This article answers common questions about the F-1 visa interview, helping you assess your chances of passing the interview.
1. Does the school ranking affect my chances to pass the interview?
It may have an indirect impact. While the school's ranking does not directly influence the decision, attending a higher-ranked and well-known institution might make the applicant’s intention to study seem more genuine. However, the visa officer will make a comprehensive review of the applicant's background.2. Is it impossible to get an F-1 visa for a language school?
It is more challenging but not impossible. The difficulty arises because visa officers may believe that you can learn English in your home country. To increase your chances, you should:
- Explain why you need to study English in the U.S.
- Demonstrate strong ties to your home country.
- Provide a future study and career plan showing how learning English in the U.S. will benefit you.
3. Does attending a community college lower my chances to pass the interview?
Attending a community college does not inherently lower the approval rate. As long as you have a clear study plan, provide sufficient financial proof, and demonstrate that you have no immigrant intent, you are very likely to pass the interview.
4. Is it true that some majors are easier to get approved than others?
Yes. Humanities and business majors are generally easier to get approved, while certain disciplines like telecommunications, aviation, and biotechnology have a higher likelihood of receiving administrative processing.
5. How should I prepare financial proof? What if I don't have enough money?
The financial proof should cover at least the first year's tuition and living expenses. The primary proof can be a bank statement issued within the last 6 months, in either your name or your parents'. If another relative is providing the funds, you must prove your relationship with the sponsor. In case the primary proof is insufficient, you can use mutual funds, stocks, income statements, property certificates, or tax returns as supplementary materials.
6. What are the pros and cons of scheduling an interview in your home country versus a third country?
Attending a visa interview in a third country often offers shorter waiting times for appointments. However, visa officers the third country may be less familiar with the social context of your home country, potentially requiring more detailed explanations from applicants. Consequently, it may be advantageous to choose a larger country for the interview rather than a smaller, more remote one.
7. Does the possibility of passing "administrative processing" differ between interviews in your home country and a third country?
No. Administrative processing is uniformly handled in Washington, D.C.
8. What should I know if I want to renew my F-1 visa in a third country but only have a short break?
You should be prepared for the possibility of administrative processing. If this happens, you may need to return to your home country while waiting.
9. If my SEVIS was previously terminated due to unauthorized employment, can the visa officer find out?
Yes, any record of legal violations in the U.S. will be visible to the visa officer.
10. How long is a visa denial history retained?
Indefinitely. Any past visa denial will always be visible in future interviews.
11. Will travel history affect visa approval rates?
Yes, it can. In general, frequent international travel with timely returns is viewed as a good travel record, which can improve your chances of visa approval. However, traveling to countries with strained relations with the U.S., such as North Korea or Iran, may have a negative impact.
12. Is it harder to get an F-1 visa for a Day 1 CPT school?
If you follow the basic principles when selecting a school and program for Day 1 CPT, it will not affect your visa application. However, if you violate these principles, such as repeatedly pursuing similar degrees and choosing a school far from your residence, it will raise suspicions.
For more information, please refer to:
13. I am currently attending a Day 1 CPT program in MBA and my previous degree was in CS. Will it affect my visa interview?
It is not uncommon for someone with a CS background to pursue an MBA, especially if they have held management positions in tech companies. However, if your fields of study are vastly different, such as transitioning from arts to IT, you will need to provide a reasonable explanation.
14. What should I know if I want to renew my visa while using Day 1 CPT for a second master’s degree?
You should be prepared to explain why you need a second master's degree and how it will benefit your career development. You must demonstrate your genuine intent to study the new field, rather than using the student status for work.