Applicant Background
An international student attended a visa interview for an F-1 student visa to pursue a Master of Global Affairs at University of Notre Dame in the United States. The applicant had received a full scholarship for the program.
The candidate had also received admission offers from other institutions, including Northeastern University and Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID) in Geneva, but ultimately chose the University of Notre Dame due to its interdisciplinary academic approach and faculty strength.
Visa Interview Details
- Visa Type: F-1 Student Visa
- Interview Location: U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad
- Interview Date: 15 May 2025
- Result: Visa Approved
F-1 Visa Interview Conversation
Visa Officer: Hi, good morning. How are you?
Applicant: Slightly nervous, to be honest.
Visa Officer: Don’t be. Please pass me your documents.
Applicant: Submitted the DS-160 confirmation page, I-20 form, and passport under the counter.
Visa Officer: So, what is your program?
Applicant: I am going to study Master of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame.
Visa Officer: And you received a full scholarship?
Applicant: Yes, I did.
Visa Officer: So why did you choose this school? Because you're getting a scholarship?
Applicant: I had also applied to Northeastern University and a few other schools in Europe. I also received admission to the Graduate Institute Geneva (IHEID). However, I chose Notre Dame because of its strong faculty in economics, political science, and sociology, along with the flexibility of the program that supports interdisciplinary learning.
Visa Officer: Are you into football? American football, that is?
Applicant: I actually have no clue about that sport.
Visa Officer: You will have to get into it. (smiles)
Visa Officer: Please keep the four fingers of your left hand on the scanner.
Applicant: Places fingers on the scanner.
Visa Officer: Your visa has been approved. You should receive your passport with the visa in about 7–10 days. Enjoy your studies!
Additional Notes About the Interview Process
The applicant mentioned that the process at the Hyderabad consulate works largely on a queue-based entry system. Even though applicants receive a specific appointment time, arriving earlier than the scheduled slot can help ensure quicker entry into the consulate premises.
However, this process observation is specific to Hyderabad, and procedures may vary at other U.S. consulates in India.
Final Thoughts
This interview experience highlights that clarity of academic purpose, knowledge of program selection, and confidence during the interview can make a strong impression on the visa officer. Even a short and friendly conversation can lead to a positive outcome when documentation and intent are clear.
If you need expert assistance, contact LeSo for professional guidance on visa applications, interview preparation, and documentation support.
