Visa officer at US consulate tests student skills

A student visa applicant at the U.S. Consulate in Hyderabad recently faced an unusual line of questioning during their F-1 visa interview, sparking widespread discussion across student communities and immigration forums.

According to reports shared on Reddit and picked up by local media, the visa officer deviated from the standard set of questions typically focused on academic intentions, financial preparedness, and ties to home country. Instead, the officer asked the student multiple technical questions related to the applicant's field of study—computer science.

The student was quizzed on topics including data structures, machine learning fundamentals, the difference between arrays and linked lists, and linear regression. Despite confidently responding to all queries, the student's visa was ultimately denied, with the officer stating:
“Unfortunately, your visa has been rejected. You’re welcome to reapply.”

This rare occurrence has raised concerns and curiosity among students planning to pursue higher education in the United States. While U.S. visa officers have discretion in assessing candidates, it is uncommon for interviews to include technical assessments akin to academic exams.

Immigration experts speculate that the move may reflect a shift toward evaluating not just the authenticity of the applicant's academic plans, but also their preparedness and understanding of their chosen field. The U.S. has recently intensified efforts to curb misuse of student visas and ensure applicants are genuinely qualified.

Students preparing for F-1 visa interviews are now advised to not only gather proper documentation but also be well-versed in the basics of their academic discipline.

The U.S. Embassy has not issued an official comment on the incident. However, this development underscores the evolving dynamics of visa interviews and the importance of holistic preparation for prospective international students.