U.S. Student Visa Q&A

U.S. Student Visa Q&A

2. I cannot attend my scheduled interview. Can I reschedule for another day?
Yes. If you cannot attend your interview for any reason, you can reschedule by bringing your payment receipt to Citibank. Citibank will assist you in changing the interview date.

3. I heard that obtaining a U.S. student visa is very difficult. Is this true?
There are three basic requirements students must meet to obtain a U.S. student visa:

• Genuine Student Intent: Your purpose for applying for a student visa must be to study. Consular officers expect you to answer basic questions about the school you will attend, the courses you plan to take, your return plans to Vietnam, and why you chose that particular school.
• Financial Proof: You must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover your studies in the U.S. Acceptable documents include scholarships, financial support letters from your school, family business records, tax receipts, or property documents. Bank deposit confirmation letters are not accepted as proof of financial resources.
• Intent to Return to Vietnam: When applying for a student visa, you are requesting permission to stay in the U.S. for a limited time to complete your studies. After completing your studies, you must return to Vietnam.

4. I have relatives in the U.S. Will this affect my chances of getting a student visa if I stay with them?
No. All visa applicants must disclose if they have relatives in the U.S. Consular officers understand that having relatives abroad is common, especially for applicants from southern Vietnam. Staying with relatives is acceptable. Be honest about your family situation. Visas will not be issued if consular officers believe your true intention is family reunification.

5. My relatives in the U.S. have filed for family sponsorship for me to immigrate. Can I still get a student visa?
Yes. However, applicants with previous immigrant visa applications may find it harder to prove their intent to return to Vietnam after studying. In some cases, applicants can present dual intent, meaning they plan to study temporarily but may immigrate later. Each case is unique, but the best advice is to be transparent about your family situation and clearly explain your post-study plans.

6. Can visa service agencies help me obtain a visa?
No. Do not trust anyone claiming they can guarantee you a visa. Do not pay for fake documents. Consular officers are trained to detect fraudulent documents and false statements.

7. My English is not good. Can I interview in Vietnamese?
Yes. Consular officers speak Vietnamese, and interpreters are available. For applicants unable to speak English, the I-20 form must state that no English proficiency is required, or that the school will provide English courses upon arrival. However, speaking English is a basic skill that helps demonstrate genuine intent to study in the U.S. under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

8. How can I pay the SEVIS fee?
Applicants can pay the SEVIS fee online by credit card, by check, or via money transfer to SEVP. A sponsor or any third party can also pay on behalf of the applicant. For more information on SEVIS fee payments, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE) website.

9. If I have all the required documents, will I definitely get a student visa?
Not necessarily. Many applicants are confused when denied despite having the I-20 and school information. Under U.S. law, all non-immigrant visa applicants must prove they will leave the U.S. before their authorized stay expires.

For student visas, consular officers assess the overall circumstances of each applicant. If an officer suspects the primary intent is to reside long-term rather than study, the visa may be denied. Acceptance into a school and possession of an I-20 are just part of the assessment.

10. How long can I stay in the U.S. on a student visa?
Students entering the U.S. on an F1 visa may stay for the duration of their academic program. This means you can remain in the U.S. even if your visa expires, as long as you maintain full-time student status.

11. I was recently denied a student visa under Section 214(b) of U.S. immigration law. What does this mean? Can I reapply?
Student visa applicants are often denied for the following reasons:
(a) Failure to convince the officer of genuine study intent and ability to succeed academically.
(b) Inability to prove sufficient financial resources.
(c) Failure to demonstrate intent to return to Vietnam after completing studies.

You may reapply at any time, but review your application thoroughly before the next interview. Be prepared to explain your study plans, financial situation, and post-study intentions.

12. I am returning to Vietnam to visit my family. My student visa is still valid for multiple entries, but I have transferred to another school. Do I need a new visa to re-enter the U.S.?
If your student visa is still valid, you can leave the U.S. for less than five months and re-enter to continue your studies, even if you have transferred to another school.