Tips for Avoiding Hardship when Applying for a U.S. Student Visa

As a foreign student, you must obtain a student visa if you wish to study in the U.S. Unfortunately, the path to a student visa isn’t the easiest. Applying to competitive programs, filling out paperwork in your second language and navigating a tough interview can make the process arduous, but there are ways you can make it much less difficult. Check out these 5 tips for avoiding hardship when applying for a U.S. student visa.

1. Be Timely with Your Application

Apply for your student visa with ample time before the program starts. Delaying your application entry may make you ineligible because your visa would only become available after your program start date.

2. Confirm Foreign Residence and Ties to Home

One of the first requirements you need to meet is to confirm you have both foreign residence and ties to home. U.S. law requires all foreign students who apply for nonimmigrant visas to show reasons for returning home that are stronger than reasons for remaining in the United States. This can be proven in a few ways:

• Job offer letter
• Proof of assets
• Family
• Bank account information

3. Practice Your English

Practice your English with a native speaker before the interview, since it will generally be administered in English. If you are coming to the U.S. to study English, be prepared to explain how English will be useful when you return to your home country.

4. Have All Your Paperwork in Order

Paperwork you will need for your U.S. student visa application includes a copy of your application, fee payment receipts, a valid passport, financial documentation, admission letter(s), scholarship letters and other supporting documentation dependent on your situation. Having the paperwork in order will make the process easier.

5. Prepare for Your Interview

In addition to practicing your English, there are a number of other things you should do to prepare for your interview. Most questions at your interview will be related to these categories:

• Your school program
• Your academic capability
• Your financial status
• Your post-graduation/career plans

You’ll be asked about your GPA, monthly income, plans after graduation, test scores, rejection letters and more. If you’re prepared, your interview will go much more smoothly.

If you are interested in a student visa, contact our Cleveland visa lawyers at Sintsirmas & Mueller Co. L.P.A. We can provide the high-quality, comprehensive legal counsel you need.