Every other Indian going for a US master's seems to be doing CS. If you're reading this, you're probably one of them — and you've already heard the horror stories.
In 2024, 41% of F-1 applications got rejected — the worst in a decade. And CS students? Officers know the playbook: OPT → H-1B → Green Card. They've seen it a thousand times. But rejection isn't the end — read how one MS CS student got approved on their second attempt.
3-year STEM OPT. $120K+ starting salaries. A clear path to staying. From the officer's side of the window, you're basically holding a sign that says "future immigrant."
The CS Paradox: The same skills that make you valuable to US tech companies are exactly what makes officers doubt you'll return home. Your job is to convince them otherwise — in under 3 minutes.
Below: what makes CS interviews different, the specific questions you'll face, and how to answer them without sounding like every other applicant. If you're interviewing in India, also check our complete F1 interview guide for Indian students for logistics and process details.
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Why CS Students Face Extra Scrutiny
Officers aren't stupid. They've seen thousands of CS students before you. They know the numbers, the job market, the typical story arc. A Sociology major? Sure, they'll probably go home. A CS major from IIT with admits from three decent universities? That's a different conversation.
Average starting salary for MS CS graduates in the US (2025)
STEM OPT allows 3 years of work authorization after graduation
Of CS graduates find jobs in the US within 6 months
From an officer's perspective, CS students have:
- High earning potential — strong financial incentive to stay in the US
- STEM OPT extension — 3 years to find an H-1B sponsor
- H-1B lottery access — direct path to work visa and green card
- Global demand for skills — no country-specific expertise tying you home
So your job is to convince them you'll actually leave. Not easy when everything about your profile screams "future immigrant."
The "Immigrant Intent" Problem
Under Section 214(b), you must prove you don't intend to immigrate. For CS students, officers assume immigrant intent until you prove otherwise. For a deeper dive into why F-1 visas get denied and how to avoid common pitfalls, see our guide to 214(b) rejections.
What the officer is thinking
"MS CS at [good university] → this person can easily get a job at Google/Amazon"
"3 years of OPT → plenty of time to get H-1B sponsored"
"$150K salary vs returning to India for ₹25-30 lakhs... why would they go back?"
"Convince me you're different."
You can't argue with the math — they know CS pays well. So don't. Make your specific situation the exception.
20 Questions Specific to MS Computer Science
These are the questions that separate CS interviews from everyone else's. For general F1 questions asked to all students regardless of major, browse our 50+ F1 questions & answers.
About Your Program & Research
"Why MS in Computer Science and not an MBA or another field?"
Show how CS specifically aligns with your career goals — not just career advancement.
"What courses will you take?"
Know your curriculum. Name 3-4 specific courses and why they interest you.
"What is your research interest?"
Be specific: "Machine Learning for Healthcare" is better than "AI/ML."
"What projects have you worked on?"
Have 1-2 technical projects ready to explain in non-technical terms.
"Do you know any professors at this university?"
Research at least one professor's work that aligns with your interests.
"What specialization will you choose?"
Have a clear answer — AI, ML, Data Science, Cybersecurity, etc.
Career Plans High Risk
"What will you do after graduation?"
The most dangerous question. Your answer must focus on India.
"Do you plan to work in the US?"
Frame OPT as "practical training," not as step toward staying.
"How will MS help your career in India?"
This is your chance. Be specific about India's tech sector needs.
"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
Paint a picture of your life in India — job, family, goals.
"What if you get a job offer from Google/Amazon?"
Acknowledge the opportunity, but emphasize your commitment to India.
"Why can't you get the same job in India with a US degree?"
Focus on practical training and exposure, not just the degree.
About University Choice
"Why this university for Computer Science?"
Mention specific programs, labs, faculty, or research centers.
"Did you apply to other universities? Which ones?"
Be honest. Explain why you chose this one over others.
"Why not study in Canada, UK, or Australia?"
Highlight what's unique about US CS education — specific research, industry connections. This ties closely to the "Why USA" question — we cover the complete answering strategy here.
"Why not study CS at IITs in India?"
Focus on specific expertise, equipment, or research not available in India.
Technical Background
"What programming languages do you know?"
List 2-3 with brief examples of how you've used them.
"Explain your final year project in simple terms."
Officers aren't technical. Use simple language, focus on the problem you solved.
"What's the difference between your undergrad and this master's?"
Show progression — from broad CS to specialized expertise.
"Is your research related to any sensitive technologies?"
If in AI/Cybersecurity/Robotics, prepare to explain the civilian nature of your work.
