Useful Tips for Applying for a Student Visa

The most important thing to keep in mind when applying for a student visa is the applicant must prove to the consular officer that he/she is NOT going to stay in the US after graduating. In other words, the consular officer views the student as a potential immigrant and it is up to the student to prove that this is not the case
While applying for a visa, you must:

• project an image of maturity and independence: look the interviewer in the eye and speak in an articulate manner;
• explain very clearly why you chose to enter your particular program and why it is necessary to do so in the United States. One of the questions that the officer will be asking him/herself is: Why does this person need to go to the US to study this subject?
• when possible, underscore what plans you have upon returning home. Many of us don’t know what we wanted to do when we graduated from college, but for the purpose of this interview, you must be as forward thinking as possible.

Ten Points to Remember When Applying for a Non-immigrant Visa

This document was produced by NAFSA: Association of International Educators.