F1 visa interview (after denial )

[Aga_123 0]

Hi ! 

I came to the United States in 2015 on J1 visa. I stayed two years and after that time I sent the papers to change my status to F1 student visa. I sent my papers in June 2017 (my J1 visa expired in October 2017). I enrolled to Community College while I was still on J1 visa. The International Student Office at my school told me I can continue my program while waiting for the change of my status. I finished two semesters (out of 6) with good grades and high GPA. I got my denied decision on 29th May 2018. And after that I left the United States. I applied for F1 visa from my home country. I have my interview in one week. I have sponsors in US that are going to support me financially- I have their tax papers, bank statement and letter from them explaining that they are able to help me financially. I have all the papers from school - I20 and acceptance letter. I even got the recommendation letter form the Head of Photography Department (I am enrolled in Professional Photography Program). My question is if there is anything else I could get that would be helpful in my situation. Have anyone of you had similar situation. Maybe some helpful advice ? I really just want to go and finish my Photography Program and get the degree. 

 

Thank you for any help ! 

[canadian_wife 1,826]

Good luck on your upcoming interview.  Why was the initial F1 denied?  Can you, if asked, provide ties to your home country?  You  just left a year ago after years on a J visa.

 

 

[aznhouston 132]

Well, you have everything you need for the interview. The problem is how you can convince the interviewer.

There are so many red flags in your case.

1. Changing visa from J1 to F1 means you are trying to evade the 2-year requirement of J1 visa. Implication: you intended to stay after graduation.

2. Who is this sponsor? Is it your bf/gf or a relative? If it's NOT a relative, they will question about the relationship between you and this person.

In general, imp your chance is slim, but nothing can be sure of.

You need to convince them:

 

Quote

 I really just want to go and finish my Photography Program and get the degree. 

 

[Aga_123 0]

Thank you for you answer and advice! 

I didn’t have two year rule on my passport. On my J1 visa in my passport there is written Bearer Is Not Subject to 212(E) Two Year Rule Doesn’t Apply. I have only 4 semesters left, and I would like to finish it and get the diploma. 

My sponsor is my host family that I have been living with for almost 3 years. I have the letter from them that they would support me financially and I would live with them. I also have their tax papers and papers from school that they are my sponsors (they had to fill the sponsors papers before I enrolled for classes). I also have pictures with them. 

I know there is many red flags but I want to try. My whole family is here, I don’t have any relatives in USA. The only thing I can do is to convince them that with USA Diploma I would have many chances to find a good job in my country or even make my own business as a photographer. The interview is tomorrow and I am getting a little stressed 😬

Thank you for your answers ! 

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

4 hours ago, Aga_123 said:

 

My sponsor is my host family that I have been living with for almost 3 years. I have the letter from them that they would support me financially and I would live with them. I also have their tax papers and papers from school that they are my sponsors (they had to fill the sponsors papers before I enrolled for classes). I also have pictures with them. 

Assuming it’s not just a bunch of random philanthropic strangers, what is your connection to the host family? Relatives? Church? Other?

[Aga_123 0]

7 hours ago, SusieQQQ said:

Assuming it’s not just a bunch of random philanthropic strangers, what is your connection to the host family? Relatives? Church? Other?

No they are not strangers. I was their AuPair for two years (that’s why I was on J1 visa). And after I finished my 2 years AuPair program they asked me if I would like to continue the school that I started on my J1 visa. They are not my family because we are not related to each other but I treat them like my family ( I know this is not an argument for a visa interview ) 

Edited July 23, 2018 by Aga_123

[aznhouston 132]

Now it starts to sound weird.

Which school were you admitted for the J1 originally?

Why did you sign up for a Community College while on J1?

 

The purpose of J1 visa is of course absolutely different from F1. That's why your case were denied.

From what I read on this topic, you clearly has the intent to stay.