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F1 Student Visa - The Application Process and Interview Tips
F1 Student Visa - The Application Process and Interview Tips
InternationalStudent.com
F1 Student Visa
Secrets to Getting Your F1 Visa Approved
A n F1 visa is issued to international students who are attending an academic program or English
Language Program at a US college or university. F1 students must maintain the minimum course load
for fulltime student status. They can remain in the US up to 60 days beyond the length of time it takes
to complete their academic program, unless they have applied and been approved to stay and work for
a period of time under the OPT Program.
F1 students are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on their I20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non
immigrant Student Status) which is provided by the US college or university that the student has been accepted to and will attend.
F1 Visa Qualifications
In order to qualify, applicants need to satisfy and prove several strict criteria during an F1 visa interview, including the
following:
Foreign Residence
F1 applicants must have a foreign residence and must intend to return there upon the completion of theirstudies.
Sponsoring Institution
While on your F1 visa, you may only study at the academic institution through which the visa was granted.
Financial Support
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial support — the Study USA Financing Guide can help you prepare for this
aspect of your time abroad.
Ties to Home Country
All applicants must demonstrate that they have strong ties to their home country.
Strong ties consist of, but are not limited to, the following:
A job offer letter upon completion of studies
Assets (i.e., house, land, vehicle, etc.)
Bank accounts
Family
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4/3/2017 F1 Student Visa The Application Process and Interview Tips
Family
InternationalStudent.com
Admission Requirements
Different universities have different admission policies. Your university will tell you what they need to determine if you are
academically eligible. Among other requirements, you will need to show the school that you have enough money to support yourself
while studying without having to work and you may have to show health insurance in order to cover any medical expenses should
you need any medical assistance. Once the university has determined that your application is complete and you are academically
eligible, they will issue an I20 form to enable you to apply for your student visa.
Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Always protect yourself by keeping a copy of everything that you fill out and send off.
Application Fee
You will have to pay a nonrefundable application fee. This means that if your visa does not get approved, you will not get
your money back.
Form DS160
All applicants will need to complete and submit DS160, the online application for a nonimmigrant visa.
Form DS157
A DS157 form for all males aged 1645.
Valid Passport
A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of
stay in the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make an
application.
Photos
You can upload a digital photo that is:
In color
Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's
total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
Taken in front of a plain white or offwhite background
Taken in fullface view directly facing the camera
With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis
If you are looking to get your F1 student visa, then you won't want to miss our application timeline on what steps you should
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4/3/2017 F1 Student Visa The Application Process and Interview Tips
If you are looking to get your F1 student visa, then you won't want to miss our application timeline on what steps you should
take and when. View the Application Timeline»
InternationalStudent.com
F1 Visa Interview
An F1 visa interview will be required to determine whether or not you are qualified to receive an F1 student visa. You should arrive at
the interview with all of the required documents and receipts, and you should be prepared ahead of time to answer personal
questions about your decision to study in the US.
F1 visa interview questions often include inquiries about your academic qualifications and choice of university. You may be required
to prove that you have ties and obligations that would guarantee your return to your home country after your international studies.
Most importantly, you will be required to prove that you have the means to finance your education. Education expenses in the US
are higher than most countries and being able to present a solid financial plan for the duration of your studies is crucial to pass your
F1 visa interview.
Why did you choose to study in the US instead of joining the workforce in your home country?
Why did you choose this school and why is it the best school for you?
What are your test scores ( GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS ), your GPA, and your overall performance as a student
in the past?
How are you funding the entire duration of your education, including tuition, room and board, transportation, and all
other expenses?
After you graduate, will you return home or will you stay in the United States?
Your consular officer may ask these questions in different ways, but they are all asked for the same purpose to be
sure that you qualify for the F1 visa, as stated above. If these questions are answered in a satisfactory manner, the
consular officer can approve your application.
If approved, you may be required to pay a visa issuance fee. Digital fingerprint scans will be taken for records. Your passport will be
taken so that you can get your visa and you will be informed when you can get it back, either by pickup or in the mail.
Keep in mind that visa issuance is not guaranteed. Never make final travel plans until you have your visa approved. If your visa is
denied, you will be given a reason based on the section of law which applies to your ineligibility. Filing a waiver of ineligibility is
possible in some cases.
Of course, if you do not meet the F1 Visa Qualifications as stated above, you can expect to be found ineligible. For example, if you
do not sufficiently demonstrate that the strong ties to your home country will influence you to return home after your stay in the US,
you will be denied under INA section 214(b), Visa Qualifications and Immigrant Intent.
Other common reasons for denial include Fraud or Misrepresentation, Unlawful Presence in the United States, Healthrelated
grounds, Criminalrelated grounds, or Securityrelated grounds. To learn more about visa denials and to see if you are eligible for a
waiver or to reapply, the US Department of State website is a great resource.
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4/3/2017 F1 Student Visa The Application Process and Interview Tips
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Download Application Form
Find Your Application Form Here. Download Now w/ Free App! Go to
getformsonline.com/application
Upon Arrival
Make sure you arrive in the US no more than 30 days prior to the first day of classes. Check in with your international advisor as
soon as possible before your program begins.
You must remain enrolled full time. Go to class and maintain passing grades. If you are having difficulty in your classes, notify your
international advisor. If you are unable to complete your program by the date listed on your Form I20, your international advisor can
help you request a program extension.
Your passport should be valid for at least 6months in the future. Your country’s consulate or embassy can help you extend your
passport if needed. Carry a copy of your passport with you along with your I94 card for identification purposes.
Always notify your international advisor or office if you make changes to your address, study plans, or visa status.
Working
F1 visa students are not allowed to work offcampus. However, you may have some oncampus work or curricular practical training
options if you qualify. Check with your international advisor to see if this is a possibility for you. If you choose to work without proper
authorization, your visa will be revoked and you will be forced to leave the United States.
You have 60 days upon completion of your program to leave the United States under your F1 visa. To remain in the US, you will
need to reenroll in a higher program, transfer to another school to receive a new I20 form, or apply to change your visa status. Your
international advisor can give you more information regarding your options.
Visa & Immigration Center
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F1 Visa Interview Questions
Maintaining your F1 Visa Status
M1 Student Visa
Green Card Lottery
H1B Visa
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H1B Visa
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Useful Resources
Working in the USA
U.S. Department of State Student Visa Information
Employment on an F1 Visa
Renewing your F1 Student Visa
InternationalStudent.com
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