U.S. immigration officials adjudicating student visa applications are experts in looking for individuals who do not fit the profile of a typical student, including with regard to their age.
In the real world it is very likely that there are people well past their teens or twenties who want to obtain a college degree. Perhaps these individuals were not able to acquire a college degree due to the expense or other personal matters. But if you are hoping to enter the U.S. as a foreign student on an F-1 visa, expect your F-1 visa application to be a little more complicated than others. Your age, and any other factors that education was not previously high on your priority list, could work against you.
The U.S. Government is Well Aware Majority of Visa Applicants are Looking for a Way to Stay Permanently in the U.S.
While the intended requirement for all F-1 student visa holders is to return home at the completion of their studies most if not all always have the tendency to stay in the U.S. long term.
F-1 student visa applicants are obligated to prove that they are genuinely interested in and are qualified to pursue the activities for which the particular visa was designed and that they will leave the country at the end of the authorized period.
But someone who is past the age of the average student and probably already has a full and settled life, perhaps a job and family, this may then lead to the U.S. government wondering why this applicant wants to drop everything to further his studies in the U.S.
The U.S. Government Has Pinpointed Fraud Indicators Associated with Age and F-1 Visa Applications
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has specifically listed, among its student visa fraud indicators, that age is not equal with education sought and education requests do not correlate with beneficiary’s employment background.
As a matter of fact those applying abroad will not be filing their applications with USCIS but rather with the U.S. State Department. Regardless of the process, requirements and challenges USCIS faces in identifying F-1 visa student fraud indicators the U.S. State Department mirrors a common pattern seen by USCIS as well.
What Raises More Uncertainty is if Expense Was The Reason for Delay
Applicants who delay in applying for an F-1 Student Visa due to the inability to afford their period of time as a student in the U.S, could raise redflags, especially if their financial situation has not turned around for the better. Every person pursuing an F-1 student visa will need to prove that they can cover their tuition, room, board and living expenses. This requirement demands a huge amount of savings at most U.S. colleges and universities. The F-1 Student also will not be allowed to count on accepting employment while in the U.S. to help cover expenses.
While an on-campus job might be acceptable to U.S. immigration authorities and you may be eligible for paid training work; these jobs do not pay much.
Retain Legal Services
Note that if you are of age while applying for an F-1 Student visa and you find the application process very challenging you will more than likely need an attorney’s help. A lawyer can help you organize your supporting documentation and provide a solid explanation why you were unable to pursue a college education when you were younger. Schedule your first free consultation with Gambacorta Law Office and do not delay in giving us a call at 1-847-786-2599.