 Can a husband and wife study in the US together, each on their own F1 visa? Can they take their child along? And can they do bachelor's after a gap of 10 years? Well, today's video is a real F1 visa interview experience of a couple, Catherine and Kevin, and they are proving to you that all of this is possible and taking you along their F1 visa journey. This is a highly inspiring story, keep on watching. Hi, I'm Kevin. That's my wife, Catherine. Hi, Kevin and Catherine. So, what do you guys do? So, right now, I'm in the States. I'm doing my bachelor's and BYUI to Brigham Young University. I'm doing my communications bachelor's. I'm doing digital marketing and public relations. So, you're finished a year, right? Yes, I've finished a year. And Catherine is joining you now for the CSAT? Yes, I am joining him now. I just got my visa. We were about to fly another four days. Together. And I have been working before that. So, now we're together studying. I'm studying in the same university. I'm also doing, I'm majoring in communication and I'm doing video production as my emphasis with social and digital media. So, how many guys, I mean, how many years of work experience do you have? I've been around 10 years of work experience. Okay. And you, Kevin, how many years? I had four years, four to five years. Okay. Of work experience before you decide to... Yes, yes. So, what was the main motivation? What led you to this that, okay, now I want to study? Of course, I'll be very, very honest that I wanted to create more opportunity for my family and for myself. I want to see myself grow. And that's when I thought that I want to go abroad and study and have that quality of life, which I want to increase for myself, the knowledge I wanted to gain. So, that's when I thought, let's give it a shot. Was it like a collective decision that both of you decided that, okay, both of us should study or did one influence, okay, he went. So, now let me also try. So, it started with both of us wanting to study. The original plan was that we both will be studying. However, we knew that we initially we wouldn't have been able to fund both of our, like the process till end. So, we decided that first Kevin would try. And then I would... The first plan was that we would go with him as dependents. And then once we are there, then I will settle in, then I'll apply probably in a year. So, we were not able to go with him as dependents. So, he went because he had to start his education. And the plan that we had that after a year, I would accompany him with the bachelor's and start my graduation. So, we did that. I did that being here. So, I had my son. We have a three-year-old son also. So, Kevin went and me and my son were here for like a year. And meanwhile, I applied. So, the eventual plan was to study together, but obviously couldn't do it together. What kind of feedback did you get from people around you when you said, okay, I'm going to go to US or that I want to go to US study after this gap and also start basically from like a bachelor level. It's not even like, okay, you're going to go. Which is still okay, right? I mean, still okay in the sense it's still common. But starting from a bachelor level, what kind of signals did you get or what kind of... I think I'll be very honest, not to offend anyone, but it's more like a society norms that is there in our heads. And I've never been part of those society norms that I can't do this because of this reason. And it's a sad because we are living in a generation, we're living in a time where we should not think of these things and do our best. And yes, I'm turning 30. I turned 30 last month, but it's never too late to give up on your dreams, right? If you want to buy a car in the age of 60, why should you not buy that car? Because you're 60. No, it's just an example that yes, people did talk about it that, you will be graduating as like so what? It's okay. I'll be happy. At least I'll accomplish my goals that I want to be a graduate in a broad university that will very enhance my profile and my experience. And then when I will move on from that point, it will be very strong and firm with my career and with my confidence that I need. And honestly, just like Kevin said, there were a lot of technical reasons that people were giving us and I'm not saying that they were right or wrong, but there were a lot of ifs and buts, you know, you guys will go together because we both have sponsors, you know, like separate sponsors. So, you know, like when we tried earlier, we had one sponsor who was sponsoring the entire family. So there were like so many things that financially you guys will not be able to do. It's going to be difficult over there, but you know, having a son as well. And at that time, he would have like two dependents and you know, like the visa process will not go through. So there were like so many, so many, I would say myths or, you know, like conditions that would put on us that, you know, we like now when we look back, we understand that there are yes, technical things, but they're all solvable, you know, if you understand the right route, you can do, you know, you can like overcome that. But initially, we just had to like, you know, like take our own faith and still take the step because we didn't get a lot of days. And that's where your magic comes in. So that is much later. So basically, you figured out your university, you got the admit, you got your sponsor, everything, and then started the entire visa. And one more thing I want to mention, I'm really sorry I'm stopping you because when I started my application, I started watching your YouTube videos and there was no Instagram channel that you had. Yeah, you were like, and I was like, there is something, there is something that you have when you share your knowledge and skills, that is very, what I would say, what's the word, I would say very simple, very simplistic. It's easy to understand for any lame man. We need the same thing in our country because people don't have the basic knowledge or confidence. And that's where I started telling Catherine, the