USEFUL TIPS TO EXCEL IN YOUR UNITED STATES’ STUDENT VISA APPLICATION

Introduction  

Overseas living, especially in the United States, is a wonderful experience through which you can sink into a different culture, earn a quality education, and cultivate lifelong friendships. But before all of that comes along, there is one giant task that you must face: applying for your US student visa. The whole application process may intimidate you, but with the correct information and proper preparation, you can heighten your possibilities for acquiring it.   

Starting off your study abroad journey is an incredible experience to grow both personally and academically. But yeah, applying for a US student visa can be rather daunting. No worries! We have gathered some helpful tips from experienced travelers, visa specialists, and people who have been down the road you are about to take to help you work through the process without too much anxiety.  

In this post, we will share some of these great tips to help make your US student visa application go smoother and more successfully.  

Prove relationships with your home country and living abroad.  

In the United States, when you apply for nonimmigrant visas such as F-1 or J-1 US student visas, you are presumed to want to reside in the US permanently unless you demonstrate otherwise to the officer. You must demonstrate compelling ties to your home country and a desire to leave the US after graduation.  

“Connection” to your home country is what holds you in place to the homeland, such as employment, family, home ownership, or investments. As a student, the officer will probably inquire about your plan for after graduation, family, further educational plans, grades, and professional goals back in your home country.   

Each person’s circumstances are different, and there is no single response or manner of response that can ensure a US student visa will be granted. If you did in fact participate in the US Diversity (green card) Lottery, you would have to respond as to whether or not you would relocate. If you in fact applied and do not wish to stay, be prepared to make mention that you applied since it was available to apply for but did not wish to stay.  

If you have close relatives who are US citizens or legal permanent residents, it will be challenging to prove that you have no intent to stay here permanently.  

Practice speaking in English  

You will most likely be interviewed in English, not the language of your home country. It is a good idea to practice speaking English with someone who knows the language before your interview, but do not memorize speeches! A dialogue that involves both you and the officer in which you discuss your plans of study in the US, your aspirations, and your connections to your home country is what you must prepare for. If you are taking intensive English, you will need to be able to explain how English will help you at home.  

You must be able to speak for yourself  

It is preferable for the consular officer to talk with you, not your family. It is simpler if you are willing to answer for yourself. Parents or family members usually don’t go with the applicant to the visa interview. If you are a minor and need your parents’ present for questions about finance, they should ask the consulate about waiting rooms and if there are limitations for family members of the applicant sitting in for the interview.  

Understand the program and how it aligns with your career goals  

If you do not understand the reason why you want to pursue a certain course in the US, it will not be easy to convince the consular officer that you genuinely mean to study and not work or live in the US. You must also make clear the linkage between studying in the US and pursuing your future professional goals in your country. If you are a graduate student with a research focus, be prepared to describe your research plans. The consular officer may ask for a letter from your professor outlining your research goals.  

Be brief and keep a positive attitude  

Consular staff have many applications to get through, so they must conduct some extremely quick interviews. They will occasionally make a decision based on their initial impression. Say your first few words well. Provide concise and straightforward answers, and answer the questions posed by the officer directly. Do not get into an argument with the officer. If your US student visa is rejected, ask for a list of documents to help you overcome the rejection, and try to get the reason for rejection in writing.  

Supporting documents (know your situation)  

Make sure that it is perfectly clear to the consular officer what documents you are submitting and what they are. Long explanations are too slow to read and will do nothing to make your point quickly. Keep in mind that you might only have 2-3 minutes for your interview, if you get that lucky.   

The documents you will need will depend on your case, so check the website of the consulate for details. That being said, some of the documents that all students will need include proof of finances, letters of scholarship, and letters of admission. Be ready to provide any documents that prove you can sustain yourself while in the United States, including scholarships or letters from your sponsor or school. If you are to be a graduate student, the consulate may require a letter from your professor outlining your research objectives. Make sure the financial information on your I-20 or DS-2019 matches what you show to the consular officer.  

Know that rules vary depending on your country  

If you are from a country with economic issues or where numerous students stay in the US after graduation, it may be tougher for you to get a visa. You can also be questioned regarding the availability of jobs back in your home country upon completion of your study. Ensure you check the requirements for your country on the website of the US consulate.  

Know if you can work  

Your main reason for visiting the US is to study and not just work before or after graduation. Sure, many students do work part-time while in school, but that should be secondary to your reason. You must categorically state that you intend to go back home once you are done with the program. If your spouse or kids are also applying for an F-2 visa, keep in mind that F-2 dependents can’t work in the US at all. If asked, be ready to talk about what your spouse plans to do while in the US. Volunteering and part-time school are okay activities for F-2 dependents.  

Dependents staying back home  

If your spouse and children remain in your native country, anticipate explaining how your family can live without you. This could prove difficult if you are the chief breadwinner within your household. If the consular officer assumes that you are going to assist your family by sending them cash you might earn while studying, your application for a US student visa will probably be rejected. If your family does end up joining you later, it would be ideal if they applied at the same consulate where you got your visa from, but it is not always necessary if they are in another region.  

Get help!  

Getting an approval of the US student visa takes some careful planning, hard work, and being real about your intentions. By following these handy tips, you can really boost your chances of getting it.   

In addition, make sure to start early, get some advice from the pros, show that you are serious, and pay attention to your application details. Highlight your financial situation and language skills, understand the culture, and keep a good online image to show you are a responsible student. Stay patient, keep a positive mindset, and have a backup plan just in case. Good luck on your US study adventure!  

If you are having trouble with your visa application, we at Gehi and Associates are here to help! Just give us a call today!  

FAQs 

• Which is the best student visa in the United States? 

This would depend on your unique situation. So, to decide the student visa that works best for you in the United States, it is a good idea to talk with an immigration lawyer about your unique situation. An immigration lawyer will assess your situation and determine the US student visa that meets your needs. 

• How do you prove strong ties with your home country? 

You must establish that you have an employment, a family, own a home, or investments in your home country. The aim is to show that you do not plan to overstay your visa, but plan to return to your home country.