I’m going to attend 1 hour session on Best Practices for Recruiting and Working with Indian Students here in #NAFSA12 Conference.

This session explores the unique characteristics of the Indian student market, focusing on tactical and strategic approaches for working with Indian students in a manner that will yield greatest success. Learn about the impact of student preferences on your recruitment strategy and how to analyze the emerging trends.

I’m really looking forward for to attend this session.

Schools have different perspective towards use of Admission Agents.

After having conversation with admission directors with various schools over past few days, I have gained greater understanding to why schools use agents and why some schools don’t use them.

Some schools think that’s the only way to recruit students in “Hot Indian” market.

What schools don’t realize is that how agents operate.

We have discussed previously about Admission agents in the following articles

• Trust About Admission Agents – Part 1 and Part 2
• Admission Agent – Canada Visa will be Rejected if US Visa is Rejected.
• Agents False Promise About MBA Admission
• Agent – It’s Impossible to get Visa for PhD in USA
• US Admission Consultants Intimidate Naive Students and Make it Sound Difficult

As HSB readers you have first hand experience about agents in India. I would appreciate if you can share your experience about working with agents.

Do you like them or hate them and why?

This post originally came from Best Practices for Recruiting and Working with Indian Students #NAFSA12 where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

> Following post was shared by s p harshal

“Experience is like a comb life gives you when you turn bald ” – siddhuism.

• Revised GRE Experiences

Note : Although the author of this piece of writing has given his GRE in the seemingly demonstrative ’1600′ format ,there are quite a few valuable thoughts he’d like to pass on to the folks reading this wonderful blog. And why exactly is he posting this now? read on to find out…

First things first :

I am no master at vocab but what I learnt from my experience in the summer of 2011 was the simple and plain axiomatic truth that sometimes a student preparing for the GRE becomes so conscious of his inadequacies in the english language that he loses sight of his first immediate task at hand : being good at QUANT and AWA .(and trust me AWA can be a real party pooper)

Im not going to harp on and on about how you should approach the verbal section as it will only be an exercise in boredom and hackneyedness.

But what I do want to share is an insight into that aspect of the test that we willfully choose to put on the back burner. Back in the day when it was almost foppish to cram in the BARRON’S word list, little thought was give to the analytical aspect of verbal ability.

And now thanks to the new GRE people HAVE to prepare for the verbal section in the way it supposed to. But still somewhere in that tiny little recess in our brain lurks that verbal demon,waiting in ambush to foil our prep strategies, constantly nagging away at you,forcing you to think, ” may be if I knew all the words in the list I would do better at RC or sentence equivalence “.

And its not unnatural to think so.

Most of us Indians have this obsession with what are called “difficult words” in school.

And oblivious to the critical AWA section and development of comprehension skills we keep pegging away at words for days.

I wasn’t a gyaani until I took my GRE. I had taken AWA, hell, even Quant for granted with that age old laid back “its as good as done” attitude and set foot in the quagmire of VERBAL ability.

I got so co caught up that I wrote only my 4th essay right in the exam hall for the ETS to evaluate. And boy did I screw up.

V:690 ,Q:750,AWA :3.5 .(thats right ,neither here nor there!) and trust me people may tell you to nonchalantly approach AWA but it may prove to be the dividing line between the AMBI and MODERATE UNIVERSITIES on your list.

And what about QUANT?

Well I to like many other jumped up Indian students(not generalizing or being judgemental here) had thought,” some exercises in powerprep will just do fine…” may be I was too arrogant or not as good as I thought , but the bottomline is, QUANT score always sets the tone for your application,esp. in the field of Engineering.

QUANT is essential curriculum; AWA is like an elective (you still have to pass it!). The math in GRE is getting smarter by the day.

Standards of the GRE have changed and so have the various coaching institutes.

The new GRE is test cricket now unlike an ODI until last july where temperament and endurance count.

But this article is for those seeking to master GRE without shelling out thousands on prep material and coaching.

Ideally you’d want to make sure that you are absolutely thorough with your QUANT before you decide to go the extra mile for VERBAL.

And never overestimate your writing skills , Ive seen people write articles for the Indian Express and still score less than 4 in AWA.

A balanced preparation strategy is quintessential of a score that is not lopsided. And its not entirely bad to underestimate your AWA skills

To answer my question on “why now and not earlier? ” well, I was just a follower of HSB until my got my “Ambi admit “.

And I would like to believe I just scraped through despite an awkward score. But I guess that qualifies me to spread some gyaan now.

Its not profound but is still important.

This post originally came from Trying to Master Verbal Section Does More Harm Than Good where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

> Following post was shared by Venkataraman

I have been following HSB weeks before i went for my first visa interview in December 2011.

The visa was for an exchange program between my undergrad university (SASTRA, TAMIL NADU) and University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Iwas supposed to spend the final semester at UWM and do a project under the best faculty there but the dream went into the gutter.

There was a long selection process after which 3 students including me were selected for the program.

The university asked us to apply for F1 visa instead of J because the MOU was that after the exchange program, the students would be directly taken for the masters program.

• F1 Visa Approved at Hyderabad – NYU Poly

Long story short, the other 2 got in and i didn’t. 5 months afterwards, i applied for visa for my MS program in software engineering from san jose state university, california.

I dreaded my exchange program rejection factor mite greatly my chances. Well here is what happened..

I had my visa interview at chennai consulate on 24th may 2012 @ 0745.

After the preliminary security check i got in the second interview hall at 0730. The shutters of the glass separating us and the mighty gods who determine our future stayed closed toll 0800.

After that they started to open one by one. Slowly the queues started filling up and i was called to a counter number where i was rejected 5 months ago! i was scared out of wits and also i was third in row and the two people in front got rejected.

The lady was merciless! here is how my interview went.

VO: step forward please
ME : very good morning madam! how are u doing (i was fumbling to pass my documents while saying this)

VO: (She started typing something and didnt ask me anyting for around 30secs.. the same ting happend during my exchange visa interview..i was praying all gods i knew!) SO.. u aplied earlier for exchange program. can u tell me more about it?
ME:( BULLS EYE! first question this?..) Yes madam. It was an exchange program between my university and UWM where i was to do my last 6 months of learning and then come back to India to get my bachelors degree from my university..(I didnt not fumble! It was a clear sentence. I was happy with the confidence i showed..)

VO: So, SJSU.. why?
ME: I always wanted to be a software engineer and also from my admits sjsu is the only university allowing a specialization in cloud computing and virtualization. Cloud computing is the technology of the day with more and more companies taking steps to implement it and..