Saachi's videos are really nice. Please watch, please watch, please watch. And I kept telling her that. She was like, I don't know, I don't know, because I'm busy. But I was like, you know, you have to watch because she has a lot of things to offer on videos itself. And then I was, I'll be very honest, I will financially very crunched in, I would have taken you. And I did have this major course, like the one that... It was, yeah, it was part beginner's house. Yeah, but we did take two of your workshops. It really helped, it really helped. I don't know if you've seen it or not, but I actually remember you both attending the workshop together. We did it together. Because not very, like very few people have video on. Yeah. Who are like one of the few people who had a video on in the workshop. I remember, like, I don't know, I just have that image. That was the second time that when we were applying for the visa, because we did have a first rejection when we applied as F1 and F2, me and my son. And then the second time when we, you know, planned, that is when Kevin, you know, started all the research, found you and he realized that, oh, there are these questions that we need to prepare for and, you know, like those, I'm saying, because people who are around us, even people who have gone there, we didn't get that kind of help, you know, he asks questions, you know, these are the ways that you have to be prepared. But when he did that research and the second time, we actually went through your entire workshop and we understand that, oh, okay, this is the dynamics that we have to prepare. So that helped us a lot. So just a camp your visa journey, first you applied for F1 and F2 together, that got rejected. Then you applied again, F1 and F2. Again rejected. Yes. We applied alone. Yes. Alone, F1. That third interview, what did you feel was the difference, like, was it just because of you were applying alone? So if the officer felt confident that, okay, you will come back or was it just like, you're asking just for me? Yeah, you are into it. Yeah, what did I feel because it was really devastating when we got denied twice. But what I realized that now at this point that our finances were not strong enough at that point when I was applying. Even though you had a spot on post? Yes, when we changed our case altogether and he said that, yeah, financially I am stable. I can go and study. And then, yes, I was definitely prepared for the questions that he had and the confidence that I was speaking with. So he asked me three questions, it was barely four minutes. And I was on point with the things very aware of the people who were in front, whatever question that he was asking him for those particular people. And I was like, I think he's going to have this pattern and I need to have the same pattern. I guess I'll prepare and I start preparing on the spot for those questions. And it really helped. He did ask me same question. He asked me the guy who was in front of me. And yeah, and then it was not that big of a problem on the third time for me. And he said, enjoy your education and graduation. So this was last year for all 21? Yes, same time. Fast forward before 22. Is then Catherine decided, okay, now it's my turn, I will do the next study. So how did you, you had like quite a bit of background now. I would say that. Absolutely true. So I put a more in-depth prep. Yes. So what was the reason for that? So initially I had applied for the April semester, but there were no visa slots in Delhi or India, I should say. So we were not able to get any visa slots. So then that is when I think in June, Kevin decided to fly down because he is like, I think my presence is required and we'll be able to prepare together. So I had shifted my deferred my semester to fall. And so that's when, so the entire thing was that even when we got the visa, that was because you had put that on your story that the visa appointment. Yeah, appointment. Sorry, sorry, appointment. Yeah. So you had, there was a one Saturday. I remember slots had opened up. Yes. And he was following you religiously, very honestly. And I am sorry to stop you because even when I'm not like on the visa, up front now, I don't need the visa, but I still watch your content for information. I like it. And not that I needed for her or this and I told her as like, you know, I randomly also go to her page and watch what she has to offer, which is really good because I can anytime have friends or family who would need some information, I can guide it to you or tell myself, listen, you can do this, which I do. I never, I never stopped the information that I have for somebody or for anything. And we were standing at the bank. Yeah. And I opened up his story. I was like, you literally made a law. She was doing some very important work in the bank and I was really tense that week. I cried. I said, what's wrong with my family? I have to go alone again and again. Oh. TVA. And I was like, I opened up your story. I was like, baby, maybe Sachi just updated it. She's like, who's Sachi? I was like, they're the girl who I've been following. She will help us out. Please go check the appointment. Please do it, do it. And she did check it and we got it. Yeah. Right inside the bank. Like inside the bank? Inside the bank. So I was literally doing something on my phone with the manager and given Ranjai. I was like, leave everything. He's like, leave everything. Look at the story. And I didn't read anything. I just saw visa slots open. Okay. So I was like, okay. And usually I'm like, okay, let me just finish this work and then I'll do it. But something happened to me also at that time. I was like, I just left everything. I got up. I checked the slots. There were no slots in Delhi. And so I had everything in my phone only, like all the logins. So I checked on my phone and logged in. And there were no slots in Delhi. And so I was like, okay, there are no slots in Delhi because sometimes it's just like a thing. And then I just, he said, check Calcutta. Okay. So I checked Calcutta and bam, there were all the slots are