Student VIsa FAQs

• I have been accepted by a U.S. school and issued an I-20.  Isn't that enough for a student visa issuance?
• Must applicants take tests such as the TOFEL, SAT, GRE, and GMAT, in order to obtain a student visa?
• I am the only son in my family and I need to return to care for my parents.  Isn't that sufficient ties to compel me to return to China?
• What if I have more questions on U.S. student visas?

I have been accepted by a U.S. school and issued an I-20.  Why isn't that enough for a student visa issuance?

The approved I-20 is just one piece of information the interviewing officer must consider when deciding whether a visa may be issued. Remember, under Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, all applicants must prove that they will leave the United States after completing the purpose for which they entered. In student visa cases, applicants may intend to stay in the United States for many months and even years pursuing a course of study.  Consequently, visa officers must consider the applicant's overall circumstances when deciding whether to approve a student visa. Student visas may be refused if it appears that the applicant's primary purpose of travel is not to obtain an education, but, rather, to facilitate an indefinite stay in the United States. The fact that a school has admitted a student to study and issued the student an I-20 is, therefore, only one factor we consider.

Must applicants take tests such as the TOFEL, SAT, GRE, and GMAT, in order to obtain a student visa? Is any particular score on these exams needed to get a visa?

Applicants are generally not required to take any particular tests to qualify for a visa. However, we not that motivated and serious student visa applicants often take such tests when seeking admission to schools in the United States. The fact that a student has taken one or more of these tests may help to indicate the seriousness of the applicant's study plans.

As the only son in my family, I will certainly return to China to take care of my parents. Why did the officer say I have insufficient ties to compel me to return?

Immigration statistics show that being an only son has not deterred many travelers from remaining indefinitely in the U.S. While this factor may be one consideration to an individual's personal circumstances, it would not usually, in itself, be sufficient to establish eligibility.

What if I have more questions on U.S. student visa?

More detailed information on U.S. student visa may be found by visiting the Embassy's student visa web page.