VO:(asked me this when i was telling the previous answer) who is financing you?
ME: (another troubler. In my first exchange visa interview i said my parents were financing me and my dad is retired.Though i did have the required amount deposited in bank i was dumb enough not to show the amount or even tell about it.. i was afraid again this might cause some trouble!). Mam my family is supporting me.(I started taking out the statement given my the CA.. she said it was ok if i just answered.) My brother is working in HP, bangalore and has XXX compensation per annum and my father through the years has saved enough amount of money to fund my studies and told an amount that 4 times the minimum requirement for the course.(I truly had that much amount of money). I offered to show the statements again she said it was ok.

VO: was typing very long statements. i tried to read her fingers but it was all ctrl+ sumting alt+ sumting and a lot of spaces and enters

ME: i was actually scared she would reject me and i wanted to make my case strong. I asked her if i may add something. she said go ahead. I said even a lot of Indian companies are going towards cloud computing like tcs and hcl and also the Indian government has plans to convert its e-governance to cloud which would provide a huge opening for job offers.(true fact! i had thoroughly researched on this. i had enough data to say for the next 5 min.)

VO: (she started to say something so i stopped) all i heard was sumting sumting.. i am approving ur visa..u will get ur passport in a weeks time..

ME: My joy knew no bounds!! i thanked her profusely.. came out.. called the whole world. went to saravana bavan round the corner ate spoonfull food and paid a elephant size bill

My advice and F1 Tips

1.  prepare well. Do a lot of mock interview and say ur answers out loud! (believe me!! i did a lot of it and i am very happy with the result).
2. do research on why u took this course and why this course and this university suits you best.
3. show good finances and always have supporting documents. Its better to have it and not get asked than get asked and show poker face
4. prove that you are coming back to India. never say you will work there for 1 year or 2 years and return. you will be doomed for ever!..

The visa law is every person applying is a possible immigrant. it is your duty to convince them you are not one!..

• F1 Approved – Second Interview in Hyderabad

I thank HSB and its people for making this the best site ever for students and a lot of your posts got me through ~victory~

This post originally came from F1 Visa Accepted After Exchange Visa Rejected Twice! where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

Following post was shared by Varad

• Date: 23/5/2012
• Time: 7:45 AM
• Course: BS in journalism and mass communication
• University: Iowa State University
• Result: Approved.
• Scholarship: $7000

Profile:

• SAT score: 1880
• TOEFL: 102
• Awaiting results for Std.12.

I had my visa interview on 23rd May at US Consulate, Mumbai.

I reached the consulate at 6:45 AM. There was already a long queue outside the gate. I waited for my turn and went through the security check.

In another room, a bar-coded sticker was placed on my passport. In the waiting room, I gave my fingerprints and waited for the interview to start. After a while, I could see numbers being flashed on the TV screen.

Of course, I was tensed but the air-conditioning and fellow US applicants definitely helped me to ease a bit. I knew my course was quite different from others. So, I was trying to think of possible questions.

I chatted a while with the guy sitting next to me. I could see my token number flashing. I left for the window.…

The visa officer was an Asian male in his late 20’s. (I guess). I could witness two interviews.

One person was granted a visa (crew visa) while the other one was rejected (some sort of a job visa). On my turn, I confidently went up to the interview window.

The interview went as follows:

VO: Good morning, could I have your passport and I-20?
Me: Good morning. (Passed on the documents)

VO: (looking at my I-20) so you are going to Iowa State University?
Me: Yes.

VO: What will you be studying?
Me: I am going to study journalism. Bachelors in journalism.

VO: OK, why Iowa State?
Me: Well, Iowa State is mostly known for its engineering majors, but I found that it also has a really good journalism program. The faculty is outstanding. In fact, one of them is a Pulitzer Prize winner.

VO: (Interrupted) how did you come to know about this university?
Me: I have been in touch with some college seniors. I searched on the Net. Also, I met the international coordinator of this university.

VO: Where did you meet the international coordinator? Was it a college fair or something?
Me: Yes, it was a USIEF fair.

VO: Which other universities did you apply to?
Me: I applied to West Virginia University, Kansas University, University of Nebraska..

VO: (Interrupted again) OK, What do your parents do?
Me: My parents are sponsoring me. My father is an industrialist…

VO: What exactly does he do?
Me: He has a company called XX in my city.

VO: What is his annual income?
Me: It’s close to 4 lakhs PA.

VO: How are they going to fund your education? (While typing something on the computer)
Me: Well, we have savings in our bank account, gold as well as immovable assets.

VO: How much of it can they spare for your education?
Me: The savings are specifically for my education. So, they can spend it all for me.

VO: How much are your savings?
Me: Savings in gold and bank account are close to Rs.25 lakhs. If needed, my brother can also help me because he has a steady job.

VO: (looked grimly at the computer; He kept the passport aside) (Handing over the passport to me) your visa has been approved and you will get it within a week.

Me: Could I collect it from the VFS centre?
VO: You will have to contact VFS for the pick-up timings.

Me: OK. Thank you. Thanks a lot.

I could not stop smiling and later literally came out jumping with the I-20 in my hand!

I think confidence is the key. The sample  F1 Visa interviews on HSB helped me a lot. Thank you HSB!

This post originally came from F-1 Visa Interview for Iowa State University – Fall 2012 where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

> Following post was shared by Sarthak Dasadia

I am Sarthak Dasadia, a PhD student at The University of Alabama. My story involves many ups and down of my life. Here it is …

After a depressing result of 12th science, the best option left for me was to choose further studies in pure science.

Sarthak will never go to USA”.

I was completely unaware what my life had to offer me.

Completing M.Sc previous (1st year) I join Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) as a summer research student.

Accepting what life had offered me, I decided to focus on my M.Sc. I found my science subject very interesting.

It was the second day of my M.Sc final exam. I was checking my emails before I went to bed.

Surprise !!

No email in inbox, and around 25 emails in spam ! I was having a look at those funny subjected emails.

I suddenly found and email with .ch at the end.

When I looked at that email, it was from @cern.ch.

CERN is one of the biggest institute working on Atomic and Nuclear physics.

That email was a notification that I was chosen to spend my summer in Switzerland.

I couldn’t believe on what I was reading. I immediately called that number to verify my selection.

God ! it was. I was going to work on world’s largest experiment i.e LHC (Large Hadron Collider).

I was so happy and meanwhile I also got approval from The University of Alabama for PhD in Physics.

I could believe that life had something totally different for me.

Having a Swiss VISA and an opportunity to work at LHC, my US Visa interview at Mumbai was less than 50 seconds.

I am not joking, it was just a friendly conversation with VO.

She approved my VISA saying , ” You deserve it !”.

I was offered no funding when I got VISA.

I spent my summer working on LHC experiment in Geneva.

It boost my confidence and also gave a professional touch to my career.

I arrived in US directly from Switzerland to focus my education in the direction of a doctorate degree.