open. And then I started Chivati and like, can the slots are open? And then all of a sudden we're just standing and we was like, what's wrong? We booked both the dates. We booked the dates and then we started bawling. I started praying and thanking. I started thanking you also because of course, you're part of our journey after that. I guess you did, right? Because yeah, you're your family now. I hope you know that because you're part of our journey throughout now with my visa and her visa in a year. So yeah, I was really grateful for the information that you keep sending and posting on your. So after that incident, we had to then decide, his ticket was on 22nd of August and my visa date was 22nd of August and 23rd of August. So then there was like a whole thing. I wanted him with us. So again, like a whole big story. He shifted his dates to September. And then what I'm having that moral support is, you know, and I'm glad that he was there for that. So he went with me to Calcutta. So that time, you know, it was Kevin's suggestion that we take my son inside with the, you know, during the interview and I was not on board with that because I was like, how will I, you know, like concentrate on everything. But while I started the preparation, I started watching your videos. Like personally, I actually religiously started watching your videos. I started taking notes and then I had also attended one of your workshops in my previous, like last semester, when I didn't get the visa, I had attended a workshop of yours again. It was the same workshop, but I still wanted to attend it. So after that, you know, I did get like some links at your chair. So I had made the note of all those things. So while I was watching your content and everything, you mentioned about that visa prep course. And there were like a lot of details and everything. And see, we are not financially that amazing. But then I felt that, you know, this time it is really important with all the experience that we have. Because one thing that we also did in my application was that in the I-20 also, I showed personal funds, which we did not know to do during Kevin's time. And we had all the funds to show, but we didn't know this information that even personal funds, if we show it's a big thing, right? Even though we are 100% sponsored. So in my case, I was very focused on, you know, showing my funds as well, because I also have like a minor, you know, who's a dependent. So we had that. So that I-20 was obviously a little heavier as a document. I had a 100% sponsored. And so with that, I realized that I have to create a very strong profile, because we did not want any second chances in this. You know, it had to be like one shot. So, you know, it was like that investment. And then there was this moment where I had to convince, you know, like Kevin that I need this course. He's like, all the videos are on, you know, like thing we can't afford it. And we had those discussions for a week almost. And then I was so, you know, like focused that I knew, you know, that I need this because everybody's preparation is different. Some people can just, you know, prepare with video because Kevin is like that. He did his preparation like that. But for me, I need a little more guidance and things. So then at the last moment, Kevin was like, if you feel, go ahead. And I can say, I've been saying this to everybody who I've shared my experience with that, you know, taking that course was literally life changing for my profile. And then that's when you came in, because you actually, you know, streamlined my profile in such a big way and especially the mocks. The mocks were like the game changer of the entire thing because all the questions I was so prepared with that it didn't matter what the visa view actually asked me, you know, because I was like, okay. And the best thing was that the same questions you asked in such different ways that you actually prepared my mind that it can be the same answer. He's just tricking you with like another sentence probably. So that really helped me with like a, I would say that I was 110% prepared. And yeah. And then of course my son was there in the interview. So what about your son? Like we also had a discussion where I asked you, are you taking him? Yes. Yeah, because my husband is insisting. I was like, you have to take him. Yeah, exactly. But he would change and please take them. They just change the way you look to them. It just gives a very wholesome picture. Yes. So we were also very careful, like actually Kevin was very careful of how he was dressed and like he was wearing a yellow shirt, formal shirt. I was very yellow suit. So, you know, you're like all bright and everything. And interestingly, El was also interviewed. He's just three, but the views are actually spoke to him. And you know, for me that was like an interview of him. So thankfully El was like really easy to ask just to like, yeah. So first I made him sit on the counter after asking the view because El was like literally standing on door and he was like getting a little agitated. So I asked him, can I make him sit here? He's like, yeah, that's fine. So the moment he sat, the view had the passport, you know, like I had a passport. So he knew Elroy's name. My son's name is Elroy. So he's like, hi, what's your name? So he said Elroy. Then the view said that where is your mama? Mama. So he's like, he pointed it and he's like, here she is. And then he said, where is your daddy? So he's like, dad is upstairs. And then he said, are you sure he's upstairs? So my son said, no, he's outside. So then he said, no, he's like, he's outside. So it was pouring that day. He was raining really heavily. So he's like, does he have an umbrella? He's like, whispered a little. So he's like, yes, he does. So then I, they're saying he doesn't have an umbrella. I looked at El and, you know, so it became like a conversation. And the beauty of it was, I think from the view's perspective, that the kid did not need a translator. You know, it was like a direct conversation. He was understanding, conversing. Yes, accent