A student from Hyderabad was left puzzled after being denied a US F-1 visa, following an unexpectedly technical interview at the US Consulate.
After confidently answering routine questions about his education and university plans, the consular officer shifted gears and asked in-depth technical questions — a rare occurrence in such interviews.
Sharing his experience on Reddit, the student wrote: "I had my F-1 visa interview today (May 30, 2025) at the Hyderabad Consulate. The visa officer, a white male in his 30s, rejected me under Section 214(b). I'm posting here to understand what might have gone wrong and how to do better next time."
Initially, the officer asked standard questions about the student’s academic background and admission to Indiana University Bloomington, where he planned to study data science.
However, the tone of the interview changed when the officer suddenly asked about the difference between arrays and linked lists, and also questioned him on linear regression — concepts from computer science and data analysis.
The student said he remained calm and answered everything honestly.
"I was surprised by the level of technical questions asked. I don’t know whether the problem was in my answers, my university choice, or how I explained my project. I’d really appreciate advice from others who’ve had similar experiences," he wrote.
Other Reddit users shared their own visa interview experiences, many of which varied widely in tone and length.
One user recounted a 15-second interview, while another described being asked only about their fiancé and wedding plans.
Commenters offered support and feedback, with one advising, “Don’t say ‘industry-oriented’ unless you clarify that you plan to return to your home country.”
Others suggested that the student might have panicked or failed to tie his answers to long-term goals in India.
Another user speculated that time constraints might have led the officer to make a quick decision, adding, “Just reapply. Next time, make sure to link your technical answers to how they benefit your career in India.”