I got full funding within a week. My experience earned me an another great opportunity.

I was selected to work for US army.

US department of energy with the co-ordination of Oak Ridge science institute awarded me a fellowship this summer. I will be working on some interesting astrophysical system which may have great military applications.

I have a message for those who are reading this. Please never underestimate your self. Life has a lot to offer you. All you should is accept failure and look for success. Best of luck !

(A message to HSB, I don’t want 250rs coupon or $5. This is for the first time I am sharing my story, hoping somewhere in the world there is another Sarthak waiting for some boost up !! )

*****

AMAZING Experience.

I certainly hope more people like you come forward to share such motivating experiences.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m sure several others reading this will get motivation and encourage to pursue their dreams.

What if you hadn’t checked your SPAM folder? Life would have taken a different  turn right?

This post originally came from Failure to Success – Internship at Large Hadron Collider, PhD and Researcher in US Army where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

> Following post was shared by Chandrashekar ( $5 Gift Card to you from Amazon when I get back from Houston).

Dear All,

I want to share my experience of Admission to one of the Management programs in USA. I have 15 years of work experience in leadership positions in Healthcare in India and moved to USA a year back to Join my wife who is working here.

When I decided to study here, I had lot of apprehensions.

First, age factor.

I am now 40 and was not sure whether I can get admission to top programs and whether I will be considered favorably by the admissions committee?

As my wife has studied here, I had learnt few important things like meeting the faculty and talking to them about my fit for the program etc?

During the discussions, as expected questions were asked about why I want to study now with so much of experience?

I was clear about my goals and I convinced them why I want to study here and how I can be a good fit for the program.

After gauging the pulse of the faculty and getting encouragement, I started working on GMAT,TOEFL and completed both exams with good score.

I had a good GPA and was confidant that I stand a chance to get admission to top programs.

I took my wife’s help in writing essays, as she has studied here and it was quite helpful.

I submitted my applications for 7 schools and got admission to 4 schools.

My top choices were Harvard, Michigan, John Hopkins and Yale.

I got admission from

• Michigan
• Yale
• UNC
• UM

I was really thrilled with what I got and its really a great experience. I am now ready to start my program in August and it will certainly be a wonderful experience.

B School Admission Tips

After going through the admission process I want to share few things which I really feel will help students who want study here.

• Be clear about your field of study and select college/universities by doing thorough research.
• Talk to the faculties or program managers and find out about what they expect from students?
• Have good GRE/GMAT scores. Its really very important and plays an important role in admission process and be clear with your SOP. Many times student get rejections inspire of good scores because,they fail to write their SOP’s properly. Not aligning your goals well with the program will certainly be a negative factor
• Prepare thoroughly for the interview and don’t deviate from what you have stated in your CV and interview answers.

If you feel that you have any concern areas like Age, experience, score be sure to strengthen your areas of strength further and try to minimize the disadvantages.

For example, if you have a less score, you can compensate with a good GPA or with work experience etc.

One thing I really want to mention here is that Professors, Faculties here are extremely helpful and very encouraging.

I was bit apprehensive in the beginning and after talking to them now I am more confidant.
If you get admission to more schools and not clear about which one you should choose, make sure you attend all “Admitted student day”.

It will be a wonderful experience as you will interact with faculty, attend a class, interact with current students.

You will get thorough info about the schools, career opportunity after the program, curriculum etc.It will certainly make your decision much easier

Please follow the HSB regularly.

They are doing a great service to student community and you will have clear ideas about the country, education system, school rankings,Visa issues etc.

I am happy to inform you that I have benefited by HSB and thankful to them.

I wish all of you who want to pursue education In USA and you will be greatly benefited by whatever you do.

Thanks HSB and best wishes to you all.
> Shekar

****

I’m not sure if you would have come forward to share this, if  it wasn’t for Share Your Experience for $5.

You have admit from very good schools. If you happen to attend UNC, do let me know. I live close to UNC, we could meet in person.

This post originally came from Experience – Admission in Top Business Schools in USA at the Age of 40 where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

I will be attending NAFSA Annual Conference next week in Houston, Texas.

Do you know what is NAFSA?

NAFSA is an association of individuals worldwide advancing international education and exchange and global workforce development. NAFSA serves international educators and their institutions and organizations by establishing principles of good practice, providing training and professional development opportunities, providing networking opportunities, and advocating for international education.

NAFSA was founded in 1948 as the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers to promote the professional development of American college and university officials responsible for assisting and advising the 25,000 foreign students who had come to study in the United States after World War II.

In May 1990 the membership formally renamed the organization NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The acronym was retained to reflect NAFSA’s proud past and broad name recognition.

NAFSA Annual Conference

The NAFSA 2012 Annual Conference & Expo in Houston, Texas, will feature hundreds of posters, sessions, and workshops, unlimited networking opportunities, and a dynamic expo.

The world comes together at NAFSA’s Annual Conference, where international education professionals come to hone their skills, gain new knowledge, build strategic partnerships, and ensure that their institutions and organizations stay at the forefront of the field.

#NAFSA12 – Houston

While talking to my friend (student in Missouri S&T), I realized, its kind of big deal to attending NAFSA considering the expense, time, travel and planning.

• Registration Fees – $499
• NAFSA Membership – $380 (per year)
• Air Travel – $260 (from Raleigh)
• Hotel – $150 per night for 5 nights.
• Food, Transportation and Others costs.

At the Conference

I have schedule set to meet with  admission and marketing staff from several universities from USA, Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, etc.

Here  is a partial list of sessions I will be attending

• U.S. Visa Delays and Denials: What’s an International Adviser to Do?
• H-1B and Employment-Based Hot Topics
• Close Encounters: U.S. Officials Discuss Visa Interviews and Inspections
• Get the Latest Test Taker Trends and Tips From the GRE Program!
• F-1 Student Advising Tools to Manage Grey Issues
• Several other sessions and person meetings.
• Complete List of Conference Schedule

Updates from the Conference

I will be tweeting actively, posting pictures and updates from sessions via Happy Schools Blog on Twitter.

Few updates from Twitter will be posted automatically in Happy Schools Blog’s Facebook Fan Page.

This post originally came from I Will be Attending #NAFSA12 Conference in Houston where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

> Following post was shared by Sidharth.

• GRE: 306 TOEFL: 102 B.Tech: 63.05% (2011)
• Hyderabad Consulate

F1 Visa Interview in Hyderabad

Me: Good Morning mam, how are you doing today?
VO: Good Morning, I am doing fine how about you?
Me: I am doing good mam, thanks for asking.
VO: Please pass your documents.

Started looking the documents

VO: Why UMBC?
Me: I chose UMBC because of the Active research that is being conducted in my area of interest.I intend to specialize in Machine learning and Data Mining.

