Various myths and misconceptions are revolving around the F1 visa interview; with this blog, I aim to resolve those issues. There can be an exception for every one of these points, but there are just myths in most cases.

1. Low CGPA, GRE, TOEFL Scores affect my visa interview.

This will not impact your visa interview; college judges you for your qualification. VO judges your intentions behind going to the United States. Do not worry about it too much. But if you fall into this category, prepare for this answer, explain this with confidence, and smile

2. If you have applied to only one college or 12-15 colleges, it’s gonna be a problem

No, explain to him the actual reason why you applied for one college only. Explain your thought process, research involved behind choosing, or applying for one university only.

3. Do I need to have an I20 amount in my bank account?

Reality - No, you don’t need to. You just need to show that you will be able to accommodate yourself financially and have a source of financing

‍

4. Consulates Location matter.

Reality - No, it does not; there are US Visa officers everywhere; they do not care about states or where the visa office is; they are there to do their job. It depends on the Visa officer which you will be getting and not on the consulate

5. If you have been rejected previously for another visa, you will not get an F1 Visa

Reality - Various people have got their F1 Visa after getting rejections. You just have to explain why you were rejected and just be confident about it.

‍

6. If you say you will work there in OPT or STEM extension, you will be rejected.

Reality - There is no harm in saying that you will be willing to explore OPT or STEM options there, it comes under F1 Visa, but in no circumstances you should say that you won’t be coming back to India or you are willing to work over there.

‍

7. Agents/Consultancies can increase your chances for Visa acceptance.

Reality - There is no way to increase your acceptance chance; there are no insiders when it comes to Visa interviews. So, don’t fall into that trap.