A student willing to study abroad requires to apply for a country-specific Visa. USA as a study abroad destination allows students to apply under three categories of visa, F1, J-1, and M-1. The type of visa depends upon the type and duration of the program the student is applying for. The three different types of US student visas are mentioned below.
- F-1 Student Visa: F-1 student Visa is particularly for students who are accepted for a full-time academic program at any American University. Apart from this, a student enrolling into a program with more than 18 hours load per week is also required to apply for an F-1 student visa.
- M-1 Student Visa: M-1 student visa is for students enrolling in vocational or non-academic programs.
- J-1 Student Visa: Students enrolling in the Exchange study program apply for the third category of visa known as a J-1 student visa. In exchange programs, students remain admitted at their home college or university while studying in the US. After completion of the course, students go back and get their qualifications.
Student Visa Rejection in USA
While applying for a visa, many students notice that their student visa gets rejected. However, there are many reasons why US Embassy may not allow you to enter. Therefore, some of the top reasons why your US student visa might be rejected are mentioned below.
Not Following Regulations
USA as a country is very particular about rules and regulations and when it comes to studying abroad, students are required to follow all the regulations mentioned carefully. However, if a student fails to do so, the immigration agency directly rejects the US student visa.
Failure in Proving Financial Stability
International students willing to study in US are required to prove their financial stability to immigration officers. A student must have enough funds to cover tuition fees and the cost of living in the US. A letter from a bank showcasing 20-30 Lakhs or funds mentioned in your I-20 or DS-2019 form is required to prove your financial status.
Intent of Return to Home Country
US Student Visa comes with a validity period and once the validity is over, students are either required to have a work permit or return to their home country. Hence, students are required to submit a letter of intent stating their return to their home country after degree completion. If a student fails to do so then the US student visa gets rejected.
Family Relations in USA
Students with family relations in US, can suspect a negative aspect. Immigration officers might feel that you are applying for study in US under false projections and will not return back to the country even after completion of your degree.
Delay in Application
Once a student receives an acceptance letter from the university, it is best to apply immediately for the visa. Visa application approvals take time and applying late can cause rejection for your student visa. On average, the visa processing time can be either a few weeks or months. Hence, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible for your F-1 visa.
Poor Documentation
During the visa process, students are required to submit valid documents and if they fail to do so the US student visa gets rejected. The documents required for visa application are mentioned below:
- Valid passport with minimum 6 months of validity (after entering USA)
- SEVIS-Fee payment receipt
- Visa fees payment receipt
- Form DS-160 (Non-immigrant visa application confirmation page)
- Form I-20, from US institution (where you will be enrolling)
- Original Marks Sheet or Provisional certificates
- Score sheet of standardized exams taken to study in USA.
- Availability of sufficient funds, evidenced through Bank statements; Sponsors, or scholarship programs.
- Visa appointment letter (original as well as copy)
Rejection Due to US Visa Interview
The outcome of your visa application will be greatly influenced by the outcome of your visa interview. Visa denial is usually the result of a bad visa interview. This can mean feeling anxious during the interview, giving unnecessary information, not communicating properly with the interviewer, etc. So prepare well for the interview so that you can answer all the questions with confidence. If you answer questions with doubts or nervousness, the other person may assume that you have hidden reasons for coming.
Some of the tips students must follow while preparing for visa interviews are mentioned below.
- The first impression is the most important and to maintain that, students must dress professionally.
- Your US student visa interview questions should be on point and not complex. Make sure to give answers as quickly as possible and disclose the required information only.
- If you do not have a strong academic history then you must prepare a statement of purpose to convenience officers how you will succeed to study in US.
- Try to be clear about your answers, do not overstate and try not to lie or give false commitments. Be confident and carefully answer questions.
Valuable Tips to Follow to Decrease Chances of Visa Rejection
Once a student knows why a US student visa might get rejected, it is also important to know the ways in which a student can decrease the chances of rejection. Here are some tips for the same.
- Make sure to have a checklist of documents required while applying for a visa.
- Try to fill the visa application form carefully.
- Make sure to submit your acceptance letter from the university.
- If you have prior work experience, then submit relevant salary slips.
- Make sure to write a detailed SOP and submit a letter of intent.
- Try to maintain sufficient funds in your bank account in order to prove your financial stability.
How to Re-apply for US Student Visa after Rejection?
If your United States student visa is denied, the appropriate officer must inform you of the reasons. Think carefully about this decision. If your first F-1 visa application was rejected, you will have the option to reapply. Many visa applications that were rejected the first time will be accepted the second time.
Depending on the reasons for the denial of the United States f1 visa and your consulate, you may be able to reapply for the visa once you have collected the necessary documents to overcome the denial. Your Designated School Official (DSO) can advise you if the reason is related to your Form I-20 and your admission. If the rejection is for any other reason, consult an immigration attorney.
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