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Tips for Getting an F-1 Visa

Many applicants for student visas are denied for reasons which can be avoided if a little advance knowledge and common sense are applied. Here are some tips prospective students should consider when preparing for an interview with a U.S. Consular Officer:

1. Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. Consular Officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision on those impressions they form during the first minute or two of the interview.  Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you make are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer's questions short.

2. Consular Officers are required by U.S. law to assume that all applicants for nonimmigrant visas are actually intending immigrants. Therefore, the burden is upon you to convince the officer that you have ties that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current residence such as your job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, or investments. You need to be prepared to discuss expected opportunities for future employment and family and other relationships to show that you are firmly tied to your home and intend to return when you complete your program.

3. Speak for yourself! 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 for yourself.

4. Be sure to know about the program at the prospective school and discuss how it fits your future career plans. If you are going to convince a Consular Officer of your qualifications for a student visa, you must be able to explain your reasons for studying in a particular program in the United States, including how this study relates to your future professional career after you return home.

5. Keep in mind that your interview will only be 2-3 minutes. Do not overwhelm the Consular Officer with lengthy written documentation. It should be clear how your documents relate to your visa application and what they mean.

6. Stay positive. Do not argue with the Consular Officer. If you were denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal. Ask for the reason you were denied in writing.

7. Do not state or imply that you intend to be employed in the U.S. after completing your program.  Your educational must be the reason for coming to Mississippi State University. Employment opportunities for students in F-1 status are strictly limited and must have appropriate authorization.

8. If your spouse is also applying for an accompanying F-2 visa, be aware that F-2 dependents cannot, under any circumstances, be employed in the U.S. If asked, be prepared to address what your spouse intends to do with his or her time while in the U.S.  Volunteer work and attending school part-time for avocational or recreational study are permitted activities.

9. If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be difficult if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the Consular Officer has the impression that your family will need you to send money from the United States in order to support itself, your student visa application will almost certainly be denied.

10. Remember that not all countries are the same and applicants from different countries are not equal in getting student visas. If your country is experiencing economic difficulties or if students from your country have a history of not returning after degree programs are complete, you are more likely to be denied.  You also may be required to show your employment opportunities at home after program completion.