FOR F1 PhD APPLICANTS
You'll walk into your interview with a research narrative so clear the officer understands it in 30 seconds. Using my STAMP Method, we'll translate your research, your funding package, and your post-PhD plans into answers that satisfy every concern.
Message us - we respond within 6 hours with your prep plan
Shachi Mall, Visa Interview Coach
200+
PhD students coached
4.9
Google Reviews
A note from Shachi
PhD interviews are a different game.
The officer isn't just checking documents. They want to know your research area, why this advisor, why this lab, and what you'll do after 5 years. Most students focus on their research passion but can't explain it simply. Officers aren't scientists. And a 5+ year stay raises immigration-intent questions that Master's applicants never face.
I built my STAMP Method from coaching 200+ PhD applicants across STEM and non-STEM fields. It covers the five things every officer evaluates: your Story, your Ties, your Answers, your Money, and your Papers. The key is translating your research into a clear, non-technical narrative while showing concrete post-PhD plans.
If your research is niche and your stay is long, preparation isn't optional.
— Shachi
Sound familiar?
"Explain your research in 30 seconds"
Your 200-page thesis proposal means nothing if the officer doesn't understand it in plain English.
"You'll be in the US for 5-6 years?"
Long stays raise immigration intent flags. You need a concrete post-PhD plan.
"Why this professor? Why this lab?"
Officers test whether you genuinely chose this program or just needed any admit.
"Your RA covers tuition, what about living expenses?"
Partial funding packages create questions about how you'll survive financially.
Common pitfalls
"Quantum decoherence in topological systems" means nothing to a consular officer.
This signals you'll stay even longer. Frame your post-PhD plan around career impact.
"I found the professor online" vs. "Prof. X's work on Y directly extends my prior research on Z."
Certain STEM fields trigger mandatory security clearance. Being surprised = being unprepared.
My approach
Why this PhD, this advisor, this lab? Officers test whether you genuinely chose this program or just needed any admit. We translate your research into a 30-second explanation any non-scientist can understand.
After 5+ years in the US, what brings you back? Long stays raise immigration-intent flags. We build a concrete post-PhD plan, whether it's a specific research institution in India, an industry role, or a faculty position.
Can you explain your research in 15 seconds? Officers aren't scientists. We structure every answer to land clearly, practiced in mock interviews until the delivery is confident and jargon-free.
RA, TA, fellowship, or self-funded? Each funding type tells a different story. We make sure the officer understands your funding package as a university investment in you, not a question mark.
Compare options
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| Feature | ChatGPT Self-Prep | Generic Visa Consultants | The STAMP Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| STORY - Why this PhD? | Generic "passion for research" answer | Template scripts that ignore your specific lab and advisor | Research narrative connecting your advisor, lab, and prior work into a clear story |
| TIES - What brings you back after 5+ years? | Vague suggestions, no awareness of long-stay scrutiny | Generic "family ties" line | Concrete post-PhD plan: specific institution, industry role, or faculty position in India |
| ANSWERS - Can you explain your research in 15s? | Jargon-heavy paragraphs no officer understands | Memorized Q&A sheets | Plain-English research explanation practiced in mock interviews until it's clear and confident |
| MONEY - Funding package clarity | "Just show your I-20", no narrative strategy |
Your investment
Once you choose, you'll receive a form to submit your documents. Our team reaches out for onboarding within one day.
Core
End-to-end interview prep, delivered in a crisp, focused format
Unlimited
For complex cases or completely hands-off preparation
Start at least 2 weeks before your interview
Fit check
This is for you if…
Not for you if…
Not sure if this applies to your situation?We’ve coached every kind of profile you can think of — edge cases, prior refusals, unusual situations. Just ask.
Message us on WhatsAppCommon questions
Ideally 4-6 weeks before your interview. That gives enough time for document review, answer building, and multiple mock interviews. If you're late, don't worry. Our Core package works as a 3-day crash course.
No one can guarantee approval. The final decision rests with the consular officer. What we guarantee: you walk into your interview fully prepared, with clear answers, strong documentation, and real confidence. We've coached 2,500+ applicants one-on-one, and we are always transparent that no one can promise a specific outcome.
Yes — the length of stay is always a point of scrutiny for PhD applicants. Officers want to know: why a PhD (not just a Master's), what your research area is, who your advisor is, and what you plan to do after. The key is showing deep academic commitment and a clear post-PhD plan that connects back to India or your field.
