F1 visa approved: my story

[NickyFM 1]

Hi folks!

So a little backstory:
I was originally on a J-1 post study/working holiday Visa in New York in 2013. After 2 months, I transferred to an E3 visa (special Australian talent) to work at an Advertising agency 2014- mid 2015. I unexpectedly lost my job and had to return home pretty quickly. I returned to California 5 weeks later, where my boyfriend is to try and get a sponsor on an ESTA. I stayed 86 days, but had my potential sponsor pull my job offer, so I had to return home to Australia. Prior to this, I had a J-1 student exchange Visa for 6 months on 2011.

I decided to apply to Fullerton College in California so that I could get my student Visa. I legitimately need Graphic design education to move forward in my career in advertising, so it made the most sense. Coming back and forth on tourist waivers just wasn't going to cut it. Out of curiosity, I asked on this forum what I should do. A LOT of members cautioned me, saying that the United States consulate would see it as "visa shopping" and be suspicious of immigration intent to the United States. So, I was shitting myself to say the least.

Anyway, I got into the school's program and booked my consulate appointment immediately. Seeing as I have had a student visa in the past, I knew exactly what documents to take along, so I didn't need much prep time.

Last week I was asked the following questions + my answers:

Why are you visiting the United States?
I will be studying an Associates in Graphic design for Advertising

How long are you planning on studying for?
3 years but I anticipate graduation in two.

Who will be supporting you financially?
My parents but I also have my own savings.

- Do you have any family in America?
Yes I do. 1 brother in New York on a nonimmigrant Visa.

You have so much education already (I have a Masters), how come you're now doing an Associates?
I received no training in my career or at university in Graphic Design and i need it to move into a more senior role in Advertising.

- Didn't you get any Graphic design education in your degrees?
Ahh I my education is purely strategy focused. I don't even know how to open photoshop. I have been talking to a company called Hello Social about a senior role in the future and they said they would like to reconvene once I have completed my studies.

- Oh that's cool! How do you know that company?
I worked for them as a community manager in the past.

- Clearly you're familiar with the United States. You've worked in New York and you've visited lots of times! (not really a q, but interesting she saw that as a positive, rather than a strong tie)
It's a lot of fun to visit there!

Your Visa has been approved.

She didn't ask to see any of my documents and didn't ask anything about my previous visas, EVEN THOUGH I listed on my DS-160 that I had my E3 revoked due to losing my job. To give you a rough idea of my timeline, I lost my E3 in March, went back on an ESTA May - August and will be returning on a student Visa in December. The moral of the story here, is don't let people on the internet scare you. Each case is unique and if you are playing by the rules of immigration and are honest with them, they will have no reason to deny you.

Good luck

[rinimina 7]

Congratulations! It is much better to go the legal way for the long run! But, yeah, it really depends on who interviews you. Glad everything worked out for you.

[stephaus 0]

Hi

Do you mind telling me how many days it took you to receive your passport? I have heard that it's closer to 2 weeks at the moment instead of the usual 3 days.

Thanks!

[TBoneTX 45,201]

The OP hasn't logged on to this site since November, so an answer might not be forthcoming.