<p>Yes, that’s what the DOS website says. Whether or not that’s actually enforced, I don’t know.</p>
<p>I had a VISA appointment 5 days ago (Tuesday) and the whole procedure took around 30 minutes. First I gave my prints at a booth then I gave them the photograph and the necessary documents at another booth and finally at the last booth I were asked the following:</p>
<p>Q:You are going to Penn State University?
A:Yes</p>
<p>Q:Have you ever been in the US before?
A:Yes one time last year.</p>
<p>Q:Its a four year academic program?
A:Correct it is a bachelor in Aerospace engineering.</p>
<p>Q:Is your father paying for your studies?
A:Yes he is.</p>
<p>Q: Do you have any family in the US
A:No</p>
<p>Then the interviewer told me that everything looks okay and I left. 2 Days later I had my VISA on my desk.</p>
<p>Where are you from? And thanks for telling us about how it went! No documents were asked for?</p>
<p>I said that I gave them all the necessary document at the second booth didn’t you see that? :)</p>
<p>(Bank statement, SEVIS, I-20 form, photograph and some other documents)</p>
<p>Oh and I also forgot that in the second booth I completed a form saying in which university I am going, whats my intended major and the academic year I will start.</p>
<p>Barium: Thanks for the help! I have contacted my college’s international office. 
I spoke to a Visa officer recently, and the passport has to be valid at least until SIX months after the date the visa is issued. It’s okay if you need to renew after that(not necessary to have the passport valid for 4 yrs after date of issue of visa).</p>
<p>I had my visa interview today at Delhi consulate at 10:30 am but my actual interview began at 12:15. An advice to everyone, please do not waste your time by going hours before your interview time because they will let you in only 15 minutes prior your interview time.</p>
<p>VO as a blonde guy probably in his late 20s or early 30s.</p>
<p>Me : Hi sir, Good Morning.
VO : Hi, Good Morning, How are you?</p>
<p>Me : I am fine sir how about you.
VO : I am good.</p>
<p>VO : So why SUNY Binghamton?(Constantly staring at my i-20)
Me : Sir, it’s a premier public university. The school of management is very reputed and has
a great business program.</p>
<p>VO : Any relatives in the US?
Me : Yes sir my sister lives in the US</p>
<p>VO : Where?
Me : White plains, Sir.</p>
<p>VO : What other universities did you apply to?
Me : Penn state, Univ Of connecticut and Roch Ins of Tech, all admits.</p>
<p>VO gets up to talk to someone else, comes back with a smile on his face and I was like
dude you got it.</p>
<p>VO : (again) What other universities did you apply to?
Me : Same answer again.</p>
<p>VO : I dont understand why you want to pursure your undergraduation in management
from US and not India.
Me : Sir I want to update my skills and have up to date knowledge so that I can come
to India and start a business with my dad, which is the main reason that he is
investing so much money in me.</p>
<p>VO : Sorry you are not eligible for a US visa.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t say my answers were perfect though I spoke extremely confidently, I did not fumble or anything, he was just not satisfied by my answers. Also, I think my reply to his last ques. should have emphasised more on the advancement of US edu sytem, its flexibilty and stuff like that and not about my intentions of coming back to India.
I still can’t believe I got denied. A stupid guy before me who couldn’t speak proper english got one. I am soooo unhappy and angry right now. </p>
<p>I hope all you guys get your visas. But be prepared for the worst too.</p>
<p>There is a website called edulix.com, I beg you, do have a look at its visa interview experiences. They are really helpful(unfortunately not for me). Though you’ll have to make an account first but its totally worth it.</p>
<p>Now I plan on applying again for an interview. Wish me luck guys. Can’t do nothing but watch HIMYM now. Today was totally UNLEGEN, wait for it till I get my visa in the next attempt.</p>
<p>I think you were denied because your sister lives there, and she lives real close to the college.</p>
<p>I have already gotten my visa. I just had a one minute interview, and the only questions I was asked were: Which university am I going to? Who will be financing be? Which high school do I currently attend?</p>
<p>It was pretty simple :)</p>
<p>Edit: financing me*</p>
<p>Oh I was also asked if I have relatives there, which I do.</p>
<p>archiver, what country are you from? Interviews vary drastically from country to country.</p>
<p>I’m an Asian. (Don’t like disclosing specific details on here)</p>