and everything which so many adults are scared of. Exactly. So, you know, he understood like the family environment that probably we have and, you know, so that created a good. One more thing which I noticed when she was telling me, I think she was, he was also trying to confirm the parents' relationship. Yes, yes, absolutely. Because he's not just generally having that discussion. He's trying to know because the kid is always around parents. So he's trying to know that. Where is the father? Where is the father? Who's the mother? Yeah. Is this, you know, because they have to make sure everything is real. Absolutely. So one more thing that happened was I had thanks to you. I don't want to sound repetitive, but that is true because thanks to you. I had prepared all the documents and then I, when I sent you the checklist, you said you need to carry your husband's I-20 and visa. And interestingly, the only document he asked was the visa of my husband, you know, and also that was the only document in my entire folder that was a colored photocop, you know, because I had bright, nice. So, so when the interview started, he obviously first he spoke to my son. Okay. And then after, so that, you know, nervousness also went. So he then spoke to me. He's like, he saw, he then he started looking at my profile. And then he said, so has his husband started, started his education? First question. So it's like, yes, he has completed two semesters. He's completed two of his semesters. He's like, okay. So do you have a copy of his visa? So, so thankfully I did. How did you not to have? So I know that he would have thought that I would not have those documents. And so I took it out the only colored copy that I had. And that was also coincidence, because I got that in last minute. So I gave it, gave that to him. So that impression was also nice. And the moment I gave the visa, visa, put a copy to him, my son actually saw the visa and he's like, look, that's Dada. He was involved in the interview. So I was like, yes, that's Dada. So then he, you know, half of your work, I think he did everything in fact. Yeah, that's so true. Yeah, so he let it be. So much about three of us, but I think there's one silent, personal control. Yes. He was definitely not silent during the interview, thankfully. Yeah, he's very talkative. My son is very talkative. Like he wants to communicate and interact. Yes. So he's like, mom, look, that's Dada. I was like, yes, that's Dada. I said, yes, that's Dada. He's like, mom, that's Dada. And he started laughing and I had to say, okay, all right, that's, yeah, that's Dada. He calmed down, you know, so then he stayed quiet. So, so then when he saw the, so it was like the entire experience that the Vio would have had, you know, with the preparedness and like, obviously L being part of it. So then, then he jumped to me. He's like, so, so he asked me a trick question. So he said, that's why I see that you were already worked in the States before. So again, if I wouldn't have prepared, I would have freaked out on that question. Okay. So, but I was, so I said that, but I took a second. I was like, um, no, I didn't work in the States, but the company that I worked in is based out of U.S. And, but I took all the projects in India. So I worked here only. So then he's like, oh, so, so he didn't even say the name of the company. He just said he worked in the States just to trick. So then he said, oh, so more good foundation like the company. So he said the company's name. He's like, oh, so that's based out of U.S. But you, you were, you worked here as like, yes. So when I said yes, so I continued with on my own, I described my profile. Okay. Because he didn't ask that. So I said that, yes, I, you know, like I was the community manager over there and I explained my job role and my description. So he said, so he cut me off because obviously I, so he cut me. I was like, so how did you decide on this university? That's when I told him that I got to know this from church and because it's a church university, they have a tie up. And then when I decided I wanted to study, I, you know, I researched on the university and then we, you know, then I talked about the good points of the university that it has a creative agency. And so I, he didn't get, let me move to the third point he cut me off. He said, so how are you funding him? And I said, I have 100% sponsor, who's Brett Kessler. So while I said that, and he's like, who is the sponsor? So I told the background of the sponsor that, you know, this is how we know and this is how he is funding us. So that was the last question. And he said that, okay. So then he was typing and everything. And meanwhile, Elroy kept saying, looking at the VO saying, mama, he's from church. He's from church. So he was wearing a shirt, you know, like a formal attire and that's how we dress in church. So he kept saying, yes Elroy, he's from church, it's quite so while he was typing and everything. So after that he asked me to, you know, like place my fingers and he said that he visa is a proof happy travel. So, and then he said, bye to my son and my son said, bye. I said, thanks. You know, so I said, thank you. So he left. That was a good story. Like it's so interesting that all these experiences we get to see, it was a very good experience. And in fact, one interesting thing, the VO was like, you know, he was also very interesting person. He had like a piercing and he had like a half one, you know, like half high was, I didn't look like he came out from a disc before his shirt and just came to that. That was also interesting. So, but yeah, taking El was like a biggest advantage I had, you know, that created like a very good impression of our entire family, I would say. And then of course I was prepared with all the questions. So that added to the whole thing. This is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing this. So one last thing for people in your position like couples. Because the day I get DMs from people saying that me and my wife are applying to study or me and my husband are applying to study