F1 visa Interview

[hajimemashite]

So I have been accepted for my doctorate program (CS) @ a reputed US University for fall 2010. The only thing left is the visa interview.

I was wondering if anyone could provide me insights about the process. (F1 visa).

I already have a B.S. degree from the USA, therefore had had the F1 visa stamp on my passport. After completion I had returned to my home country. Now I am trying to go back. Can this be a problem?

I would like to know what are the things that I need to look out for and what could potentially lead to issues during the process? also how to avoid such issues.

thanks.

[fuzzylogician]

It shouldn't be a problem as long as you were accepted to a reputable university. The interviewers only care about your funding sources and the university you were accepted to, and that's pretty much it. If you maintained good status throughout your previous stay in the States and did not overstay/work illegally/etc, you should be fine.

The only thing to watch out for, since you've already spent some time in the States, is suspicion that you're planning to emigrate there on your F1 visa. Even if you are thinking about finding a job in the States and staying there after you graduate, don't say that to the interviewer. If asked what you're going to do after you graduate, just say you'll go back home and look for a job or some such. Remember that an F1 visa is not a dual-intent visa, which means that you shouldn't be thinking about emigrating on that visa. Of course, everybody understands that things can change - especially if you spend 4-5 years in the US during grad school - and people in the embassy know that. Just don't make the mistake of saying that that's your plan all along. Aside from this advice--which btw holds for everybody, not just for people who have spent time in the US before--everything should be quick and painless.

[hajimemashite]

It shouldn't be a problem as long as you were accepted to a reputable university. The interviewers only care about your funding sources and the university you were accepted to, and that's pretty much it. If you maintained good status throughout your previous stay in the States and did not overstay/work illegally/etc, you should be fine.

The only thing to watch out for, since you've already spent some time in the States, is suspicion that you're planning to emigrate there on your F1 visa. Even if you are thinking about finding a job in the States and staying there after you graduate, don't say that to the interviewer. If asked what you're going to do after you graduate, just say you'll go back home and look for a job or some such. Remember that an F1 visa is not a dual-intent visa, which means that you shouldn't be thinking about emigrating on that visa. Of course, everybody understands that things can change - especially if you spend 4-5 years in the US during grad school - and people in the embassy know that. Just don't make the mistake of saying that that's your plan all along. Aside from this advice--which btw holds for everybody, not just for people who have spent time in the US before--everything should be quick and painless.

Hey thanks for the response, that helped calm my nerves.

I just have a few other questions:

1)What if the counselor officer asks me: "You just came back after your BS degree. You stayed in your home country for a year and now why are you going back again so soon?"

2)What if I am asked: "What will you do if your visa is refused?"

3)Is it a problem if I have a relative living in the US ?

-thanks

[fuzzylogician]

I am no immigration expert, so this is based only on common sense:

1)There are obvious advantages to the US degree you are going to get, so why not just mention them: the school you've been accepted to is generally ranked very high in your field, it has suitable advisors for your particular subfield, and it will give you generous funding for 5 years. Those are all pretty convincing reasons to want to go back to the States.

2)I would say something along the lines of "that would be too bad because the most suitable advisors for me are at school X...I suppose I'll have to find other schools to apply to in Europe/Canada/home country/Other that will be able to fund me and have good mentors."

3)A sibling or parent aren't the same as a distant cousin, but I suppose in general having a relative living in the States puts you at a higher risk of emigrating there than someone whose entire family lives in their home country. But then there's not much you can do about it, so I wouldn't worry too much. As I wrote before, don't say anything to arouse the interviewer's suspicion (like any plans to stay in States after the degree) and you should be fine. Your only plan you should have right now is to obtain the best education you can and then go back home and get a job--and that's it.

[hajimemashite]

I am no immigration expert, so this is based only on common sense:

1)There are obvious advantages to the US degree you are going to get, so why not just mention them: the school you've been accepted to is generally ranked very high in your field, it has suitable advisors for your particular subfield, and it will give you generous funding for 5 years. Those are all pretty convincing reasons to want to go back to the States.

2)I would say something along the lines of "that would be too bad because the most suitable advisors for me are at school X...I suppose I'll have to find other schools to apply to in Europe/Canada/home country/Other that will be able to fund me and have good mentors."

3)A sibling or parent aren't the same as a distant cousin, but I suppose in general having a relative living in the States puts you at a higher risk of emigrating there than someone whose entire family lives in their home country. But then there's not much you can do about it, so I wouldn't worry too much. As I wrote before, don't say anything to arouse the interviewer's suspicion (like any plans to stay in States after the degree) and you should be fine. Your only plan you should have right now is to obtain the best education you can and then go back home and get a job--and that's it.

got the visa man! Thanks for the insights.