Profile Details:

University: University of Illinois at Chicago
Course: MS in Electrical Engineering

Chennai Consulate
Date: May 2018
Status: Approved

Visa Interview Experience:

Reached the VAC at 1:30 pm and was let in. Following the security check at the first desk a lady asked me for the DS-160 and passport. After that at the second check the DS-160 is verified with the passport. At the third desk a sticker is put on the backside of the passport and you're asked to join the queue for biometrics and photograph along with the token. Wait for the token number to be displayed and proceed to the counter.

Reached the consulate at 10 a.m and was allowed in at 10:45. The queue went through a security check and sent into the main building. A guy asked for my passport and asked me to proceed into another building.

The first counter a lady asked for my passport and the University and told me to go to the next counter where they verified my fingerprints. Then, I was instructed to stand in the queue for the Visa interview. Took about 15-20 minutes for my turn.
 

ME: Good morning sir
VO: Good morning. Pass me your passport.
ME: Gave the passport.

VO: Why are you going to US?
ME: To pursue my Master's in Electrical Engineering.

VO: Pass me your I-20.
ME: Gave the I-20.

VO: Which university are you going to ?
ME: University of Illinois (interrupted by VO: Illinois at Chicago.. Great).

VO: What made you choose this university ?
ME: Spoke about the help I seeked from my undergrad professors in comparing coursework of different Universities, the course curriculum being a perfect fit and reviews from current seniors.(nodding while typing)

VO: What's your aggregate?
ME: 76.7%

VO: Laughing.. How do Indians score so much (I had an awkward smile)
VO: Any backlogs?
ME: No sir.

VO: When did you graduate?
ME: Last year in the month of June.

VO: What have you been doing since then?
ME: I work at EMC2 as a SQE.

VO: How are you funding your studies? (Looking at my I-20)
ME: (Had prepared an answer about liquid funds and other stuff but told) My father will be my sponsor and I also have an education loan sanctioned from HDFC.

VO: Have a great stay in the states. I am approving your Visa.
ME: Thank you Sir. Have a great day ahead. :)
 

Documents for OFC: Passport, DS-160 and appointment confirmation.
Documents asked during VI: Passport and I-20
Documents carried for VI:

• Passport, I-20, Sevis fee confirmation, Appointment Confirmation, DS-160
• GRE, TOEFL scorecards, Transcripts, Marksheets (10th, 12th and BE), Degree Certificate
• Admit letters from the universities
• CA certificate, Affidavit of Support.
• For liquid funds: Bank Savings statement, EPF Passbook (online statement), FD statement.
• For immovable assets: Property evaluation reports.
• For Current income from India: Father's ITR (last 3 years), Form-16, Transaction statement of last 6 months, Pay slips (mine) and the IT computation statement.
• Loan Sanctioned letter
• CV, SOP

Maintain a positive attitude, be concise and confident. All the best !!