Visa Document Checklist:
- An “initial” I-20 issued by the Louisiana Tech University
- A valid passport (valid at least 6 months from visa interview appointment date)
- Proof of payment of the I-901 SEVIS fee ($350): You may pay the SEVIS fee online.
- Proof of returning home: Students must adequately convey to the visa officer their intent to return home upon the completion of their studies. This means communicating that you have strong ties to your home country and you have no intention of abandoning.
- Visa Application form
- Money: Application fee (non-refundable), cost of the visa (varies with country), and miscellaneous expenses.
- Photographs: Contact the U.S. Embassy in your country for specific dimensions.
- Evidence of financial support:
- Funds from your sponsor or personal account: Get a current bank statement (should not be more than 2 months old) or official letter from the bank stating the amount of funds in that account. If the sponsor(s) is/are not your parent(s) or U.S. citizen(s) or permanent resident(s), the sponsor(s) must complete an I-134 Affidavit of Support form.
AND/OR
- An official letter stating the amount of your awarded assistantship (for graduate students only) or on-campus employment per year, if any.
Visa Interview:
The visa application process includes an interview with a visa officer at the U.S. Consulate. Most frequent reasons for visa denial are under the following sections:
- 214 (b): Intention to immigrate to the U.S.
- 221 (g): Insufficient documentation
- 212 (a) (4): Likely to become a public charge (insufficient funds)
Of the three reasons listed above, 214 (b) is the most often cited for visa denial. The visa officer will assume that it is your intent to immigrate to the U.S. It is your responsibility to convince him otherwise. Having family living permanently in the U.S. is often seen as a reason for you not to return home. Also, the documents you present should be, and look, authentic. Remember, you only have a couple of minutes to present your request. You should be organized in the presentation of your request and prepared to clearly express your desire to return home upon completion of your studies.
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