An RA/TA that covers tuition and stipend is excellent — it actually strengthens your case because the university is investing in you. You'll still want to show some personal funds for initial expenses. I help you present the funding package clearly so the officer sees it as a strength, not a question mark.
You'll experience a realistic simulation of a U.S. visa interview. I play the role of the consular officer using real questions specific to your visa type and profile. After the mock, you receive the recording so you can review your performance and refine your answers before the real thing.
Almost certainly. Over the years, I've worked with applicants across every visa category and situation — prior refusals, complex employment histories, complicated finances, applications from high-scrutiny consulates, dependent visas, and more. If you're unsure whether your situation is something I can help with, just message us on WhatsApp. I'm happy to discuss before you commit to anything.
We accept UPI, bank transfer, Razorpay (for INR payments), and Stripe (for USD payments). All prices are listed in both USD and INR. Payment is collected after an initial consultation to ensure the service is right for you.
"Is your research in a sensitive field?"
STEM in certain areas triggers additional administrative processing (221g).
Research description, DS-160, and I-20 must tell the same story. We review every document for consistency, especially education history, funding details, and employment gaps.
Ready to prepare properly?
See pricing| Document checklist, no narrative |
| RA/TA/fellowship presented as university investment, plus personal funds for initial expenses |
| PAPERS - Research + DS-160 consistency | Can't review your actual documents | Basic document checklist | Research description, DS-160, and I-20 cross-checked for consistency |
Research and profile mapping
I understand your research area, advisor, lab, funding package, and academic trajectory to identify every angle an officer might probe.
Plain-English research narrative
We translate your research into a 30-second explanation any non-scientist can understand. This is the answer that makes or breaks your interview.
DS-160 and document alignment
Your DS-160 education history, funding details, and research description must be consistent with your verbal answers. I check everything.
PhD-focused mock interviews
Simulations tailored to PhD-specific questions: research explanation, advisor choice, long stay justification, post-PhD plans.
221(g) preparation (if applicable)
If your field triggers administrative processing, I prepare you for the additional documentation and wait. No surprises.
“The officer asked about my research. I explained it in 20 seconds. He smiled and stamped.”— Sneha T., PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
post-rejection
F1 Visa — Rejected? Let's Fix It.Approval artifacts
“multiple prior rejections”
“This review is coming from someone who faced multiple rejections and almost lost hope. Before connecting with Shachi Ma’am , I had already faced four visa rejections — three for F1 and one for F2…”
“Complex visa case”
“I highly recommend Shachi to anyone preparing for a US visa interview. She provided clear, well-structured insights that helped me prepare effectively. Despite my case being a bit complicated, her…”
“I had an amazing experience working with Sachi for my F-1 visa interview prep. She took the time to understand my full background, my academic profile, work experience, reasons for choosing my…”
“I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional guidance and support I received from Shachi and her team in securing my US F1 VISA. I had opted for the 7 Day end to end package. From the initial…”
“I took 3 consultations with Shachi for 3 different kind of visa F1, F2 & B2 for me and my family and we had a 100% success. I must say she is a professional.Her mock preps were so good and also…”
“Was in panic mode; complicated profile; doubts about DS-160”
“One week ago I was in panic mode — I walked into the interview 100% confident and got the visa in just one minute!”
“multiple prior rejections”
“This review is coming from someone who faced multiple rejections and almost lost hope. Before connecting with Shachi Ma’am , I had already faced four visa rejections — three for F1 and one for F2…”
“Complex visa case”
“I highly recommend Shachi to anyone preparing for a US visa interview. She provided clear, well-structured insights that helped me prepare effectively. Despite my case being a bit complicated, her…”
“I had an amazing experience working with Sachi for my F-1 visa interview prep. She took the time to understand my full background, my academic profile, work experience, reasons for choosing my…”
“I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional guidance and support I received from Shachi and her team in securing my US F1 VISA. I had opted for the 7 Day end to end package. From the initial…”
“I took 3 consultations with Shachi for 3 different kind of visa F1, F2 & B2 for me and my family and we had a 100% success. I must say she is a professional.Her mock preps were so good and also…”
“Was in panic mode; complicated profile; doubts about DS-160”
“One week ago I was in panic mode — I walked into the interview 100% confident and got the visa in just one minute!”