VO: When did you graduate?
Me: In 2011

VO: What were you doing from then?
Me: I took a break of 3 months and went to stay with my father in Delhi. After coming back from past xyz months i am Working as XYZ in ZZZ Company.

VO: Where does your Father stay?
Me: Delhi mam.

VO: Do u have backlogs??
Me: Told.

Paused the interview for a while and started to speak with her colleague, She didn’t know about UMBC so she was asking her colleague about UMBC.

VO: what are the other universities you applied for and why did you choose them?
Me: University of North Texas, Georgia state university, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Florida Atlantic University, Mississippi State University and Wright State University, because of the Active research in my area of interest.

VO: What does your father do?
Me: Told

VO: What is his annual income?
Me: XYZ

VO: Then how are you going to fund your education as it is very expensive?
Me: Mam, we have family savings of around XYZ and I have also applied for educational loan of xyz in SBI. So, it would be more than enough for my education.

VO: How much did you score in GRE and TOEFL?
Me: I scored 306 in GRE and 102 in TOEFL mam.

VO: Please pass your Score Cards.
After looking at the score card, she saw that I reported my score to West Virginia and UNCC.

VO: did you apply for these universities also?
Me: No mam, I didn’t apply for those universities.

VO: why not? They are good universities.
Me: As I told you mam, I was looking for universities with active research in my area of interest and I choose universities which are suitable for my profile.
VO: ok! But Why UMBC?

At this point of time I felt that she didn’t knew UMBC is a good school

Me: Mam, our schools I named thrice as the #1 up and coming national university by us news and world report. More over the CS department of UMBC is very good, and it is ranked 72 by US news.

VO: Oh, 72?
Me: yes mam, the research activity in UMBC is good and their faculty has outstanding reputation.

VO: ok! So, do you have any brother or sister?
Me: No mam. (Though I have a sister in Texas)

VO: What will you do after graduation?
Me: I would like to work for 1 year during my OPT before I return back to my country.

VO: Please pass your Undergrad certificates.
Gave them to her

VO: so, what is your aggregate?
Me: Told.

VO: Ok I am issuing your visa; you will receive it in a week.
Me: Thank you mam, Have a great day.

So, I believe if we confidently pursue the VO and convince him then we can easily succeed in the interview.

This post originally came from F1 Visa – Confidence and Persuasion Are Key Skills to Your Success where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

Following F1 Visa interview experience was shared by Sharad. He will be receiving $5 Gift Card from Amazon.

SO HERE IS MY VISA INTERVIEW !!!!!!!!

• DATE: 11/5/2012
• CONSULATE: NEW DELHI
• TIME: 10:30 A.M
• UNIVERSITY: San Diego State University, California.

MY BRIEF PROFILE:

• GRE 1130/1600
• TOEFL 100/120
• B.Tech 63 percent(Kurukshetra university).

Loopholes in my Profile:

• I should have completed my B.tech in 2010 but unfortunately had a health problem so was not able to appear in 7th semester exams and thus due to this i completed B.tech after attending 7th semester again and cleared degree in 2011. ” SINCE THEN I AM NOT WORKING“

• My sister lives in US and is a legal permanent resident(green card holder). She did not studied in US and her Husband is also there(He also studied in India). “I DID MENTIONED ABOUT HER IN MY DS 160“

SO THESE WERE TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS IN MY PROFILE ACCORDING TO ME AND WAS EXPECTING THAT THINGS MAY GO WRONG DUE TO THIS.

F1 Visa Interview Experience – Approved in Dhaka – (you spoiled child)

US Embassy in New Delhi

I Reached New Delhi Consulate At 9 A.m(Which was a mistake and i Do not Recommend reaching so early). Because at that time they were calling Applicants for 9:15 A.M Slot. So i had to wait in Scorching Heat till 10:15 A.M and was almost drenched in sweat.

ATTIRE:

I heard a lot about what to wear and one should go in formals and all those things. “I was wearing a black jeans, casual t-shirt and sports shoes”.

Suddenly i Realized that students and other applicants are staring me that he is in casuals as all of them were in formals and shining leather shoes.

“I did not feel awkward, in fact i was confident throughout and was humming my favorite track from houseful 2(wanna love me :p)”

Time :10:15 and i just was waiting for this time.

I was very excited and went for initial document checks and was the first person in the line for that slot(10:30).

Well then went inside, security check, documents and file passed through X-RAY Machine.

Went to a Counter, my Passport, I 20, DS 160 Confirmation page, and SEVIS fee Receipt were taken and stapled to my passport.

Then got a Token Number Attached to the same documents. it Read “P199″. Waited in a not so good waiting hall. No A.c, Only LCD Screens and chairs.

Then went to main Hall where interview was taking place.

• [Video] F1 Visa Stamping at US Consulate in Ottawa, Canada

Here Was a bit of Shock for me. My token number was flashed and i was asked to proceed to counter number 4. Rest What followed Can be considered as my UNAWARENESS or change in RULES!!

I was not aware of the fact that there is a short interview taken before actual interview where they confirm your identity and stuff. SO i took it as my VISA INTERVIEW.

An Indian Girl in her mid 20′s was sitting and taking interviews.She gave passport back to Uncle standing ahead of me. I assumed he has been rejected.

LVO : Lady Visa Interview.

MY FIRST VISA INTERVIEW :p (I call it first interview)

ME:Good morning mam How are you (HAD A GOOD SMILE, IT HELPS)

LVO: I am Fine, Please step forward (I did and passed my passport)

LVO: Why you going to US?
ME: To pursue my Higher Education, I.e MS in Electrical Engineering.

LVO:So what have you been doing in this time? (My Heart Sank! First major question and she asked nothing else, But My weakest point)
ME: Mam, I had been doing Courses in computer hardware and networking which helped me learn practical aspects of networking and implement what i learned in my College. I learned to configure different devices in a network…(She did not stopped me and continued to stare in my eyes, this meant i have to continue)…I also learned about various Routing Protocols and techniques to troubleshoot network problems. I Also Appeared for my CCNA exam in December 2011 Along with my GRE and TOEFL.
(She Started Typing)

LVO: Any Relative in US? (Second question and it is again my second weak point{I dnt consider it weak point now} )
ME: Yes, my sister lives in US.

LVO: What is she doing there?
ME: Senior development Engineer at AT&T.

LVO: Is she married?
ME: yes.

LVO: TAKE YOUR PASSPORT AND GO TO THE NEXT LOBBY OR HALL, I DO NOT REMEMBER WHAT SHE SAID. I WAS SAD THINKING I HAVE BEEN REJECTED AS MY PASSPORT IS RETURNED(BUT THERE WAS NO REASON OR DOCUMENT RELATED TO REJECTION).

