Many young Indians aspire to move to America to complete their higher education. Education abroad helps develop a global outlook and unlock lucrative career opportunities. Indians hoping to study in the USA require an F-1 visa. The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa. Individuals who aspire to study in America must apply for this visa if they hope to attend a college, university or other academic institution in the USA.

New F-1 Visa rules 2022

Processing an F-1 visa may take some time, so it’s best to start the process as soon as possible. You require your chosen educational institution to confirm your seat and provide a few documents to aid your visa application. You can start the process as early as 120 days before your course starts, but you cannot enter America until 30 days before the start date.

The US Embassy in India has some new rules for applicants in 2022. In 2021, they faced issues such as the non-availability of interview slots and a large volume of applicants. To resolve these issues in 2022, they will restrict multiple applications. If your visa gets rejected once, you may have to wait six months before applying again. The US Embassy implemented this rule to ensure every student has an equal opportunity to secure an interview spot and get their application processed quickly.

What are the F-1 Visa requirements?

You can complete your Form DS-160 online for an F-1 visa application. You need to print a copy of the application and your interview confirmation. Students must schedule interviews for their visa application. While working on your application, you should prepare your documentation. You need to provide your:

• Passport
• Confirmation of your Form DS-160 application
• Receipt of the fee payment
• A hard copy of the photo uploaded with the form in the specified format
• Certificate of eligibility, Form I-20, provided by the institution

You may also have to provide additional documentation to prove how you intend to finance your education and living costs. If you opt for an education loan, your lender will provide you with proof of funds.

What happens if my study abroad F-1 Visa gets rejected?

When you’re ready to head abroad for further studies, a rejected visa can cause a lot of turmoil. Before you decide what to do, you first need to understand why they denied your visa request.

Common reasons F-1 Visa applications get rejected:

Lack of finances

Many foreign countries ask aspiring students to prove they have the money required to fund their course and living expenses abroad. During the interview, you may have to show financial documents showcasing you can support yourself while you complete the course. Most visa applications get rejected as students cannot prove they have funds to cover their expenses for at least the first year. The best way to avoid this is by opting for an education loan for study abroad purposes. Your education financing partner will provide you with the required amount and a proof of funds document that takes care of your financial concerns.

No intention to return

Many students who head to the USA to study hope to make America their permanent base. As part of the visa application process, however, they must show strong ties to India and an intent to return after completing the course. Students who do not have a strong enough reason to return, or do not have a clear answer regarding their future, may face rejection.

Documentation errors

Submitting an application with errors, false information, or missing documents will likely lead to rejection. You must carefully complete the form and ensure you furnish accurate information. If there are any discrepancies, the visa officers may reject your application. Leaving out papers or submitting an incomplete application will also land you in trouble with the visa officials.

Correcting course after rejection

Once you understand why your application got rejected, you can take the necessary measures. In case of documentation errors, you could apply again with the correct information. If you’re facing a financial issue, you could wait until you save up enough or apply for an education loan for study abroad purposes to prove you have the needed funds.

Can I apply for an F-1 Visa again?

Yes, you may apply for an F-1 visa after a rejection. However, you must ensure you address the specific problem area before trying again. Given the new rules proposed in 2022, you may have to wait for around six months before reapplying. You will have to start the application process afresh and repay the fee.

Applying for a visa to complete your higher education abroad can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, you can ask for guidance along the way. If you opt for an education loan, the finance company can assist with the application process. Opting for a student loan could help you enjoy a smooth application process.