Student visa interview strategy?

[Gabbo 0]

Hello there- my boyfriend, currently a uk citizen, got into college here in America and my family will be sponsoring him throughout his attendance. His visa interview is coming up and we're both nervous about this point: should he be fourth coming about our relationship and it's impact on his decision to study in the us? Or should he phrase it more in terms of "family friends are sponsoring me". He has complete intention of returning to the UK after his course, but as a student he already holds a bachelors and graduate degree. I get the sneaking suspicion that he'll seem an unlikely candidate during the interview, plus verbiage can change everything. Any suggestions for a route to take? Many thanks!

[greenalien 3]

Hello there- my boyfriend, currently a uk citizen, got into college here in America and my family will be sponsoring him throughout his attendance. His visa interview is coming up and we're both nervous about this point: should he be fourth coming about our relationship and it's impact on his decision to study in the us? Or should he phrase it more in terms of "family friends are sponsoring me". He has complete intention of returning to the UK after his course, but as a student he already holds a bachelors and graduate degree. I get the sneaking suspicion that he'll seem an unlikely candidate during the interview, plus verbiage can change everything. Any suggestions for a route to take? Many thanks!

The F1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa. During the interview he will have to convince the consular officer that he has no intent of immigrating to the US and will have to show strong family ties to his home country. So I recommend not to mention the relationship because it'll look like, "I want to be with my gf and I'm coming in on a student visa first and if I like the US then I'll maybe marry my gf and file for an immigrant visa." If the CO does ask if he knows anyone in the US, I recommend not hiding the relationship, but definitely make it abundantly clear that he wants a life in the UK.

The consular will mainly care about 3 things:

1. You have the money to pay your tuition (bank letter stating a balance will suffice).

2. You have no intent to immigrate to the US (remember, this is a non-immigrant visa).

3. You have strong ties to your country of origin (family, friends, permanent address).

My interview with the CO was relatively short, but here's how I got my F-1 visa and I-20. Good luck

[canadian_wife 1,822]

"Family friends" wont' pay for expensive, out of state tuition. Your boyfriend needs to be honest. He also needs to show how HE will play, plenty of sponsors have backed out in the past.

good luck

[Boiler 45,533]

He is studying for his Masters?

[Gabbo 0]

He's applying for a tech degree in computer science/web design, which is unrelated to his current degrees, namely looking to start a different career path.

[Boiler 45,533]

That certainly does look odd.

Is it at a name University? That may help.

[Gabbo 0]

It's not a name uni at all. Its a small college. It's affordable however, and since it's within his own personal price range I figure that helps make a good case. Finances between he and my family are not an issue.

I'm very nervous

[Boiler 45,533]

What does this college have to offer? Is this a particular specialism of theirs that attracts international students?

[Gabbo 0]

I think the fact that the college is so welcoming and accommodating when it comes to facilitating international study. Their international department is well known and reputable. They have personal advisors for international students every step of the way.

He's also visited the college and spoken with an admissions officer. He knows what he likes and why he's chosen this school. Do you think that could strengthen his case?

[RhettVoe 282]

A good CO will wonder why, with his previous education, he 'needs to' study at some no-name-o tech school, in some random town...and the random town will be the focus....hmmmm....why this town? Let's see....might he have a GF living just down the road from the No-Name-O school of technical something or other....and did he forget to mention said GF, referring to this person as a 'family friend'.....well....then if he just wants to be near you, why (realistically) would he go back to the UK after finishing whatever it is he wants to study (and why can't he study the same thing in the UK, closer to home and far cheaper?).....besides the usual job offer from some random company,....

[Cathi 5,755]

If your relationship comes up at the interview he has to tell the truth. Never lie to the government when it comes to immigration. Ever.

[Cathi 5,755]

The question is, is he using the student visa just to be able to live closer to you? Does he plan to go home after his studies? Do you plan all of a sudden marry and have him adjust status? You know where this is going...

[Gabbo 0]

Yes he plans on going home after his studies! And he's not planning on lying to any officers either. His pursuits are genuine and he's wanted to go to school in the US since high school, however never had the opportunity. Of course it's a convenient choice for our relationship, but that's not as primary as the fact he wants to continue his studies in the US. However I can easily imagine that the second you mention a relationship it becomes the presupposition and motive for your "studies". All I'm really interested in is if y'all have any ideas on how to pose the situation honestly without causing an interviewer to jump to conclusions (because honestly! marriage is not on the table, plus he's a devoted patriot to his own country anyway), make any sense?

[user_312 0]

I studied in the US from 2000-2003 and returned to my home country. And now returning to US on L1 visa. My personaly opinion: If the truth is told as is.. interviewer will look at it as a case where your boyfriend is trying to get to place closer to you and use F1 route. My suggestion would be to use fiance visa and find a way to get to school. If it was a good school.. like a MIT or Stanford .. then you have a better case. Sorry to say this but if you tell the trurth .. but there is 90% possibility of rejection.

Edited July 6, 2014 by user_312

[Gabbo 0]

hah he was honest AND got his visa! case closed.