NEXT LOBBY!

Was asked to give finger prints and that Chinese  American lady told me to wait and i will be called for my VI.. I was like what was that then?

I was interviewed earlier and again? whats going on?

Confused and out of senses, i was sitting and waiting for my token. Tokens started to appear and they were very fast.”I said to myself sharad, just go and answer what he wants to know, Suddenly there was an urge and a flow of positive Energy, i felt my Visa has been approved and i have to just meet someone. ”

P199, proceed to counter 15.

• F1 Visa Approved after 221(g) – Virginia Tech

3 people were standing before me ” AND I WAS SMILING”. There was no stress in my mind and i was looking at VO when he was interviewing others as well. I was relaxed at that time.

MY TURN! MY SECOND VI! (I CALL IT :p)

ME: Good afternoon Sir, How are you (With a big smile on my face)
VO: (Smiled and reciprocated) hello, I am fine pass me your Docs.

VO: You going for studies?
ME: Yes Sir, For MS in Electrical Engineering.

VO: Which School?
Me: San Diego State university.

VO: Why SDSU?
Me: Sir i want to specialize in Wireless communications and networking and SDSU has a very good curriculum which will help me gain Expertise in the field in Which i did my Bachelors. (He also wanted to hear more)
Sir, SDSU has very good research opportunities in the field of mobile computing and wireless sensor networks. i found it rather interesting and related to my Bachelors coursework where i had subjects like Wireless mobile communications.

VO: Typing for a while…how many schools u applied to?
me: seven.

VO: Name them.
Me: IIT CHICAGO, GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY, SAN JOSE STATE UNIV, UNIV OF TEXAS ARLINGTON, UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHARLOTTE(HIS EYEBROW LIFTED THERE), CALIFORNIA STAE UNIV, LONG BEACH and SAN DIEGO STATE UNIV.

VO: admits?
ME: 4

VO: Name
Me: IIT Chicago, San Diego State Univ, George mason univ, UNCC

VO: Ok, Sharad..tell me why not IIT Chicago.?
Me: Sir, IIT Chicago is a good school but it was not a good choice compared to SDSU as i have more Research options and good coursework For my specialization at SDSU.

VO: Ok, And why not GMU?
Me: Sir, I got admit in MS in Telecommunication and its only course based and there is no research or thesis involved in That course. I am interested in Research so Did not choose GMU.

VO: (A little Weird Expression and loud..) U choose SDSU over UNCC? Uncc is a good school..
ME: By this i was sure he is checking my patience and Confidence, If i am sure about my aim.
UNCC is a renowned school for Embedded Systems But SDSU has a “” DEDICATED Research group for wireless and communications research called: WIRELESS NETWORK RESEARCH GROUP where a lot of research is being conducted in the domain of mobile computing. So SDSU was a good choice.

I KNEW I HAD HIT BULLS EYE. AND I HAD KEPT THIS POINT FOR SUCH A CRUCIAL POINT, TO CONVINCE HIM ABOUT MY PLANS.

He started to smile and started working on his computer. Suddenly his eyes were Wide open.(I was thinking what you want now )

VO: Your sister is in US?
ME: Completely confident and not showing any sign of nervousness, YES SIR!

VO: I THINK YOU ARE A POTENTIAL IMMIGRANT AND YOU WANT TO SETTLE THERE AFTER STUDIES. (I JUST WANTED TO KILL HIM, WHY ARE YOU SCREWING ME SO MUCH MAN?)
ME: Again with confidence and with a face expression that m least bothered with his remark,
Sir, My sister lives in US but i am not going to US Due to this Reason, I am going for my higher education and i am very much focused about my specialization, i.e Wireless communications and networking.

VO: Realy? Do you have background with that specialization?
Me: Again holding my nerve, Yes sir I did My B.tech in Electronics and Communications and i had subjects like computer networks, digital communication and wireless mobile communications which are related to my masters study. Also i presented various seminars on upcoming technologies like ZIGBEE and my major project was ‘Bluetooth based Smart Home’ which is also related to my Specialization i have opted for.

Phewwwww..I was tired by then…

I think he was also tired and convinced .

VO: Who is sponsoring you?
ME: My Father is sponsoring me.

VO: His Occupation?
ME: He is a Chief Manager in a Public Sector bank.

Again typing..and after few seconds….

OK Sharad, I am happy to Approve Your Visa. Have a good stay in US.
Study Well. Good Luck

I learned the meaning of the phrase: ‘I WAS SMILING INSIDE’ at that time! I was so emotional when he was saying all that. I thanked him and just went out. I sat for a while and realized that I have something to Cheer After two years.

My Conclusion About US education application and chances of getting Admits and Visa.

ITS DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL TO YOUR PASSION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN US AND HARD WORK.

I can say with confidence now that whenever i thought about going to US, it was for my Higher Studies.

So I was confident and never Assumed myself as potential immigrant. That is why even after being asked so much about my sister and her living in US, I got My Visa.

I Hope it Helps other Students.

P.S: I a late in posting because i was improving My post and did not Wanted to Commit obvious Errors like improper English and Other things! I hope i have succeeded in minimizing errors.

F1 Visa Refused after 20 Minutes (Karachi,Pakistan)

This post originally came from Getting F1 Visa is Directly Proportional to Your Passion and Hard Work where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

Your Experience Gets $5.

I wanted to try something new that will be mutually beneficial for those who are sharing their experience and for Happy Schools Blog.

You must have read lots of experience related to GRE, TOEFL, Life in USA, F1 Visa Interview and on other topics.

So, I decided to give Gift Card for those folks who share their experience with HSB readers.

Rules

• Share Your Experience using this form only.
• You can write about GRE, TOEFL, Admission, Bank Loan Process, F1 Visa Interview, Life in USA or any other topics.
• If your experience is selected and published in the blog as blog post, you will get a Gift voucher.
• Only the experience that gets published in the blog will be eligible.
• We reserve the right to decide which articles will be published.
• Code Number to use the gift card will be sent to your email submitted along with your experience.
• This gift card is valid for experience submitted using this form from today till June 10, 2012.
• We reserve the right to make changes to the rules at anytime during this event.
• Edits will be made to the article to meet the publishing guidelines.
• Images and links might be added to your article when published.
• Once published, content cannot be deleted.
• I will be unable to say when or if your article will be published.  When published you will be contacted.
• If in case your content is published and you don’t hear from HSB, then reach out to us.

How to Get Published

• Article must provide useful and valuable  information.
• Don’t copy the contents from different site.
• For Example for F1 Visa interview, if your most of your answers are like “I said” will not be published.
• Your Full  Name will be posted in the article. (Helps build your online reputation)

$5 Gift Card

You can get the Gift Card via

• Amazon Gift Card ( if you are in USA and Other Countries)
• Flipkart Gift Card for Rs 250 (if you are in India)

You can state your preference while submitting your article.

