applying for F1

[MoMe 0]

I applied at Lincoln university in Oakland, CA for MBA program, Information Systems Management.... a 3 year program and (internship) means I work 40 hours/week but work must be in my field of study (called CPT program)

I am working at Telecom Egypt, 31 years old , my IELTS score is 6.5 I am waiting for my I-20 as I payed the tuition

do I have to get a promising letter from my company ? I mean it doesnt make sense, no position will wait for me 3 years, I need to get the degree first then look for opportunity that fits my qualifications right ?

I have my personal bank statement, but I am really really worried of the embassy stage !!!! I need advises on what to do

thanks guys

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Which company are you asking about, the one that you will do your internship with or your company in Egypt?

good luck

[JayJayH 546]

You cannot get an F-1 visa for any other reason than to enter the US seeking a degree. Your I-20 and F-1 visa will be issued for you to seek a Master's degree at Lincoln University, and nothing else. If this degree includes an internship, you can apply for work authorization through CPT once you're in the US. After you graduate, you may apply for post-completion OPT if you want.

I am assuming that you are talking about a promising letter from your company in Egypt. You really don't need any promising letter from any company, however it may be a good thing to bring if it states that they are aware of your academic plans, and that they do expect you back at the end of your studies. You say it "makes no sense" and you're right in that the US embassy will not take it as any guarantee. But at least it shows that you have job prospects back in Egypt, and helps to build an impression that you have a plan.

Edited November 9, 2013 by yang-ja

[MoMe 0]

well I was talking about my company, Telecom Egypt, but I said none sense because no position waits for someone for 3 years and in fact I wanted that degree to get a better position in a bigger company in Cairo like Ernest and Young or IBM consulting, I would really like to work for that

and I am saying I am seriously worried and nervous about the interview ( I am still waiting the I-20) and I need advise about that

I just had my passport 2 months ago and it says that I am working at TE, do I need any other confirmation that I am still working for the company ? I think my interview might be in the first half of December 2013

Thank you !!!

[JayJayH 546]

Do Egyptian passports normally list your employer? If so, I'd assume that's a fairly good indicator that you do work for TE. A job contract, letter or a recent pay stub would suffice too. I don't know how useful that would be at the interview, except showing that you have experience in your field, as well as job prospects in Egypt upon your return.

Even if your company wrote you a guarantee of employment upon return to Egypt, it wouldn't make much of a difference, as they cannot guarantee that you will actually take the job, and the US cannot cannot enforce it. Don't focus on "guarantees" but rather on building the impression that you have strong ties and great prospects in Egypt to return to.

Edited November 9, 2013 by yang-ja

[MoMe 0]

hello again

I had the interview on Jan 21st. and it was very short less than three minutes, she was talking in Arabic but I replied in English, she asked about the school location, my current job, and the money, she didn't ask me to show any paper except the I-20 and the SEVIS receipt, I tried to show the bank statement but she didn't even look. and then said that she agrees on my case, and I received the passport with visa on it after five days.

question: why did that happen, I mean in Egypt they reject more than 95% of applications, and i didn't have any visas before on my passport, but of course I am happy and thankful for your advises here.

[Leo7777 243]

MoMe, the Interviewing Officers at embassy are like everyone else.

Sometimes they decide to look at a lot of the stuff you present, and sometimes they only look at a few things.

Their decisions can also be just as capricious as anyone else's.

A bad hair day can result in a lot of rejections; a happy love life could result in mostly acceptances.

[lasko12 9]

hello again

I had the interview on Jan 21st. and it was very short less than three minutes, she was talking in Arabic but I replied in English, she asked about the school location, my current job, and the money, she didn't ask me to show any paper except the I-20 and the SEVIS receipt, I tried to show the bank statement but she didn't even look. and then said that she agrees on my case, and I received the passport with visa on it after five days.

question: why did that happen, I mean in Egypt they reject more than 95% of applications, and i didn't have any visas before on my passport, but of course I am happy and thankful for your advises here.

in Egypt, they reject 95% of the applications ?! Actually, your case is not rare in Asian countries. For F1 interview, most of IO will ask only transcript. Bank statement and financial support stuff are only required when the applicants don't have a very good education performance.

Edited February 26, 2014 by lasko12