Top Tips When Applying for a U.S. Student Visa

Top Tips When Applying for a U.S. Student Visa
  • Opening Intro -

    A student visa application is the first step of your journey to study in the United States.

    There are several types of students visas, but the F-1 visa is the most common. 

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A student visa allows you to live and study in the country. The journey begins at the U.S. consulate or embassy location in your country. Depending on the country or embassy, the application process may vary.

Although you can apply for a student visa anywhere in the world, but applying from outside the country of your permanent residence is not a good idea. Hiring an immigration attorney is a good idea as they can get through the entire process.

Continue reading to discover top tips to get your student visa successful. 

Show Intent to Return Home

The first and foremost requirement is to prove that you will go back home after completing your education. According to the US law, applicants must prove their ties to home country. They shouldn’t be using the student visa to move to the United States permanently.

To prove you ties to your home country, you can show your family bond, employment, financial interest, and more. If you own a property or will inherit, you should include this information in your application.

Applicants who have close relatives living in the United States as permanent resident or citizen usually have hard time to prove they are not an intending immigrant.

Enhance Your English Language Ability

Generally, you have to give the interview in English instead of your native language. Before you appear for the interview, it is recommended to practice with a native English speaker.

The interview is usually about your study plans, future goals, and ties to your country. Hence, you should prepare for an interactive conversation.

Focus on Yourself

Remember that the interviewer wants to know about you. If you speak for yourself, it will create a positive impression increasing your chances to obtain the visa.

Generally, family members don’t accompany you for the interview. However, if you are minor and need your parents for financial discussion, make sure to check the rules.

Education and Career Plan

During the interview, you need to provide enough reasons why you want to study in your mentioned program. Show your interest in the field to convince the interviewer.

Otherwise, they may think that you are not going to the United States for education, but to work or stay in the country. In addition, you need to highlight how your study program fit in your careen plan. Explain how your education will help you after returning home.

Be Positive and Concise

Due to numerous interviews, consular officers usually have a huge workload to deal with. They have a time limit to finish each interview.

Most importantly, they have to decide about your application during the quick interview. Hence, the first impression is the most important one. Make sure that you keep the answers short and to the point. Never argue with the interviewer.

If they refuse your application, try to get the reason of denial in writing. Ask them which documents are missing or how to overcome the denial.

Employment

The main goal of a student visa holder is to study in the United States instead of working. Although most students do part-time work but it is not the main purpose of coming to the United States. Clarify that you intend to return home and work there.

For those who are bringing family members to the United States, keep in mind that F-2 visa don’t allow you to work in the country. Hence, you need to tell the interviewer how your spouse or dependents will spend their time in the US. The F-2 visa allows you to attend part-time school or volunteer in the community.

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Dependents at Home

Applicants who plan to leave their dependents at home need to prove how they will support themselves. It is difficult to prove if you are the only person who earn for the family.

In any case, you shouldn’t give an impression that you intend to work in the United States to support your family. Otherwise, your application will be rejected for sure.

Requirements for Certain Countries

If you are living in a country with economic issues where many students didn’t go home after completing their studies, you will have a difficult time getting a visa. The officer will probably ask about job opportunities when you get back to home country. Check the U.S. consulate website for special requirements for different countries.

Fortunately, many consulates have designed videos that explain the entire process. Check with the local U.S. consulate or embassy to stay updated with the latest information.

Author:
Richard Herma is a nationally renowned immigration lawyer, author and activist.  He has dedicated his life to advocating for immigrants and helping change the conversation on immigration.  He is the founder of theHerman Legal Group, an immigration law firm launched in 1995 and recognized in U.S. World News & Report’s “Best Law Firms in America.”  He is the co-author of the acclaimed book, Immigrant, Inc. —Why Immigrant Entrepreneurs Are Driving the New Economy (John Wiley & Sons, 2009).  Richard’s poignant commentary has been sought out by many national media outlets, including TheNew York Times, USA Today, BusinessWeek, Forbes, FOX News (The O’Reilly Factor), National Public Radio, Inc., National Lawyers Weekly, PC World, Computerworld, CIO, TechCrunch, Washington Times, San Francisco Chronicle and InformationWeek

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