Student visa

[HumblestOpinion 0]

That is GREAT to hear! She is most definately coming to go to school, and we have no plans of marriage in the near future at all. I will definately relay to her to make sure if asked that she be honest. I'm really nervous about her upcoming interview just cause I'm ready for her to be here. Even though it wasn't asked I'll add this little backup knowledge we met while she was on her J-1 and she has decided she wants to come back to study here so we can be together, she's from South Africa.

I'm keeping my hopes up because I've read that about 75% of the F-1 applications are accepted and of the 25% I would imagine some are denied based upon illegitimate reasons, momentary issues, and unfortunately sometimes because of profiling (shocking that this country would do that huh?) so the fact that she legitimately is coming to study, has the financial backing and other factors that deal with profiling that weigh in her favor, I remain optimistic. Do you have any insight on the process specifically dealing with South Africans? Thank you again you're thoughts on the matter not only help with how to proceed but also take a huge load off my back so to speak!

[Little_My 464]

Erm, I didn't really mean to "take a huge load off your back" - I was merely saying that her FB relationship status should not tilt her F1 application either way, as I still would like to think US immigration does not illegally hack into people's online accounts to get information from their FB or other online profiles that are not open to all..But maybe I'm a foolish idealist to think that. Anyway, as I said, if her FB account is public to everyone and she openly discusses plans to immigrate to US there,that would be a different matter. In any other situation I personally don't think a decision on her application would have anything to do with her FB in any way.. but others may disagree here.

I can't say anything about her chances of being approved or denied, and personally have no knowledge about South Africa and visa processes there. If she has been here on a previous J1 and did not violate her visa or overstay, that obviously works in her favor. The burden is on her to show enough ties to SA to convince the individual interviewing her that she does not plan to stay here beyond her studies. I provided employment letters, letters from professor statign I had planned to study abroad for several years, letters stating my parents own two businesses in Finland in my home town (that really has nothing to do with me, but seemed to help anyway), letters showing I had bank accounts there with loans, etc. Finland is obviously an easy country, so I probably got off much easier than many others.

I hope all goes well with her application. My advise, above anything else, is for her to be honest no matter what. Lies tend to come and bite people in the ###, especially when it comes to immigration. USCIS is like an elephant - it does not forget.

Edited October 4, 2011 by Little_My

[HumblestOpinion 0]

I understand, I'm just glad to hear it shouldn't be an issue, she does have strong ties to SA! Thanks for your insight!

[Boiler 45,519]

The US is a big country, I guess I am sort of surprised that the course you wish to attend is within commuting difference of where you boyfriend lives.