How to Submit Your Experience

• Go Here to Submit your Experience
• Include Your Name, Email, Title, Article and Gift Card Preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

F1 Visa Experience – How to Get Published

Most of you will be sharing F1 Visa Interview Questions.

To publish your experience, you need atleast the following details -

• Interview Date
• Consulate
• University Name
• Degree/Course
• Interview Q&A

First submission for F1 visa interview said XXX for university. Since I’m updating this FAQ after the experience was submitted, I going to publish just the one post.

Questions?

Do you have any questions?

This post originally came from Share Your Experience and Get $5 where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

This is Krishan .I am graduated from JNTU in CSE and i secured 56%
with 13 backlogs.I wrote Gre in sep 2011 i got 282(quant 148+verbal 134). I wrote tofel and i didn’t qualified in that now i am planning for
IELTS.Is this Gre score is sufficient can i retake .

I feel that this is suitable to my profile. Could You please respond my question .I confusing with this .If i will go for visa is my Btech makes the problem.

If it makes the problem. I will change to UK..

Re-take GRE

13 backlogs could be equalized by High GRE, TOEFL and Projects.

Retake GRE to improve your chances.

If you don’t want to take GRE again, then you can try other countries like Germany or UK and find programs that doesn’t require GRE.

• Higher Education in UK
• Higher Eduction in Germany

If you do plan to take GRE test again, refer to GRE Experiences.

This post originally came from Admission Chances With GRE 282 and 13 Backlogs where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

I am from NEPAL. I gave my f1 visa interview at Kathmandu on 14 May 2012. – Sudeep

F1 Visa Interview Experiences Fall 2012

• undergrade in mechanical engineering
• undergrade % 71.34
• 10th grade = 78%
• 12th grade =74.9 %
• GRE =306 TOEFL = 89 ( 2 months work experience. )

I had contacted a professor there at the UC merced.

My research field is THERMAL SCIENCE AND ENERGY CONVERSION.

• My I20 reflects expense —> $44k and fund from school —-> $53k annually
• LEVEL -  direct PHD

my visa interview went like this:

VO – hey ..gud morning

ME – hi ..gud morning .. how r you ?

VO – i am fine … So which UNIVERSITY ?

ME- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA , MERCED

VO – so mechanical engineering ??? right??

ME- yeah sir .

VO – why this UNIVERSITY ?

ME – It’s the 1st research based university of USA in 21st century, and i have contacted the professor and he liked my academic background .. we had a skype session ( and then he interupts me … )

VO – (looking my i20 ) so you got pretty good funding eh? ( he was kind of smiling ..i think he praised my funding .. it was looking like that )

ME – (smiling back ) yeah sir.

VO – so wats ur plan … are u coming back to NEPAL after ur research??

ME – yeah sir. i have a plan to come back here in NEPAL and work as a post doc researcher in the energy institute(center) who promotes ALTERNATIVE ENERGY like AEPC (alternative energy promotion center) and GRID NEPAL, where i think my research would be very helpful for the success of the institute and ultimately NEPAL. ( when i told him the first sentence he was not lookign me …. and for the 2nd sentence we had a great eye contact with each other and i saw in his eye that he was convince with my answer or like was appreciating my plan … he kinda moved back from the eye contact we had for few seconds )

VO – so you married??

ME – no sir. not yet .

VO – so you have plan to marry in near future?

ME- no sir.

VO -(sarcastically ) i mean now you have a good funding from the school n ur going to usa .. any NEPALI girl ll be willing to marry you .. wont they ??

ME – haha .. no sir .. not before my phd . that may be the case but i have no intention of marrying b4 my research.

VO – (types sumthing on the computer for like 20 secs and then ) OK sir … you can pay ur 200$ bill for the visa issuance .. at counter no 10 .. HAVE you brought the money now?

ME- yes sir .I HAVE IT NOW .

VO – OK UR VISA HAS BEEN APPROVED .. CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK..

ME – have a nice day sir .. thanks a lot .. bye

it WAS LIKE AT MOST FOR 2 MINS …. THE VO WAS COOL .. I WAS REALLY NERVOUS BUT WENT WELL … I HAD EXPECTED A LOT MORE QUESTION BUT THAT WAS IT FOR ME .

This post originally came from F1 Visa Interview for Fall 2012 – Direct PhD – US Embassy, Nepal where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

Best Commencement Speech

Watch the following Commencement speech by an Comedian, you will see the difference. Don’t miss first 3 minutes of the video.

This post originally came from Harvard Commencement 2012 By Andy Samberg With a Kiss where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

Friend of mine forwarded the this article – Open letter to India’s Graduating Class  about 5 skills that new grads from India don’t have to be successful in the corporate world.

Core message of the article is that New Grads from India lack the following skills

1. Lack of written and oral communication skills
2. Lack of problem solving and creativity
3. New grads are passive and order takers  and hesitant to ask questions.
4. Lack of desire to learn new skills
5. Lacking professional skills and care only about money.

At end of the article author gives what should new grads do

My message is a call to action: Be aware of these five attributes, don’t expect the gravy train to run forever, and don’t assume your education will take care of you. Rather, invest in yourself – in language skills, in thirst for knowledge, in true professionalism and, finally, in thinking creatively and non-hierarchically. This will hold you in good stead in our knowledge economy and help lay a strong foundation for the next productive generation that follows you.

After reading the article, I thought I have to weigh in on the topic.

First, where do I stand with my view? Do I agree or disagree to 5 points listed above about New Grads from India.

Let me give my views based on my observation after interacting with several students, emails, phone calls and chat with HSB readers.

I have seen students who lack all the above skills.

I have seen folks who  have very good communication skills, but don’t have ability to think beyond what they are told to do.

My Thoughts

Do you know what it takes to run this blog?

You read the new articles, consume the contents and then and then move on.

Only when you start a blog, you would truly understand what it takes to produce contents daily.

It takes commitment, dedication and passion.

Even if you lack all the 5 skills, if you have passion, hard work and willing to commit, you can acquire and develop all the 5 skills in no time. I had zero blogging skills, but with hard work and commitment, I was able to learn so many new skills.

5 Most Common Ways You Don’t Deserve Any Job

It takes time and effort to master new skills and habits. Buts, its possible to develop the skills.

Author says you lack this, this and that.  Such companies can learn a good lesson by following some good examples from companies like Zappos and Google on how to treat the new hires.

For instance in Zappos, new hire have 1 month orientation.

After the orientation, they are given $4000 to quit the job. Yes, company offers them $4000 to actually quit the job.

