Interview Nepal or India?

Because of the recent change in the interview polices, accepted student for this fall 2023 are having hard time to get their visa interview slots Previously, students could schedule their interview within 120 days, but now they have up to 365 days to do so, as long as they have a valid I-20 form. Many students are experiencing login errors in their CGI account due to high traffic. However, new students should not worry because this happens every spring when booking for appointments.

There is numerous visa post since the slots were open after the pandemic. The active posts and comments on the internet are making students wonder whether to choose Nepal or India for a visa interview. After having completed all the processes done for university admission, received an I-20, and left for the interview, the most important decision to determine whether you qualify or not to go to the United States comes from your final round. That end part also includes the place you take the Interview.

Some people have given up their dream just because of the interview decisions. Some panicked and transferred their accounts to another country, while others changed their minds and started a new application for another nation. Some people have even experienced mental health problems, which could be from their family members, friends, or people who have been to their dream country.

The location of the interview plays a significant role in the decision made by the Visa Officer. These officers are often to understand the socio-cultural context of the country where the consulate office is located (Source: Former Visa Officer, Argo Visa). They are aware of the educational system, economic conditions, and other factors that might affect a student’s intent to study abroad. This knowledge helps them assess the credibility and intentions of the applicant better. Even I have found several people getting rejected from the same reason was not taking interview in their home country. In 2021, many Nepali student got their visa approved in the consulate of India because the embassy of Nepal was closed. Gradually, the number of approving the visa has started decline as the pandemic decreases. Still, there has been an assumption to student that taking an interview in India is visa granted which is not true always. There are some exceptional cases where student got visa approved from outside the home country which do not happen to all of them.

Students going for this fall 2023 (starting in mid-August) should not get panic. You should not rush to defer your intake to spring 2024. You still have three months left to make a decision about changing your term. From my one and half year experience in looking for, what I found from there was they open slots in bulk at least one time in bulk in each month from April to until end of the August. This time also, I hope they will do the same for the benefits of bona fide students.  

Good luck to those who have got their appointment. Keep checking the appointment wait time and stay updated to those looking for dates. I wish you all the best in achieving their goals.