How to Successfully Apply for a U.S. Visa

STUDY ABROAD

Three Conditions for U.S. Non-Immigrant Visa Approval

U.S. immigration law sets out three conditions for granting non-immigrant visas (for short-term business, study, visiting relatives, and educational exchange programs).

The applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover the costs of their trip to the U.S. (for example, students must prove they can afford tuition and living expenses) and ensure they will not seek employment while in the U.S.
The applicant must comply with the type of visa they applied for and adhere to the stated purpose of their visit.
The applicant must show intent to return to Vietnam after their trip to the U.S.

From October 1, 2007, to September 30, 2008, the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City issued 35,450 non-immigrant visas, a 30% increase from the previous year. Among these, 9,054 visas were issued to students, marking a 54% rise (85% of the country’s student visas were issued in Ho Chi Minh City). Mr. Chuck Bennett stated that the current interview and visa issuance process takes only two days. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early, as interview appointments and necessary information are available on the website: hochiminh.usconsulate.gov.

Students applying for study visas should seek free assistance from the U.S. Institute of International Education (IIE) at 11 bis Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Phone: 08.39118092; Fax: 08.9118093; Website: www.iievn.org.

Challenges in Visa Assessment

This requirement poses a challenge for consular officers during assessments. “We evaluate applicants’ ties to Vietnam based on factors such as stable employment, family obligations, or elderly parents to care for. Some believe single applicants have a harder time obtaining visas, but that is not true. Single individuals may also have strong family connections, which are taken into consideration,” said Mr. Chuck Bennett.

Avoid Relying on Visa Consulting Services

Mr. Chuck Bennett emphasized that the U.S. Consulate General has no affiliations with external visa consulting agencies.

He added, “Some students seek advice from these agencies on how to answer questions, prepare documents, or manipulate the process to get interviewed by a specific officer. This is incorrect. Many students bring falsified financial documents and academic records, or rehearse scripted answers. Such actions undermine trust, while interview time is limited. My advice for all applicants is to avoid using fake documents and to answer truthfully. Rehearsed responses are meaningless to us.”

Some students believe a GPA of 7.0 or higher is necessary for visa approval, prompting falsified transcripts. In reality, there are no specific GPA requirements. Visa issuance is not limited to top students but is open to all who demonstrate the ability to study in the U.S.

Applicants caught with falsified documents are still allowed to reapply. A different consular officer will conduct the interview to ensure fairness. If the applicant returns with genuine documents and truthful answers, past issues are disregarded. However, Mr. Bennett's advice remains: honesty from the first interview is crucial. Most successful student visa applicants secure approval on their initial interview.

Reported by Ngoc Son