During orientation, they are taught about the work culture and whats expected of them. If  workers don’t like to work after learning about the company, they are allowed to take $4000 to quit the job.

Because Zappos wants employees who fit in their work culture.  There is a things or 2 the author can learn from Zappos approach.

Here is a way to reinvent yourself

If You’re an Average Person Doing Average Work, You will be Fired

Over to You

What do you think?

How would you rate yourself with respect to the 5 skills

1. Communication
2. Problem Solving
3. Order Taker
4. Lack of desire
5. Unprofessional

Would you be able to reinvent if you lack any of the above skills?

Photo Credit  Shermeee

This post originally came from New Grads from India Lack These 5 Must Have Skills where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

Following contents is exact copy from USCIS site.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will transition from a paper-based model to a secure, electronic environment. This new user-friendly system is called the USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS).

Introduction

USCIS ELIS is an easy-to-use system designed to modernize the application process for immigration benefits. It will also provide more accurate, convenient, and secure customer service and allow USCIS to process cases with greater efficiency and consistency.

The initial launch of USCIS ELIS in 2012 will allow certain applicants to electronically file to extend or change nonimmigrant status (Form I-539). USCIS ELIS will gradually expand to include more benefit types and offer more functions.

Please visit www.uscis.gov/uscis-elis and watch our USCIS ELIS video to learn more.

Questions and Answers

Q1.  What is the Form I-20?
A1.  The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Form I-20 is a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status for foreign exchange students who wish to attend an educational program in the United States. Educational institutions issue Form I-20. Once students have a Form I-20, they can apply for a student visa or change of status.

Q2.  Does the Form I-20 prove lawful status?
A2.  No. Some state and federal benefit administrators require foreign students to present a Form I-20 under the mistaken belief that it is an indicator of lawful status. Form I-20 does not indicate lawful status, nor does it require a stamp to be valid.

Q3.  Will Forms I-20 continue to be stamped?
A3.  Once USCIS ELIS goes live, USCIS will no longer stamp Forms I-20. Applicants wishing to have USCIS stamp their Form I-20 may make an appointment online through InfoPass and take their form to a USCIS office. Stamping Form I-20 is a transitional service that field offices will discontinue in the near future.

Q4.  How will SEVIS Forms I-20 and Department of State Forms DS-2019 be handled in the online system?
A4.  Students using USCIS ELIS to file a stand-alone Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, will scan and upload supporting documentation, including the original Form I-20 and the original Department of State Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. USCIS will adjudicate the request electronically. Although the student will receive the approval notice (Form I-797) through the mail, the scanned copy of the Form I-20 will not be stamped and returned.

Q5.  How will an unstamped Form I-20 affect work authorization and applying for state or federal benefits?
A5.  The USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Document is the only legal document that authorizes students to work off-campus. An unstamped Form I-20 should have no negative impact on off-campus student employment or applications for state or federal benefits, including driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards. USCIS is actively communicating with Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) to ensure their understanding that a Form I-20 does not require a stamp to be valid. However, if specific issues arise with a DMV or other government agency rejecting a student’s unstamped I-20, we request that the student or their designated school official (DSO) contact our Public Engagement Divison at public.engagement@dhs.gov so that we can contact the government agency to clarify the benefit. Students may also make an appointment online through InfoPass and take their Form I-20 to a USCIS office to have it stamped. Stamping Form I-20 is a transitional service that field offices will discontinue in the near future.

Q6.  What is the difference between a stamped and endorsed Form I-20?
A6.  A stamped Form I-20 has been marked with an official stamp by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspections officer at a port of entry or by a USCIS officer who received it with the student’s Form I-539. A Form I-20 is endorsed when it is signed by a DSO for specific purposes, such as travel or employment. The Form I-20 does not provide any immigration benefits and does not require a stamp to be valid. However, it does require a DSO’s endorsement before the student may travel internationally or apply for employment authorization.

Q7.  What should students do with their original Form I-20?
A7.  USCIS recommends that students keep their original Form I-20 in a safe place for as long as they are in the United States on their student visa, and there is a possibility they may travel outside the U.S. for any reason.

This post originally came from Fact Sheet : USCIS ELIS and SEVIS Form I-20 where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

Are you waiting for H1B Visa 2013 receipt notice?

It usually takes less than 10 days to get the receipt notice. But, this time around, its taking longer than expected.

My employer have applied H1B petition on MAY 10th 2012. can anybody tell me that when can I expect the receipt numbers. My employer said that It might take one month. is this really true? Usually how much time will take to receive the receipt numbers.

My employer filed my H1(H4-H1) petition on Apr, 22nd(regular process). I haven’t received my receipt number yet.
Last week they updated that the USCIS deducted the amount from the check, which was sent with my documents. Can anyone tell how much time will it take to get my receipt number?

H1b Visa 2013 Receipt Notice Delay

USCIS has informed the American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) that:

This post originally came from H1B Visa 2013 Receipt Notice Issue Delay upto 60 Days where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

Following post was written by Navneeta in response to Simran.

Hi Simran,

Your story is really sad. It seems you have a very uncooperative spouse who is taking advantage of your Visa situation.

I really want to help, but, unfortunately for women on H4 work wise there are limited options. If you want to have fun and enjoy and work towards reviving hobbies, you are here for a great experience.

On an H4 You can either persuade your husband, or someone to sponsor your education that can be a good bet. Or you can try and find a sponsor for an H1. Then you can work. Since you were promised education before marriage, and came with only a B.com degree.

It will be tough to find a sponsorship. Don’t be disheartened though, you should still try and might sometimes succeed.

On a dependent visa if your parents are hoping that you would be able to work , it can really be very difficult. Life is beautiful and it is only you who can change it. Start looking for opportunities around.

Enroll in a gym. That helps you think positive.

Research for courses you can enroll into. Talk to your husband, he might want to help you. You have given just 1 month to the marriage. Be hopeful, things might change for good.

Invest in your hobby. You never know that might show you a way going forward.

Actively keep looking for jobs.

For suggestions what you can do here right now. We are trying to put forward a petition in the senate to let women work on H4.. Ofcourse that will take time but atleast you can actively get involved with it.

1. First, Please join this facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/H4Visa/
There are more than 200 women helping each other who are on H4 Visa situation. Support from people in similar situation helps to get though in difficult times. You will get more direction too.

2.There is a lawyer actively supporting us and we have filed a petition to let women on H4 work. Sign this petition
http://www.change.org/petitions/give-more-rights-to-h4-visa-holders

3. We are hosting a radio show on Friday June 1, where you can log in and tell your story. Listen to a lot of women on H4 who would be talking.

Send me your number on H4iamcaged@gmail.com. I can call you and let you know all the details. We can talk more in detail.

