F-1 Visa Process

The following are potential areas that you may be questioned about when interviewed by the consulate representative:

1. You must be definite and clear about your educational plans. You should be able to explain precisely what you wish to study and why you chose Walla Walla Community College for your education. If your intent is to transfer, emphasize that your goal is to get a Bachelor’s degree and that Walla Walla Community College has excellent transfer rates to universities across the US. You should have some idea what school you want to transfer to. Be especially prepared to explain the reasons for studying in the United States rather than your country.
2. Demonstrate convincing reasons for consular officials to believe that you intend to return home after studies in the United States. Emphasize ties to your home country such as employment, family obligations, property or investments that you own or will inherit, and clear explanations of how you plan to use your education to help your country or pursue a career when you return home.
3. Be prepared to prove financial ability to pay for your education and living expenses. Since students may not plan to work to support themselves, you must show the consular officer that you have the annual amount in United States dollars listed on your I-20 form.
4. You must have financial evidence in the form of bank statements, affidavits of support, scholarship award letters, etc.

Many student may have their visa applications denied. The most common reasons for visa denial are:

• failure re to prove sufficient ties to your home country (provide evidence of land ownership, job offers, family)
• failure to provide sufficient evidence of financial support (provide in country bank account information)
• failure to convince the consulate representative that Walla Walla Community College is the best choice for you.

The visa officer may verbally inform you of the reason for the visa denial. If your visa is denied, please send an e-mail message to [email protected]. Provide the date and location of your visa interview, and details regarding the reason given by the visa officer for the denial. You may also receive a letter which you can forward to [email protected].

A visa can also be delayed. The most common reasons for visa delays:

• closings or reduced hours at U.S. visa issuing posts abroad due to security concerns (for example, the US Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Jakarta, Indonesia were closed due to credible terrorist threats).
• student’s record does not appear in the SEVIS system at the U.S. embassy or consulate, even though the student presents a SEVIS I-20.

If you are told that your record does not appear in the visa officer’s SEVIS system, contact the International Programs Office at [email protected] and provide the date and location of your visa interview.

• the need for a security clearance before the interview if the student is pursuing a “sensitive area of study” as indicated on the State Department’s Technology Alert List.

If your visa is delayed, please send an e-mail message to [email protected] and provide the date and location of your visa interview, and details regarding the reason given by the visa officer for the delay. Please note that if your visa is delayed, you will be required to defer your attendance at Walla Walla Community College to the next quarter.

The International Programs office wishes all new international students success with their visa applications! Please let us know if you encounter any difficulties or delays. We look forward to welcoming you to Walla Walla Community College!