My USA Student VISA got APPROVED on 2ND attempt.

The whole process of applying to US universities and then getting a visa is no doubt a hectic process, especially when you apply by yourself.

After giving your legs and arms to get that i20, and then an appointment date for a student visa is a whole complete struggle for students especially Asian students ( Indian and Nepalese ) as the dates are always packed.

Even after doing so much hard work most of the students get rejected within a few minutes and sometimes within seconds.

The same happened to me, I was rejected for the spring 2023 intake. After months of effort and research seeing your dream scatter within a minute feels absolutely a disaster.

However, everything happened for a good reason and teaches you something worthwhile in this process.

After taking 6 months of break and improving my profile, I got my visa for fall 2023 with a double scholarship.

WHAT CHANGES HAVE I MADE TO MY PROFILE?

Previously my university waived for SAT or ACT test scores and gave me the maximum amount of scholarship which was 40% of my tuition fee.

However, I wanted to make a major change in my profile which is why I started preparing for SAT exam in the USEF-Nepal library which is a network of US EDUCATION that provide free materials for standardized test preparation and informative events.

At that time, the college board recently changed the exam pattern from a paper pen based to a digital format which was very new and overwhelming as there was not a sufficient guide for the digital SAT.

With less time and limited resources, I gave the digital SAT test on the 11th of March and scored 1270 score which gave me an 80% scholarship.

As I was a regular library user in USEF-Nepal, I also got the opportunity to volunteer for US EDUCATION FAIR 2023 where approximately 20 US universities have came to represent their university.

Last time, I did not practice mock interviews due to health issues but this time I was well prepared. To be honest, over prepared.

I also attend several visa sessions conducted by US EMBASSY in order to have a better understanding of the process and visa criteria.

THREE CRITERIA TO OBTAIN A US STUDENT VISA.

• Intend to be a full-time student
• Have sufficient funding for the study
• Lastly and most importantly, the intention of returning back to your country after completion of your study.

Suggestions for reapplying students.

1. Do not memorize the answer, try to speak as naturally and causal as possible as it is a conversation, not a test.
2. Do not listen to others' opinions about changing your university or major.
3. Changing your university and major is not a significant change unless your university is ranked top 100 in the world or is best for your major.
4. Significant changes must be in your profile that supports above mentioned 3 criteria, it may be your sponsor, your country ties, scholarship, or any outstanding academic achievements.
5. Having a full scholarship does not guarantee you a visa as studying in America is expensive for not only international students but also Americans that is why it is crucial to know about your living expenses as well.
6. Lastly, know yourself and your reasons well.

Best of luck with your interview.