There are lot of organizations which can help women . If you want I can put you through them. But, I feel it is too early now. I hope your marriage can be worked out. We can talk and see what can be done.

Simran, there is help around. . I am willing to guide you. But you need to feel comfortable first. You need to make a choice of what kind of help you are seeking. No one should take advantage of your situation. You are the best person to decide what you need to do. I can surely help you with options.

Wish you luck. I am sure you will be able to find a way out soon.

Call me.

Best
Navneeta.

*****

Invest in your hobby. You never know that might show you a way going forward.

I started blogging as hobby, I would have never believed that Happy Schools Blog will be able to get so much traffic (and still growing) when I started this blog.

Hobby can tun into passions and with dedication and love, it can turn into a professions one day.

This post originally came from Options for H4 Visa Spouse’s Who Cannot Work in USA where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

Following F1 Visa Experience for Bachelors Degree was shared by Neplai.

I have to highlight this visa interview experience. Neplai has done an amazing job of crafting visa interview experience. Her way of describing how to prepare for the visa is just amazing.

For those with backlogs, following interview is must read.  If you just follow the tips in this F1 Visa experience from Nepal, you can get your visa approved.

*****

First a quick tip to get a visa for all the stressed minds: (Good SAT nd Academic scores & eye contact with your Visa Officer)

1) If you have just completed your PCL +2

Remember the most important thing to decide your visa is cheaper I-20 (i.e full scholarship)

(In 2nd or lower tier school SAT score is the most prior reason to decide your scholarship, so prepare for your SAT well and score higher)

2) After you receive your I-20.

If you got a good scholarship then your chances are high, but visa is still not guarantee.

And if you scored low in SAT or you have poor academics or got less scholarship, still it’s not that you won’t get a visa.

Because here i am a living example, I got a visa today even though I had 2 backlogs and no good scholarships. (But just remember your chances is low-you need to do good in interview)

So to get a visa after you get your I-20, is by convincing your counselor on 3 things.

1. You have enough income.
2. You will return back to your home country.
3. You are a genuine student. (For backlogs – tell the counselor how he can trust you can study, when you are a failure student.

(Backlogs)

Tell him something like : I was good until my +2 , but during my +2 i could not balance between my education and ECA.

And I am paying for this as you are asking me this question right now.

But however now I have made a strong amends that I will work hard and achieve my goal in life which is _____ and I also have promised my parents that I will study onwards and i can never break their promise so I will surely study.

And while you clarify all the questions asked by VO.

Just do not take your eyes off his eyes. And be bold and loud. (Sound Confident).

You will get a visa with no doubts.

[EYE CONTACT - EYE CONTACT - EYE CONTACT - EYE CONTACT - EYE CONTACT - ]

Never forget.

So, this was how my interview went.

VO : Hello ! How are you?
Me: Namaste Sir, I am doing good how are you.

VO: I am fine. So, you seem to be an average student, I doubt you can study in USA as US education is quite tough.
Me: No, U.S education is not tough as compared to NEPAL.

VO: What? How can you say that have you been to US? (In a sarcasm voice)
Me: (Still in bold voice- looking at his eyes) I have checked my syllabus of ECU-Computer Science program and every subject that i need to study is related to computer i.e Computer Programming, DataBase Design and Algorithm, System Architecture and i am darn good at computers, while in Nepal even in Computer Engineering we need to study physics and chemistry and these are subjects i am not much interested in.

[I looked him in his eyes and told boldly about all this, I showed him that i have done enough research about education system and i know content of my syllabus, so he was convinced that i am genuine student though i had bad grades]

VO: So East Central University?
Me: Yes Sir, this is one that best suits me.

VO: What are other universities you applied to?
Me: I told Arkansas Tech University, Russel ville, South Eastern Louisiana, Louisiana, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi, and the one that i chose i.e ECU.

VO: How many admits did you got ?
Me: I was accepted and awarded scholarship by all four of them.

VO: Why ECU among others?
Me: During my research on universities, I found that computer labs at ECU have linux operating system and as i have been using linux operating system since class 9 it will be really easy for me to work in that environment.

(He did not understood linux operating system so interrupted me on hearing linux)
(But i said the word clearly again and continued my speech didn’t bothered to clarify)

[In this answer he saw that i had researched about the universities as i even told him what is there in computer lab, Before going to interview have a better for this college over others)

VO: So your father works at XXX bank?
Me: Yes, he is a senior manager at XXX bank and is a retired Asst. Director of ZZZ bank where he worked for 28 years.

VO: Your mother own a XXXX company?
Me: Yes actually its our family business in the name of my mother.

VO: What does this company does ?
Me: We send people abroad to Dubai and UAE.

VO: ohhh Manpower?
Me: Yes Sir. and besides this we also have income from house rent, land lease and interest of our money in fixed deposits.

VO: So, your father own two houses?
Me: Yes Sir. One is here in Kathmandu and other in our village.

VO: Who stays in other house? (this is a tricky question)
Me: We have given for a poor family of our village to stay, who also take care of our agriculture.

(he started typing fast in his keyboard - remember if VO types for a long period then you got a visa)

VO: (while he was typing) So what will you do after four years?
Me: E-commerce is still in a developing phase in our country, so while this is still developing i want to be the one to develop it after i return to Nepal with my bachelor's degree.

[Here i proved my reason why i will return back to NEPAL. Have a good reason for why and what will you do after you return]

VO: What you mean by e-commerce?
Me: E-shopping, E-banking just like amzon or ebay.com

VO: Well you gave a reaaaallly good interview. I give you a visa. Pay your 200 $ fees on window 11, which is the last door on your right. And i will call you again.
Me: Thank you sir, It was pleasure talking to you.

[ I got a visa all because of my confidence and a bold talk with him ]

[Don't let him get to your fear, If he is Tiger, You are Lion ] [roar like a tiger do not let your voice down and don't panic and nervous ] NO NEVER -

Just maintain your confidence and eye contact you won’t be rejected.

Next – F1 Visa at Nepal (Thanks to US Law)

This post originally came from If Visa Officer is Tiger, You Must Roar Like A Lion To Get The Visa where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

I am with employer A and employer B wants to apply for H1b with change of status (L1B to H1B) for me.

Is this conversion comes under quota of 65,000 for the financial year (2013)?
Can my employer B file COS L1B to H1B coversion after the 65000 quota is over?

L1B To H1B

Yes, L1B to H1 in your case will come under H1B cap.

If you already have approved H1B then your transfer will not be counter under the cap.

This post originally came from L1B To H1B – Counted Under Cap? where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.

FY 2013 H-1B Cap Count 

This post originally came from H1B Cap 2013 Update – May 18, 2012 where you can find information about H1B Visa 2013 and GRE Scores.