and H1B from 2020–2025
Returned to India in June 2025
Program fully funded with stipend

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: Why this course and University?
Me: Chose the university because of its biomedical science program and neuroscience research labs matching my experience and interests.
VO: Have you worked in the US before?
Me: Explained previous F1 studies, OPT work, H1B employment, and return to India in 2025.
VO: Is your program fully funded?
Me: Yes, tuition is covered and stipend provided.
VO: Do you feel threatened in India?
Me: No.
VO: Do you feel your life is at risk once you come back to India?
Me: No.
VO: Have you mentioned all your social media handles here and are they set to public?
Me: Yes.

📄 Documents Requested:
Passport
I-20
Social media account URLs
221(g) slip submission at VAC

🔥 Officer Demeanor:
Professional and straightforward

💡 What Helped:
Staying calm and confident
Listening carefully before answering
Mock interview preparation
Clear explanation of previous US experience and funding

⚠️ What Hurt:
Missing social media URLs initially led to 221(g)

🙏 Final Thoughts:
Someone getting rejected before you does not mean your outcome will be the same. Stay composed, answer honestly, and prepare well.

🔗 Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/usvisascheduling/s/lVNMTOBFNg

Note: the original post is from r/usvisascheduling and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity