An Indian student recently shared his experience on Reddit about successfully obtaining a U.S. F-1 visa in under 30 seconds. He had secured admission to New York University (NYU) for a second master’s degree in Molecular Toxicology, fully funded through a scholarship.
The student holds an MTech in Biotechnology from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, where he graduated with a CGPA of 9.04. His visa interview took place at 10 AM on June 23. According to his account, the interaction with the visa officer was brief but impactful. The officer approved his visa immediately after reviewing his academic background and hearing his responses.
During the interview, the student was asked to explain what Molecular Toxicology is. He answered confidently and provided a practical example. When the officer asked whether his scholarship was merit-based or application-driven, the student explained that it was based on both his academic achievements and personal essays.
What stood out in his post was the advice he offered to other applicants. He observed that the visa officer had rejected six candidates ahead of him, mostly because of vague or generic answers to common questions such as “Why this university?” He emphasized the need for personalized and honest responses, encouraging applicants to highlight what truly attracted them to their chosen institution — whether it be a specific professor, research area, community, or financial aid opportunity.
He also pointed out the importance of preparing for unexpected questions. He mentioned one case where an applicant was denied because they didn’t know the location of the university town Ann Arbor.
To prepare for his own interview, the student said he relied on YouTube channels like Argo Visa, Chai & Coaching, and ZF Visa, which provide guidance on navigating the U.S. student visa process.
He concluded by sharing a perspective that helped shape his strategy: visa officers approach every application with skepticism. The applicant’s responsibility is to clearly demonstrate a genuine academic purpose and intent to return, using specific, thoughtful, and honest answers.