Sample Answers That Work
Theory is nice. But what does a good answer actually sound like? Here are three examples — notice how specific they are. No generic "I love India" stuff.
"What will you do after graduation?"
Strong Answer
"After completing my MS, I plan to use OPT to gain practical experience — ideally at a company working on healthcare technology. This experience will be directly relevant when I return to India. My goal is to join the healthcare AI team at a company like MuSigma or Fractal Analytics in Bangalore. India's healthcare sector is digitizing rapidly, and there's a shortage of engineers with hands-on US experience in this specific area. My uncle runs a chain of diagnostic centers in Karnataka, and I've seen firsthand how much they need better AI-powered solutions."
Why it works: Specific Indian companies, family connection, growing sector, practical OPT framing.
"Why this university for Computer Science?"
Strong Answer
"Arizona State has one of the best programs for Human-Computer Interaction, which is my focus area. Specifically, Professor [Name]'s lab works on accessibility technology — designing interfaces for people with disabilities. I read her paper on voice-based navigation for visually impaired users, and it directly relates to a project I did in my undergrad. India has 8 million blind people, and most technology isn't designed for them. I want to bring this expertise back and work on accessibility solutions for the Indian market."
Why it works: Specific professor, research paper knowledge, India-specific application, real statistics.
"What if you get a job offer from Google?"
Strong Answer
"That would be a great learning opportunity during OPT, and I'd consider it as part of my training. But my long-term plan is India. My parents are getting older — they're both in their 60s and my father had heart surgery last year. I'm their only child. Beyond family, Google actually has a large office in Hyderabad working on cloud infrastructure. If I gain experience at Google US during OPT, I'd have strong credentials to join their India team later — or any other major tech company in India. The skills transfer, even if the specific job doesn't."
Why it works: Family ties, acknowledges opportunity realistically, shows same company has India presence.
How to Explain Return Plans
This is the hardest part for CS students. Here are concrete strategies that work.
Family Obligations
- • Aging parents needing care
- • Only child responsibility
- • Family business to eventually take over
- • Property and assets in India
India's Growing Tech Sector
- • Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune tech hubs
- • MNCs opening India R&D centers
- • Startup ecosystem (3rd largest globally)
- • Government Digital India initiatives
Specific Industry Needs
- • AI for agriculture (60% of India's workforce)
- • Healthcare technology (under-resourced sector)
- • Fintech for financial inclusion
- • EdTech for rural education
Competitive Advantage
- • US experience valued by Indian employers
- • Higher salaries for US returnees
- • Leadership positions in MNCs
- • Entrepreneurship opportunities
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- • Don't say "I will definitely return" — sounds rehearsed
- • Don't mention H-1B, Green Card, or immigration
- • Don't say "I haven't thought about it yet"
- • Don't compare US and India salaries
Officers may also probe your funding sources. For detailed strategies on answering financial questions, see our F1 financial questions guide.
TAL and Administrative Processing
Certain CS specializations may trigger extra security screening. This isn't a denial — it's a delay. The Technology Alert List (TAL) includes fields the US considers sensitive.
| Specialization | Extra Scrutiny Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineering, Web Dev | Low | Standard processing |
| Data Science, Cloud Computing | Low | Standard processing |
| Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning | Medium-High | May require 221(g) processing |
| Cybersecurity, Information Security | High | Expect additional questions |
| Cryptography | High | TAL Category J |
| Robotics, Autonomous Systems | High | TAL Category N |
If you're in a high-risk specialization:
- Prepare a clear explanation of your research's civilian applications
- Bring a letter from your professor explaining the non-sensitive nature of the work
- Apply 4-6 months before your program starts to account for delays
- Administrative processing (221g) can take 2-6 months — plan accordingly
How to Practice CS-Specific Answers
Reading questions helps. But in a real interview, you've got maybe 90 seconds to explain your CNN project to someone who doesn't know what a neural network is — while also convincing them you're not planning to overstay. Try that without practice.
Practice with AI Mock Interviews
Permito.ai simulates real visa interviews with follow-up questions. The AI pushes back on weak answers — just like a real officer would. Want to compare options? See our comparison of AI mock interview tools. For CS students, Permito specifically probes:
1 free sessions. No credit card required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways for MS CS Students
- 1 Officers assume immigrant intent — your job is to prove otherwise with specific India plans
- 2 Know your program details: courses, professors, research areas, and why they're unique
- 3 Frame OPT as training, not a stepping stone to immigration
- 4 Practice explaining technical work in simple, non-technical language
- 5 If in AI/Cybersecurity/Robotics, apply 4-6 months early for potential 221(g) processing
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