Sadly F1 visa denials have increased 20% since the beginning of the pandemic.

Many applicants invest significant time and effort into securing their student visas, and understandably so—there are often non-refundable fees involved and high expectations from family. I wanted to share some tips that may help in the visa application process:

1. Choose Your School Wisely: While any accredited college can sponsor a student visa, applying to a well-regarded institution can enhance your chances of approval. Visa officers may view applications from lesser-known schools with more scrutiny, so consider the reputation of the school in your application.

2. You need to look the part: Visa officers have a mental image of a typical student from your region. Usually a young person from an affluent family. If you don't fit that paradigm you need to be assertive and prove to that VO that you are a legitimate student. Highlight any scholarships or achievements during your interview, even if it’s not specifically asked.

3. Understanding Scrutiny: Be aware that applicants from certain countries may face more scrutiny. This doesn’t mean you can’t succeed; it just means you may need to be more prepared.

4. A visa interview is not the time to be modest. You need to proudly brandish your accomplishments and explain to the VO how studying in the US will help you achieve your goals back home.

5. Please don't say "I plan to go back to my home country after my studies." That just sounds so contrived and will cause the VO to scrutinize you even more. It's better to say something like "After I finish school I want to come back here and work in my family's business" or something like that.

6. Good English is essential. Going back to the mental image, people from affluent families in developing nations typically have good English skills. Also, if someone is using broken English the VO will wonder how he will succeed as a student in the US.

I hope these tips prove helpful! Navigating the visa process can be challenging, and many applicants face multiple denials before achieving success. If you feel overwhelmed, consider seeking advice from knowledgeable sources, but remember that each case is unique, and there are many paths to a successful visa application.