and we don't know whether we should even consider US, go through all of this hassle, you know. Because I mean the US visa process is something which is, I would say it's painful, right? It's, you will not know what will happen till that moment. You have no clarity at all. So what would you advise people like, you know, just from your entire collective wisdom of two of you? I would suggest that as a couple, actually it's a good thing to go and educate yourself. Because if you're going to, especially going to US, if you both study, you have those resources to work on. So that you can sustain. If because first I didn't thought of it when I was applying alone and I was taking them as dependent. It would have been difficult because I am only allowed to work 20 hours, you know. So but when we both have 20-20 hours, at least we can sustain the basic necessities in an attitude. So I feel that I would want to encourage couples to go together and educate themselves. And it's a very wholesome experience and they can manage with semesters, which tracks and, you know, whenever then the first person is going to track, the second one can have off track and then just go vice-versaid work out very nicely. And then, of course, you wouldn't be your partner to be with you, you know, and, you know, everything that you have. So that's the biggest thing. It's like distance and time separation, right? It's not like, okay, if we can just visit. But both are there. So I would actually encourage couples to actually go and try and just the preparation that they need to focus on. So, you know, for me, I totally agree that we didn't know that at that time, of course. But the first step should always be that study has a couple because it makes a lot of things easier, you know. And yeah, so I don't want to repeat the same points that Kevin said because they are absolutely accurate. One thing that I would want to add to that is especially in our case, we had that gap when we decided to, you know, study because I had like a 12-year gap. He also had like a significant amount of years. So it's still not a red flag, which people usually say. I would suggest that if your gap is well prepared, you know, then you just have to explain your journey and you have to be really well prepared for what you were doing in those years. And you have to justify that and also try your best to connect that to why you're now studying. So that journey, if you're able to build, it's all because 12-year gap for a graduation is not less. Which, tan and everything. So the situation is technically. Also one more, sorry to stop. Also one more thing, this is this system of gap and stuff, this works in India a lot. In US, when I'm giving a US interview, there's a United States person sitting over there taking that interview. For them, they approach education when in their 30s and 40s also. I was also on their perspective, thinking that it's a developed country and they would not think in a such a way. They would need explanation for sure. But they would not question that he's 32 or 31. Why are they studying now? If I have the right answer. So we have to be really confident that we want to educate ourselves regardless of the age that we have. Absolutely. So and apart from like with that, it is so important for you to understand where you will go and why is this important. And I'm sure that that is the basic of preparing. But understanding the depth of these questions is so important because I didn't know that until I joined your course. Because I was like, yes, I will answer this. Yes, I will answer that. But it's not that difficult, but it's not that easy. You have to get into the mind of the video or basically just get into your own profile. You know, because I know that I'm not going in detail, but I know that you changed some of the details of my course as well to make my profile streamlined. And that played such a huge role. Otherwise, you know, it would have been very, you know, hewaya in the air and whatever. Ask 300 more questions. But because my profile was like on point as you know, in line with the course. So, so that part is if you're able to figure that out, it doesn't matter you're going after two years or after 20 years. As long as you're able to justify your profile is working. And as a couple, you should if you have the finances or sponsors try and go together like not as a dependent. And if you do have dependents, then I like you should have so much funds to show that you're able to justify that. Okay, I will not be a problem. Basically, is that what's my learning? Yeah, absolutely. All the best. Keep in touch. Take care. Bye. See you soon. Thank you so much. All the best for future. And we will surely connect soon. Bye guys. Thank you. Bye. Bye. So, I really hope that this interview experience has inspired you and given you more clarity on the F&V is our process. If you too would like to prepare with me, then do get in touch. We have a detailed seven day program. This is a seven session series wherein we do end to end prep, start by understanding your profile, filling your DS164, answer structuring and multiple mocks. Catherine and Kevin were in fact part of this seven day program. So do check the link for this in the description box below. Apart from this, there are different ways in which you can prepare with me. You can take a single session for answer structuring or a single mock session. And for the F&V is our 2023. We also have something really special. This is a self preparation course which teaches you how to prepare. It shows you sample answers. It shows you a lot of templates and you can use this course to prepare at your own time and pace. So the link for all this is in the description box below. We also have tons of free resources to make sure to check them out as well. Signing off for now. But before you go, make sure that you watch this video. So this if you are just starting out in your F&V is our journey. This is a video to start with. So make sure that you watch that and stay tuned. Lot more useful content coming your way. See you in the next one. Bye.