Steps to consider for providing non-immigrant intent

Adhering to the guidelines set forth in this blog will undoubtedly fortify your visa application, enhancing the probability of its approval and subsequent authorization to gain entry into the United States. We strongly advocate for meticulous preparation and comprehensive documentation of your pertinent qualifications during the visa application process. To know more about the required documents for F-1 Visa Click here

U.S. Visa Policy

U.S. regulations require the consular officer who considers your visa application to assume that you want to immigrate to or remain permanently in the U.S. In order to qualify for an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must prove that your visit to the U.S. will be temporary in nature and that you will return to your country after the completion of your activities here. Consular officers call this “non-immigrant intent.” The way you can try to prove your non-immigrant intent is by giving the consular officer documents that indicate that you have strong ties to your country. The stronger your financial, employment, or family ties to your country, the more likely it is that the consular officer will believe that you intend to return home.

Assessing Your Situation

Below are some questions to help you decide if you should make a special effort to prove your “non-immigrant intent”. The more questions to which you respond with the answer “yes”, the more important it will likely be for you to make a special effort to prove your intent to return home after your activities in the U.S.

1. Is it difficult to obtain an F-1 or a J-1 visa in your country?
2. Are a significant percentage of F-1 or J-1 visa applications denied by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country?
3. Are one or more members of your immediate family living in the U.S.?
4. Are you married and applying for F-2 or J-2 visas for your spouse and children?
5. Are one or more members of your immediate family U.S. citizens or permanent residents?
6. Is the financial sponsor for your activities at Boston University a friend or relative who lives in the U.S.?
7. Will this be your first trip to the U.S.?
8. Have you recently finished one activity in the U.S. and now want to begin a new activity?
9. Have you ever been denied a U.S. visa?

If, based upon your answers to these questions, you believe you should make a special effort to prove that you intend to return home, the next sections below offer some suggestions about documents you might take with you when applying for a visa.