A student from Kolkata successfully secured a F-1 student visa within 30 seconds to pursue a degree in Neuroscience after a brief but impactful interview at the US Consulate in Kolkata. The details werr shared by the the candidate on Reddit.
The visa interview began with the Visa Officer (VO) requesting the applicant’s I-20 form. Acknowledging the large scholarship awarded to the student, the officer inquired about the remaining funding for the undergraduate program. The applicant explained clearly and confidently that the rest would be covered through parents’ savings—a key question where many applicants falter.
The VO then asked about the student’s choice of Neuroscience as a major. In response, the student gave a well-prepared and passionate explanation about their interest in the field and its relevance as a STEM discipline. The officer, seemingly satisfied, concluded the interaction with the words, “I am approving your visa.” The applicant expressed gratitude, smiling throughout the exchange.
The student later shared that several candidates before them had faced rejection, largely due to unpreparedness and inability to clearly explain their cases. Many struggled to articulate why they had chosen their courses or how they planned to fund their education abroad.
“I was paying close attention to the other interviews,” the student said. “It was obvious that being proactive, prepared, and confident made all the difference.”