Do the Visa Officer Know about Admits?

Student visa interview jitters? Relax. Visa officers focus on your study goals, not acceptances/rejections. We reveal what truly matters to land your visa, so you can confidently showcase your academic drive. Visa officers generally have access to information about admissions, such as whether an applicant has been accepted to a school or program. When you apply for a visa, you'll typically need to provide documentation of your admission, like an acceptance letter. They use this information to assess your eligibility and intent to study in the host country.

Pursuing an education abroad in a foreign university is a process that involves many steps. An aspiring international student needs to acquire a Student Visa for the country where he is planning to study. To enter a foreign land and stay for an extended period to study, it is imperative to get a Study Visa.

After applying to the chosen universities to pursue your higher education, the next step will be to complete all the prerequisites for getting your student visa. There will be some places where you gain acceptance and others where you might face rejection. It is a regular aspect of pursuing your education abroad. The question lies in whether the visa officer knows about which universities you have gained admission to and which of them have rejected you.

What do Visa Officers Check?

The visa officers check for multiple things that applicants have submitted as part of their university admission applications. Also, the post-admit forms that applicants submit are collated. Here is what visa officers check during interviews and scrutiny:

1. I-20 form and the admission, course and fee details.
2. DS-160 form and the information added to it.
3. Police verification forms if a part of background checks and character checks.
4. In some cases, social media accounts may also be scrutinised by the applicant.
5. Complete documentation - transcripts, marksheets and GPA scores for confirmation.
6. Financial status and capability to study and sustain in the States or any other country.
7. Confirmation that the applicant is not applying anywhere else. 
8. The intent of studying abroad and the plans after graduation. 

These are the eight major things that every visa officer checks when interviewing an international student at the embassy. Based on these broad areas, visa officers understand the applicant's purpose of studying abroad. If the application is approved, they are granted a study visa; otherwise, the study visa application is rejected. 

Also read:

• Student Visa interview: Not mandatory for every country
• US Student Visa: Myths vs. Reality
• Financial Documents Required for Study Abroad Applications

What information do visa officers have? Does the visa officer know about admits and rejects?

Students often wonder as to what information visa officers have. The visa officer does not know if you have been admitted to your chosen university or have been rejected. A visa officer will not know how many colleges you have applied to. It is always better to be honest about your applications. The approval of your visa does not depend on how many colleges or universities you have applied to and have been accepted or rejected. The visa officers are just responsible for understanding the applicants' goals and aspirations to study abroad.

If applying in USA, the F1 rejection reasons for US student visa are of two types:

• 221(g) Rejection
• 214(b) Rejection

Applicants can go through them thoroughly to avoid making these mistakes, which can lead to rejection of their student visa applications. 

While some universities may accept the applicants, others may not. Thus, the applicants choosing to go with the universities that have accepted them is based solely on the applicant. The Visa Officer in this case will only have the power to grant or deny the student a visa, depending on the reasons or lapses in the applicant's application. 

Does Visa Officer Know How Many I20 We Have?

Usually, the visa officer does not know the number of I-20s an applicant holds. As per the rule, applicants must have only one valid I-20 form. In case applicants are caught with multiple admits, their applications can be rejected. So, before meeting the applicants, visa officers do not know the number of I-20s an applicant holds. 

Factors Affecting Visa Approval

The approval of the study visa depends on the applicant's answers to the visa officer. Another important factor for student visa approval is your financial status and the type of school you are applying to. These are the basic things that the applicant needs to answer with utmost honesty during the visa interview. The visa officer will know what you tell them. However, the officer may cross-check the information that you provide and, based on what you say, may refer you to the college to which you have applied and will be attending.

Does the visa officer know how many i20s we have?

International students who want to study at a university in the United States will require an I-20 form to obtain a student visa. It is an important document, and students must be aware of all specifics concerning the issuance, prerequisites, further documentation, and all other pertinent information. The Designated School Official, or DSO, issues the I-20 Form to international students. After receiving Form I-20 from the institution, the student must apply for an F-1 visa at the embassy or consulate. The applicant will need to present the F-1 visa with the Form I-20 to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival at the U.S. airport.

Does the visa officer know your GRE score?

While the GRE score is important for the university that you apply to, it has no relevance to the visa officer. Your GRE score does not determine if you will get the visa or not.

Does the visa officer know your IELTS score?

Among many other requirements, for many international students, proving English proficiency is an important step in attaining a study visa. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most recognized English proficiency tests. It is a benchmark for English language proficiency in academic and professional spaces.

Quite understandably, when applying for a study visa in an English-speaking country, it is important to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. IELTS is a standardized measure to gauge an applicant’s ability to communicate in English. These tests evaluate the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills of the student to make sure that he will be able to navigate academic coursework and communicate effectively during his studies.

IELTS for Study: A Common Requirement

Countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the United States recognize IELTS as a valid and widely accepted English proficiency test for visa applications. Institutions in these countries often set specific IELTS score requirements for admission, and meeting or exceeding these benchmarks can enhance an applicant’s chances of securing a study visa.

Moreover, IELTS scores have great significance in the study visa application process. They serve as a key indicator of an applicant’s English language proficiency. While a high IELTS score can enhance the chances of visa approval, it is important to understand that other factors such as financial stability and academic qualifications are also intrinsic to the overall assessment.

US Universities with High Visa Acceptance Rates

The US universities with high visa acceptance rate are as follows:

• University of Mississippi: 98%
• University of Kentucky: 97%
• University of Utah: 96%
• Long Island University (NY): 93%
• Arizona State University: 85%
• University of Colorado Boulder: 85%
• University of Massachusetts—Boston: 85%

Student Visa Interview: Things to Remember

The student visa interview is something that the applicant should prepare for. The visa officer will want to know whether you are planning to reside in a foreign country after the completion of your program at the university which you are applying. You should be able to convince the visa officer that your objective of going abroad is for education only and not for residential purposes. He should feel convinced that after completing your education, you will return to your home country.

In case your chosen university promises you a work permit that will allow you to get a job and work in a foreign country after graduation, you should let the visa officer know about the situation. If you have faced rejection by different universities and colleges and gained approval from a couple of colleges, it will have no impact on the outcome of the visa interview and whether your visa is approved or not. The visa officer will not know about your admissions and rejects beforehand. The visa officer can crosscheck your claims to assess your visa approval better.

It is crucial to be honest during your visa interview. If asked by the visa officer, you should honestly state which universities you have applied to, from where you have received admission/rejection, and your reasons for choosing a particular university/universities. Ensure that you give no chance for the visa officer to doubt you. 

Related articles:

• F1 Visa Guide
• Interview Guide for F1 Student Visa for USA
• Requirements for getting a Student Visa