- Friday, June 20, 2025
An Indian backend developer’s F-1 visa was approved in just 30 seconds at the Hyderabad consulate, going viral on Reddit. As reactions pour in, the story unfolds amid tighter US scrutiny on international students’ social media.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
A young Indian software engineer’s F-1 visa approval in just 30 seconds at the Hyderabad US Consulate has captured widespread attention online, highlighting both the unpredictability and the evolving nature of the American student visa process in 2025.
A Remarkably Swift Interview
The applicant, who spent two years as a Backend Developer at a reputed Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) in India, shared his experience on Reddit. His interview was scheduled for 10:30 AM IST, and the process was notably brief. The consular officer began by requesting his passport and I-20 form for verification. After confirming the documents, the officer asked about his current professional role. “I work as a Backend Developer at a PBC,” he replied.
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The Key Question: Motivation for Higher Studies
The officer then inquired why the applicant wanted to pursue a Master’s degree at this stage in his career. The engineer’s response was straightforward, “while I was working as a developer, I realized I need to gain more knowledge and an in-depth grip on a lot of core concepts, so that I could come back to India and work in even better companies and better roles.”
The clarity of his academic and career goals seemed to impress the officer, who immediately responded, “Great, your visa is approved. You should receive your passport in a week or so.”
Social Media Buzz and Mixed Reactions
The Reddit post, titled “F1 approved in 30 seconds,” quickly gained traction. Many users congratulated the applicant, with some noting the importance of having a clear and honest motivation for higher studies. One user commented, “Congratulations! Even they know you’re not doing masters to come back to India and work. I’m sure your college or VO was in a good mood.”
Others were more cynical, warning about the challenges of studying in the US: “You won’t gain more knowledge in USA. You gain debt, depression and jobless. Situation is so bad, and it gets much worse. Save yourself and enjoy life in India.”
Some shared similar experiences, noting that prior work with American companies or having a strong professional background often helps in visa interviews. “Same story 4 years ago, VO went chill as soon as he saw that I worked for a reputed American MNC,” another user wrote.
Stricter Scrutiny and New Policy Requirements
The incident comes at a time when the US has resumed student visa interviews with stricter requirements. The State Department now mandates that applicants make their social media accounts publicly viewable during the application process. Consular officers are instructed to monitor online presence for any signs of hostility toward US citizens, government, or culture.
These changes follow a temporary pause in F-1 visa appointments in late May, during which the US government reviewed and revised its policies for foreign students. The F-1 visa, primarily issued to international students seeking academic degrees, is now subject to tighter scrutiny and more rigorous background checks.
This viral story of a 30-second F-1 visa approval stands out against the backdrop of increasingly rigorous US student visa processes.
While some applicants breeze through with clear intentions and strong profiles, others face tough questions and heightened scrutiny, reflecting the complex and evolving landscape for Indian students aspiring to study in America
