My Journey as an International Student - Ep 2

In the previous episode, I walked you through how I navigated the process of researching universities, preparing documents, and submitting applications as an international student. It was a long and thoughtful journey that finally paid off when the acceptance letters started rolling in.

But getting accepted is only half the story.

The real adventure begins after that, turning the acceptance into a reality. From understanding the I-20 form, preparing for the visa interview, and finally boarding a flight to the United States, the road ahead was filled with both excitement and anxiety.

In this episode, I’ll share how I handled this crucial second phase, the decisions, paperwork, interviews, and the emotions that came with it. If you're currently waiting for your I-20 or preparing for your visa interview, I hope this gives you a clear picture of what to expect and the confidence to face it.

Receiving the I-20

Once I confirmed my admission to Northeastern University, the next step was to receive the I-20 form, a crucial document that officially allows you to apply for a student visa (F-1). Without it, you can’t schedule your visa interview or enter the U.S. as a student.

The I-20 is essentially a certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant student status. It includes details such as:

• Your SEVIS ID (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)

• Your program start and end dates

• Your tuition estimate

• Personal information (name, DOB, citizenship)

• Your unique Student ID and school code

To get the I-20 issued, Northeastern required a few important documents:

• Proof of Financial Support:
  I had to show that I could afford tuition and living expenses for at least one academic year. This included:

  • Bank statements (usually 3–6 months of transaction history)

  • Investment portfolios (Statements of any investments like Fixed deposits and such)

  • Affidavit of support (if the sponsor was a parent or guardian)

  • Scholarship or assistantship letters (if applicable)

• Passport Copy:
  A scanned copy of the information page of my passport.

• Enrollment Form:
  I filled out a form on Northeastern’s student portal with personal and academic details, confirming my intent to attend.

Once I uploaded all the necessary documents and my financial proof was verified, the university issued my I-20. This usually takes about 1–2 weeks, though it can be longer during peak seasons. I received mine via email as a digitally signed PDF (most U.S. universities now allow digital I-20s), which I downloaded and printed for the visa process.

Paying the SEVIS Fee

Once I had my I-20 in hand, the very next step was to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. This is a mandatory fee that supports the maintenance of the SEVIS database, the system used by the U.S. government to track and monitor students and exchange visitors.

What is the SEVIS Fee?

It’s a one-time fee of $350 for F-1 visa applicants, and it must be paid at least 3 days before your visa interview. The fee is tied to your unique SEVIS ID number, which is printed on your I-20.

Paying the SEVIS fee marked a real turning point; it felt like the journey was truly becoming official. With the receipt in hand, I was now ready to schedule the visa interview.

Scheduling the Visa Interview

With my I-20 issued and the SEVIS fee paid, it was time for one of the most nerve-wracking yet exciting steps: scheduling my F-1 visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

Step 1: Fill Out the DS-160 Form

This is a mandatory online non-immigrant visa application form. It’s detailed and can take some time to complete.

• I went to the official Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) to start the DS-160.

• The form asks for personal details, passport info, educational background, travel plans, and SEVIS ID.

• I uploaded a recent passport-sized photo that met the U.S. visa photo specifications.

• After submitting the DS-160, I received a DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode, which I had to print, as it’s required on the day of the visa interview.

Step 2: Create a Profile on the CGI Federal Portal

To book the visa appointment, I had to create an account on the CGI Federal website (India-specific or country-specific, based on your location).

• I selected my visa type (F-1), entered my DS-160 confirmation number, and selected a U.S. consulate.

• I paid the visa application fee, which was around $185 at the time. Payment methods included NEFT, IMPS, and bank challans.

Step 3: Book VAC and Visa Interview Appointments

In India (and many countries), the visa process involves two separate appointments:

1. VAC (Visa Application Center) appointment – For biometric data collection (photo + fingerprints).

2. Visa Interview at the U.S. Consulate – The actual visa interview.

Once payment was confirmed, I could see available dates and choose convenient slots for both appointments. I chose an early morning interview slot, as it's usually less crowded.

VAC and Interview Appointments

VAC Appointment

The first appointment I booked was at the Visa Application Center (VAC), usually scheduled a day or two before the actual interview.

