Does Enrolling Day 1 CPT Universities Reduce Your Chance of Getting an F1 Visa?

Day 1 CPT universities are famous for their curriculum settings which allow students to work while studying. Contrary to the common belief that students cannot work due to the restrictions that come with a student visa, it is common and legal to use CPT as a form of work authorization under an F1 visa. However, because Day 1 CPT Universities focus a lot on internships and real-life working experience, they are also targeted by USCIS from time to time. Many students worry that if their I-20s come from Day 1 CPT universities, they will have a lower chance of passing the visa interview. Today, we are here to debug this myth and talk about how to pass visa interviews smoothly, Day 1 CPT universities or not.

Does the rank of Day 1 CPT universities affect my VISA Application?

 First, if your I-20s come from Day 1 CPT universities, you need to set your mindset correctly before going in for a visa interview. Your primary reason for coming to the United States is to advance your study, not to work. Internship as a component of your program is designed to assist you in better understanding what you’ve learned in classes. It is not a substation for classroom learning.

Secondly, don’t worry too much about the rank of Day 1 CPT universities. Most Day 1 CPT universities do not join the US News Ranking because they are not research-based. When it comes down to an F1 visa, your intent to reside in the U.S. illegally is more of a concern to a consular officer compared to the rank of the university you’ve gotten into.

Tips for F1 Visa Interview

There were data showed that consular officers conduct interviews with 4,400 visa applicants daily, averaging 20 nonimmigrant visa interviews every hour, with only approximately three minutes allocated for each interview. Therefore, the way visa applicants interact with the officers during this brief interview is crucial to a successful visa application.

Students may assume that by preparing all the required documents, they are guaranteed a visa. However, if their responses are unclear, the Officers may refuse their visa request even if all documents are in order.

While it is essential to provide all the necessary documents, it is equally vital to practice how to present oneself during the visa interview. This can significantly increase the chances of success in the visa application process.

Engaging with Visa Officers can be challenging, but it is essential to present yourself effectively during the interview process. Memorizing answers can make the responses seem rehearsed and unnatural, so it is recommended to practice delivering clear and concise answers that showcase one's academic goals and desire to study in the U.S.

While it is understandable that non-native English speakers may feel nervous about interviewing in English, it is not advisable to ask for an interview in their native language.

Instead, applicants should focus on practicing how to answer common questions and providing information that helps the Visa Officers make informed decisions. 

During the interview, applicants should aim to provide more than one-word responses and proactively share why they want to study in the U.S., their desired major, and their academic goals. Additionally, it is crucial to explain strong ties to their home country.

What to Do if Your Student Visa is Rejected 

In the event of a visa request being refused, students may apply again, but each decision is final, and even the Officer's supervisors cannot alter the verdict. As such, it is crucial to prepare thoroughly for the initial interview to avoid the possibility of rejection.

Additionally, visa records remain valid for life, or until the applicant becomes a U.S. citizen. This means that the second Visa Officer will review the notes from the previous interview, making it challenging to overturn a previous rejection. However, a "No" does not necessarily mean a permanent refusal. We have encountered a student who got his F1 visa after his 5th attempt.

We recommend that students who apply again provide answers that explain any changes since the last interview. Although it may be difficult to determine the exact reasons for visa refusal, it is vital to provide a different response than before. For example, if the academic plan was unclear before, the applicant should explain why they want to pursue higher education in the U.S. If they failed to demonstrate strong ties to their home country, they should emphasize it in the new interview.

In summary, re-applicants must persuade the new interviewer that the reasons for refusal in the previous interview have been addressed, and the decision should be reversed.

Other Common Questions Regarding Visa Interviews 

Q: The common reasons for student visa refusal?

A: The common reason to refuse a student visa is INA section 214(b), which covers a broad range of factors related to a lack of ties.

Q: Is it usually easier to renew the student visa?

A: Yes, renewal is easier than initial application unless there are new factors at play.

Q: Is there any quota per country or consular that mandates refusing visas?

A: There is no visa refusal quota per country or consular. However, officers try to maintain similar approval/denial rates through a norming process.

Q: What about taking interviews in different countries outside of the home country?

A: If applying from a foreign country, it is important to be well-prepared for the interview and explain why it is taking place outside of your home country. Additionally, the visa record will follow the applicant regardless of where the interviews take place.

Q: Would getting scholarships help to get the visa?

A: While scholarships may not necessarily make it easier to obtain a visa, they can serve as evidence of the student's hard work and dedication.

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