What are my chances of getting a Student Visa?

[dcole101 0]

Hello,

When I was 10 years old my parents left me in the States with my relatives. They left during the given time which was 6 months so their visa status is perfectly fine although I didn't so my i-90 plus my passport expired (it wasn't my choice and I was minor). I lived in the States for about 8 years and upon graudating highschool I faced many problems getting an admission into universities/colleges because I was treated as an International student so, I left on my own. When I left the States I was still a minor, I left within 180 days of turning 18.

I'm in my home country at the moment and it's been five years since I came back. I have an undergrad degree now and I'm planning to apply for a masters program at a university in the States.

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1. What are my chances of getting a student visa? By the law I'm eligible to apply and will not face any ban since I was minor but who cares, right? Visa officers always look for an excuse.

2. I heard during the interview the system will show a "Red Flag" by my name as it will represent that I have overstayed - How true is this?

3. I also heard that they discard old data every 5 to 10 years - How true is this?

[Boiler 45,516]

1. Hope you are not studying Mathematics. If they want an excuse they do not need to look far.

2. No idea, you will have declared your previous stay anyway.

3. False

[RhettVoe 282]

Hard to say....on the one hand, you education was partially funded by US tax dollars, something neither you nor your parents reimbursed...8 years of public education at roughly $8000 per year = $64,000....who pays us back?

Moreover, given your lengthy stay (fault or not), what are you going to say that will convince them you won't be using this educational opportunity to find a legal way to remain in the US, given your previous strong ties to the US?

And finally, if you decide to lie on your student visa application, (a) what does that say about your character and (b) when your lie is discovered, what will you say on your behalf? and ©, if you are considering lying, why?

A thorough VO will be wondering...and even if you successfully lie to them, what about our border folks? They will show your entry years ago, but no departure record....then...what will you say to them upon arrival? 'Gee, I forgot about those 8 years in the US!'...

[JohnR! 5,495]

Hello,

When I was 10 years old my parents left me in the States with my relatives. They left during the given time which was 6 months so their visa status is perfectly fine although I didn't so my i-90 plus my passport expired (it wasn't my choice and I was minor). I lived in the States for about 8 years and upon graudating highschool I faced many problems getting an admission into universities/colleges because I was treated as an International student so, I left on my own. When I left the States I was still a minor, I left within 180 days of turning 18.

I'm in my home country at the moment and it's been five years since I came back. I have an undergrad degree now and I'm planning to apply for a masters program at a university in the States.

----

1. What are my chances of getting a student visa? By the law I'm eligible to apply and will not face any ban since I was minor but who cares, right? Visa officers always look for an excuse.

2. I heard during the interview the system will show a "Red Flag" by my name as it will represent that I have overstayed - How true is this?

3. I also heard that they discard old data every 5 to 10 years - How true is this?

You chances of getting a student visa are the same as anyone else, which is to say you will need to prove you will be able to maintain yourself financially while attending college. You will need to show enough ready funds to cover the first year at least. It will also help if your I-20 is issued by an accredited university.

You will know if you're red flagged during the interview. Do not lie and answer any questions truthfully. However, you need not volunteer any information. If asked be honest, else keep quiet.

You are not responsible for the actions of your parents. Remember that during the interview and act accordingly.

Do please come back and tell us how you fared. Good luck!

[Boiler 45,516]

How can his chance be the same as everyone else when everybody has different circumstances?

His history is bound to have some impact, whether it is significant will depend on the totality of the situation.

[jan22 3,056]

.

You will know if you're red flagged during the interview. Do not lie and answer any questions truthfully. However, you need not volunteer any information. If asked be honest, else keep quiet.

You are not responsible for the actions of your parents. Remember that during the interview and act accordingly.

Do please come back and tell us how you fared. Good luck!

But he will definitely be asked about prior time spent in the US -- it's on the DS-160 application form. He will also be asked about prior education and will have to list the schools in the US he attended -- again, it's on the DS-160. There is no way to honestly avoid "volunteering" this information as part of his application.

While not responsible for the actions of his parents, instead of hinting that is should be avoided, it is more important for him to be able to explain how it will not affect his actions now and as he continues his education in the US. Having gone to elementary, junior high, and high school in the US -- and now wanting to go to college there, too -- what is it that will entice him to return to his "home" country -- a country which he has lived in less time recently than he did in the US -- after he finishes his studies? That's a big issue he needs to think about and be ready to address with the visa officer, IMO.

Edited May 31, 2014 by jan22

[namdev 0]

I agree with Gegel, follow his advice.