At this appointment, I had to:

• Submit my passport

• Present the DS-160 confirmation page

• Bring the visa fee receipt and appointment confirmation

• Get my fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken

This process was fairly quick and efficient. The staff verified my documents, made sure all the required paperwork was in order, and took my biometrics. No interview or questioning happens during this appointment; it’s purely for data collection and verification.

(Note: Be punctual, dress neatly (even if it's not the interview), and carry both printed and digital copies of your documents just in case.)

Visa Interview at the U.S. Consulate

The second appointment (actual visa interview) took place at the U.S. Consulate. This is where you meet a consular officer who decides whether to approve your F-1 visa.

I carried:

• My passport

• The I-20 form

• SEVIS fee payment receipt

• DS-160 confirmation

• Financial proof documents (bank statements, sponsor letters)

• Academic transcripts, admit letter, and any supporting documents

At the consulate, I was first guided through a security check and document verification process. Then, I waited in line for my turn to speak with a visa officer.

The interview itself was surprisingly brief, just a few minutes. The officer asked me questions like:

• Why did you choose this university?

• Who is funding your education?

• How many universities did you apply to?

I answered honestly and confidently. Once the interview was over, the officer said, “Your visa is approved,” and that moment felt like a huge milestone. I had to wait another week to receive my passport stamped with the visa.

Preparing for the Journey to the USA

With the visa stamped in my passport, the final phase of this long journey began. “The Move,” as I like to call it, started off with booking my flight. I was on the lookout for the lowest prices, minimal layovers, and most importantly, automatic luggage transfer at intermediate airports. I didn’t want the added stress of collecting and rechecking baggage while finding terminals in unfamiliar airports. After quite a bit of research, Etihad Airways checked all the boxes, and it offered a smooth experience, good connectivity, and a very comfortable journey overall.

The next thing I did was to prepare both physical and digital copies of the essential documents needed for immigration, which included the following:

• Passport with F-1 Visa

• Original I-20 (signed)

• SEVIS fee receipt

• Admission letter

• Financial proof (bank statements, loan sanction letters, sponsor affidavit)

• Vaccination records (if required)

• Emergency contacts and U.S. address
  

I kept these in a folder in my hand baggage for quick access during travel.

After this started the laborious process of packing. Packing wasn’t just about clothes. I made sure to carry:

• Academic materials and electronics (laptop, chargers, converters)

• Medicines with prescriptions

• Basic cooking items (especially Indian spices and some utensils)

• A lot of casual clothing

• A couple of formal outfits for orientation and career fairs

• Some books that I can read

• Some religious items

Fortunately, bringing these items with me turned out to be a great decision, considering how frequently and effectively I am using them.

(Note: Don’t overpack clothes. It’s better to carry essentials and buy winter gear once you arrive, it’s often cheaper and better suited to local conditions.)

One thing I was consistently doing alongside all the other preparations was searching for accommodation. I joined multiple WhatsApp groups for Northeastern admits. These communities were invaluable in finding roommates, apartments, and learning about the best neighborhoods to live in near campus. Fortunately, I didn't need to search far for a roommate. I had a friend who was already studying at Northeastern at the time, and as luck would have it, he was looking for a roommate just when I needed housing. It worked out perfectly; I was able to join him and his friends, which made the transition much easier and more comforting.

Wrapping Up: From Dream to Departure

Looking back, the journey from researching universities to boarding that final flight to Boston was nothing short of a rollercoaster. Every step, from writing SOPs and taking English proficiency tests to gathering documents and attending the visa interview, came with its own set of challenges and learnings. What made it all worthwhile was the sense of purpose and the dream I was working toward.

There were moments of stress and uncertainty, but also moments of clarity, hope, and unexpected help, like finding a roommate in a friend or getting that long-awaited visa approval. Planning everything ahead of time helped reduce last-minute panic and made the entire transition more manageable.

As I stood at the airport, passport in hand and a head full of dreams, I realized how far I had come. With that feeling, I boarded the flight. When I finally landed, I was giddy with excitement about the opportunities waiting for me on the other side of the world. The immigration questions were fairly standard, similar to those asked during the visa interview, but I honestly don’t remember much. What I do remember vividly is stepping out of the gate, spotting my friend waiting with a smile, and feeling an overwhelming sense of relief and anticipation. That moment made me realize, this is just the beginning.

Thank you for taking the time to read my journey. I hope my experiences and insights help you navigate your own path toward achieving your dreams. If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out.