Prepare to succeed

Tip 8: Show strong ties to your home country. U.S. law presumes every nonimmigrant visa applicant intends to stay unless they show otherwise. Be clear about your long-term plans and what brings you back home: family, a job, property or other commitments.

Tip 7: Practice in English. Your interview will usually be in English. Practice with a fluent speaker. If you're going to the U.S. partly to improve your English, explain how it fits your career at home.

Tip 6: Speak for yourself. Parents should not join the interview. If you're a minor and a parent must come, ask them to wait outside. The officer wants to hear from you.

Tip 5: Know why you're going. Explain how your program connects to your career goals at home. If you can't explain it, the officer may doubt your plans.

Tip 4: Keep it short. Officers often decide in the first few minutes. Give clear, direct answers.

Tip 3: Have your documents in order. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, I-20 or DS-2019, SEVIS fee receipt and financial documents, organized so the officer can see them quickly. Skip long written explanations.

Tip 2: Have a plan for your family. If your family stays behind, be ready to explain how they'll support themselves. If the officer thinks you'll need to send money home from the U.S., your visa may be refused.

Tip 1: Stay calm. If you're refused, ask which section of the law applied and what you can do differently, then move forward calmly.

After your interview

Once your visa is approved, buy insurance that meets your visa and school requirements. Look up your school's requirements or contact TaiAn.