PREPARING FOR YOUR F-1 (NON-IMMIGRANT) VISA INTERVIEW
F-1 Visa applicants who receive their I-20 from a U.S. university or academic program
often have to do an interview with a consular officer before they receive their visa.
During the few minutes of the interview, an F-1 Visa applicant must explain how he/she
will pay for school costs and living expenses. He/she also has to prove that he/she will
not become an immigrant, but is going to return to the home country after studying in the
U.S. If the applicant cannot prove this, the consular officer is required to refuse the
visa. It is the applicant’s responsibility to show
:
strong ties to your home country
- the intent to return home after completion of the course of
study
- access to financial assets that are necessary to support the
course of study
What are "strong ties" to your home country?
"Ties" are the various relationships or possessions
that bind you to your home country: owning property, having a bank account, having a job,
having a husband or wife, and having other close family members or friends are some
examples of why you would want to return home.
In cases of younger applicants who may not have had an opportunity
to form many ties, consular officers may look at the applicant’s educational goals,
long-range career plans and employment prospects within his or her home country.
- Show that you or family members own property.
- Show that there is a job waiting for you when you return.
- Show that family members will remain at home.
- Show that family members have not immigrated to the U.S.
- Show that you have completed any required military service.
Consular officers must decide in a very short time if you
are qualified to receive a visa. Most cases are decided after a brief interview and review
of whatever evidence of ties you present. An officer might also ask you other questions,
as well.
How will you apply your education in your home country?
Show that you know the job market at home in your
profession.
- Show that you know what companies in your field are hiring.
- Show that you have begun contacting these companies or at
least started thinking about which companies you would like to work with.
- Show that you have discussed with academic advisors how you
are going to apply your U.S. education in your country.
- Show how you will use English when you return home.
How are you going to pay for your education and living expense in the United States?
Show bank statements, sponsor letters.
- Show that you are aware of the length of time it will take
to complete your entire program and you have a continued source of support for the full
program.
- If you indicate that you intend to work to earn part of your
expenses in the U.S., you are likely to have the visa denied.
Other tips that might be helpful during a consular interview
Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in
English and not in your native language. Practice English conversation with a native
speaker before the interview. Consular officers are under considerable time pressure to
conduct a quick and efficient interview, so, keep your answers to the officer's questions
short and to the point.
- Do not bring family members with you to the interview. The
officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you
are not prepared to speak on your own behalf.
- Be polite. Do not argue with the consular officer. If you
are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents you could bring in
order to overcome the refusal. Try to get the reason for the denial in writing.
- Make it clear to the officer that you expect to return to
your home country as soon as you complete your studies.
The above information is believed to be accurate.
[U.S. Embassy website listings]
Updated:
06/01/01
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