u/anonyymouss_user

Has anyone gotten their F-1 visa approved within the past year while having a sibling/close family member in the US who is currently on H-1B?

I understand this can be just one of many factors in a visa decision, but I’ve recently been hearing that students with close relatives in the US are facing more F-1 refusals, so I wanted to know if this has worked out for anyone recently.

If yes, I’d really appreciate it if you could share your experience, especially whether the VO asked about your sibling and what questions you were asked.

Thanks!

Hi everyone, looking for an honest assessment of my F-1 profile and interview preparation.

Profile:

Indian applicant

B.Tech CSE, graduated in June 2025, Tier-3 college, 8.89 CGPA

Working as Software Engineer at a large MNC since Nov 2025

Admitted to MS CS at Georgia State University, Spring 2027

Graduate Assistantship: $6k/year stipend + tuition waiver

GRE: 306 (160Q, 146V), IELTS: 7.5

~₹30L personal savings, not taking any education loan (cause of the tuition waiver)

Elder brother is in the US - went on F1 and is now working on H-1B

My main concerns are:

Why Georgia State? The assistantship was a major factor in choosing this university, but it is not my only reason.
How can I convincingly and truthfully explain my university choice to the VO without making it seem like I chose it primarily for the financial benefit?

Brother in the US: How much of a concern is having an immediate family member in the US on H-1B? Could this raise immigrant-intent concerns?

Overall, how risky does my profile look for F-1 approval, and what should I focus on most for interview preparation?

Would really appreciate advice from people with similar profiles or recent F1 interview experience. Thanks!!