*STATUS: APPROVED ✅✅✅✅* LOCATION: Lusaka, Zambia ATTEMPT: First Attempt VO: Good morning. Passport and I-20, please ME: Good morning (passes them) VO: What are you going to be doing in the United States ? ME: I am going to the US to pursue a masters degree in electrical and computer engineering with a focus on renewable energy, smart grids, hardware control and automation, and power infrastructure cyber security at Michigan technological university in Houghton Michigan. VO: Why Michigan Technological University? ME: I chose Michigan Tech for its strong focus on smart grids, power infrastructure, cybersecurity, and renewable energy. Its research groups like GriSMO and the APS Research Centre offer practical, cutting-edge experience, and the university’s NSA designation reflects its excellence in cyber defence. This aligns perfectly with my career goals in developing secure and resilient power systems. VO: Did you apply to any other university? Me: No, I only applied to Michigan Technological University because, through my research, I found that it closely aligns with my interests in renewable energy, smart grids, and power infrastructure cybersecurity. I also find its location ideal for focused study, as it is situated in a quiet, countryside setting. Additionally, being a reputable public institution gives me further confidence in the quality and stability of the education and environment it offers. VO: How will you be financing your education? ME: I secured an approved Mpower educational loan, which will quata for my tuition, living expenses, and any other school related costs. VO: Do you have any additional funding and support? ME: Yes, my parents have committed to covering the monthly interest during my studies and will continue supporting the repayment of the interest and principal after graduation. In addition, I plan to resume and expand my work as a freelance electrical and solar systems engineer. I also intend to collaborate with companies such as the Copperbelt Energy Corporation and ZESCO to contribute to the development of secure and reliable energy infrastructure once I return back to Zambia. These multiple income streams will ensure I meet my loan obligations without difficulty. VO: What do your parents do? My parents are both police officers. In addition to their jobs, they own rental properties and run a small-scale chicken farm, which provides them with additional income. VO: What did you pursue your undergraduate degree? ME: Before he finished, I responded to say electrical and electronics engineering (at this point, the conversation just seemed like we were chatting) VO: At what university did you do this undergraduate degree, and when was this? 2024, at The copperbelt University. ---------------------------------------------------------- From what I’ve noticed (this might vary depending on where you’ll do your interview and who will interview you): Be confident. Speak clearly and be audible. Show that you know exactly why you’re travelling. This is especially important for the first question—many people get denied because they seem unprepared or unsure of what they’re doing. Don’t be timid. Someone once told me that Americans aren’t like us Africans who show respect in a fearful or overly humble way. Be respectful, but don’t act timid or scared—speak with confidence. Make clear points. When you present a document, make sure you can explain and defend it honestly. If not, it might look fake. You might not even be asked for your documents. If you present your case well, the visa officer might not request anything else. For example: I carried a bank statement to show I could pay my interest while in school, but the VO didn’t even ask for it. I also didn't mention figures because he could already see them on the I-20 and support letter but I was still ready to dive deep in explaining the interest payments with figures but I avoided this because he already seemed convinced. It's your interview, control the direction.