PhD Without Master’s? F-1 Student Grilled for IIT Dream

A US student visa applicant recently shared his difficult interview experience in New Delhi while applying for an F-1 visa for a STEM PhD programme. The student was seeking admission to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a PhD in Electrical Engineering.

According to the applicant, he attended the visa interview on May 19 and was later issued a 221(g) administrative processing slip. He claimed the visa officer appeared surprised that he was directly entering a PhD programme without completing a master’s degree first.

The student said the officer repeatedly interrupted his responses during the interview. He also claimed the officer appeared irritated throughout the interaction and showed little interest in hearing complete answers.

During the interview, the applicant was reportedly questioned about his earlier J-1 research internship at Penn State. The officer also asked about his interest in electrical engineering and his long-term career plans after graduation.

The student said he clearly explained that he planned to return to India after completing his PhD. According to him, he told the officer that he wanted to become a professor at an IIT and contribute to improving India’s research culture.

Soon after that response, the officer allegedly handed him a 221(g) administrative processing slip. The student claimed the sudden decision left him confused despite explaining his future plans clearly during the interview.

Another detail that reportedly surprised the applicant was the officer’s focus on social media accounts. According to the post, the officer specifically instructed him to keep all his social media profiles public before retaining his passport.

The applicant also shared that his CEAC status currently shows “Refused” along with administrative processing language. The experience has reportedly left him uncertain and frustrated about the outcome of his visa application.