Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa

Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa

 

Updated by members of the NAFSA International Student and Scholar Regulatory Practice Travel Subcommittee: Elizabeth Leibach, Ilana Smith, Leanne Couch, and Semhar Okbazion with special thanks to NAFSA KCISSS members and Dan H. Berger, Esq.

 

 

T i e s to Y ou r Ho m e C ou n tr y a n d Re s i de nc e Ab r o a d

 

Under U.S. law, people who apply for nonimmigrant visas, such as F-1 or J-1 student visas, are viewed as “intending immigrants” (who want to live permanently in the U.S.) until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must, therefore, be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your “residence abroad” (usually in your home country) that are stronger than reasons for remaining in the United States and that you intend to depart the United States at the conclusion of your studies.

 

"Ties" to your home country are the things that connect you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence: job, family, owning a house or apartment, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc. If you are a prospective student, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific plans or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-range plans and career prospects in your home country. Each person's situation is different, of course, and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter which can guarantee visa issuance. If you have applied for the U.S. Diversity (green card) Lottery, you may be asked if you intend to immigrate. If you applied for the lottery but do not intend to immigrate, be prepared to clarify that, for instance, by explaining that you applied for the lottery since it was available but not with a specific intent to immigrate. For further details about this topic, you can visit the State Department’s Foreign Affairs Manual [9 FAM 402.5-5(E)], which explains the basics of what consular officers will be looking for in the interview process.

E n gl i s h

 

The interview will generally be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview, but do not prepare speeches! Expect to have an interactive conversation with the consular officer about your plans for studying in the United States and beyond, your goals, and your ties to your home country. If you are coming to the

 

United States to study intensive English, be prepared to explain how English will be useful for you in your home country.

 

For further details about this topic, you can visit the State Department’s Foreign Affairs Manual [9 FAM402.5-5(F)].

S p e a k f or Y o ur s e l f

 

The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family, and a more positive impression is created if you are prepared to speak on your own. Although generally parents or family members will not accompany an applicant into to the visa interview, if you are a minor and need your parents to be there in case there are questions (for example about funding/finances), they should check with the consulate about the consulate's waiting area and any special rules or procedures for non-applicant family members to accompany a visa applicant.

 

E m pl o ym e n t

 

Your main purpose in coming to the United States should be to study, rather than for the chance to work before or after graduation. While many students work on- or off-campus during their studies, such employment is incidental (secondary/optional) to their main purpose of completing their U.S. education. You must be able to clearly explain your plan to return home at the end of your program. If your spouse or children are also applying for an accompanying F-2 visa, be aware that F-2 dependents cannot, under any circumstances, be employed in the United States. If asked, be prepared to address what your spouse intends to do with his or her time while in the United States. Volunteering in the community and attending school part-time are permitted activities for F-2 dependents.

 

Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa

 

Updated by members of the NAFSA International Student and Scholar Regulatory Practice Travel Subcommittee: Elizabeth Leibach, Ilana Smith, Leanne Couch, and Semhar Okbazion with special thanks to NAFSA KCISSS members and Dan H. Berger, Esq.

 

 

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