Visa Interview Guide - 2020 Update
Updated: Dec 30, 2019
The visa interview is the last step in the F1 visa application process.
If you are an international student wanting to study English in Los Angeles, an F1 visa is needed to study English at our language school in Koreatown, Los Angeles.
To increase your chances of reaching your dreams and studying English in Los Angeles, use this guide to help prepare for your visa interview.
Remember, this is just a guide to help you get started.
We highly recommend getting professional help from a Visa Specialist.
Start by watching this helpful 7 minute video.
It is important to remember that you must answer satisfactorily these main points:
Will you return home after studying English in the United States?
Anything that you can use to show that you are going to return home after studying English in the United States will only help you.
Documents showing that you have responsibilities and duties in your home country will be proof and make a strong statement that you are coming to Los Angeles ONLY to learn English.
Some documents you can show are:
Job offer letter upon completion of studies
Personal assets (i.e. house, land, vehicle, etc.)
Bank accounts
Family in your home country
Plans for after you finish studying English in Los Angeles
How are you going to pay for your education?
To study English in Los Angeles, you need to prove you have enough money to pay for your education.
If you followed our 4 Easy Steps to Start Studying English in Los Angeles guide, you will already have an official bank statement.
Use this document to show your visa officer that you are serious about studying and have enough to support yourself while you are in America.
Please note, if you have a spouse/children staying behind in your country, you will have to explain how they will support themselves while you are studying in America.
Why did you choose to study in the United States?
You should have a plan of how learning English will improve your life once you return to your home country.
Asking yourself "How does this program fit into my career goal?" and
"What is my academic qualifications (test scores) and my education history?" will guide you through this section.
Keep these tips in mind before going to the visa interview:
Dress professionally. Having a great first impression will only help you.
Practice your English before the interview. It is not required to know English for the interview, but it will make a good impression and show that you are serious about studying in America.
Keep your response short and to the point. Visa officers have a lot of applicants to review and are under a lot of time pressure.
Have a positive attitude. If you are denied the visa, ask for additional documents you could bring in order to contest the refusal.
Finally, don't forget to bring the following documents to the F1 student visa interview:
Passport: The expiration date must be at least 6 months past your returning date in the US.
Form DS-160 confirmation page: Print out the confirmation page that you have filled out the Nonimmigrant Visa Application form.
SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment Receipt: Print out the confirmation page that you have paid this government fee. (If you have not paid the SEVIS I-901 Fee, you can pay here: https://fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html)
Picture: Bring a copy of the photo that you attached to the Form DS-160.
Adams College of English I-20 & Acceptance Letter
Additional Documents: High School/College Transcripts, diplomas, bank statements, and any official documents that prove you have strong intentions to return to your home country after studying might be needed during the interview.
You are almost there so stay strong!
Many students have gone through this same process to study English in Los Angeles so do your best and prepare.
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