Had your student visa denied? If so, you are certainly not alone, and the good news is there is no limit to the amount of times you can re-apply.
With careful and thorough preparation, there's every chance you can still secure the visa required to study at your dream US university.
In this article, we explore the common reasons for visa denial, how to reapply, and how Kings Education can help you.
Table of Contents
Why Would a US Student Visa be Denied?
How to Re-Apply for a Student Visa
How Kings Can Help with Your Student Visa Application
What’s a Student Visa?
A student visa is a government-issued immigration document granted by a consulate general or embassy, which allows you to legally study in a specific country for a specific date range.
Typically, a visa is an endorsed stamp or sticker placed on the inside pages of your passport.
Your student visa is equally as important as your passport, as - if required by your host country - you will not be able to study abroad without it.
3 Types of US Student Visas
As an international student, you will need to obtain a student visa to study in the United States.
Your academic program and the type of institute you are planning to attend will determine which type of student visa you need; an F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa.
F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 student visa is the most common student visa in the US. International students attending a higher education institute such as a university, or or a language training program, will require an F-1 visa.
J-1 Visa
Exchange visitor (J) visas are nonimmigrant visas for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States.
These programs are sponsored by an educational or other nonprofit institution, which must be accredited through the Exchange Visitor Program designated by the U.S. State Department. J-1 exchange visitors come to the United States to teach, study, receive training, or demonstrate special skills.
M-1 Visa
The M1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign pupils to come to the US to take part in vocational, non-academic studies, such as mechanical classes, cosmetology courses, or cooking classes.
Why Would a US Student Visa be Denied?
As part of your student visa application, you will need to demonstrate a number of things in your F-1 student visa interview, including how you will finance your education, your ties to your home country, your intent to return there, your intended degree program, and why you decided on your specific school.
There are a number of reasons for a visa to be denied. Your visa denial letter will usually state the reason, though it may not always be specific.
According to public policy research organization the Cato Institute, the student visa denial rate increased from 15% in 2014 to 35% in 2022, which means it’s more important than ever to prepare thoroughly and in good time for your visa application. And crucially, not to panic if you don’t succeed first time round.
Here, we look at some of the most common reasons for F-1 visa rejection.
Reason #1: Lack of Finances
If you cannot show the consular officer that you have the financial means to pay for your education in the US, you will not receive a student visa to study in the USA.
The US government will want to be certain that you have enough funds to cover all expenses related to your projected time in the US, including tuition fees, accommodations, and any other costs that may arise. You can avoid a denial based on a lack of financial evidence by gathering strong supporting documents, such as bank statements and proof of any assets.
Reason #2:No Intent to Return Home
One of the most common reasons for visa denial is not adequately demonstrating strong ties to your home country and your “intent to return home.” In your visa interview the consul officer is likely to ask questions about any family members in the US, your career plans after graduation and property in your home country, so be sure to prepare and practise suitable answers to these ahead of time.
If the visa officer suspects that you have no intention of returning home, your visa application will most probably be denied.
Reason #3: Incomplete or Incorrect Application Form and Missing Documents
An incomplete application form is undoubtedly one of the common US student visa rejection reasons. If any elements of the application form are left blank, your application will be denied. There is a crucial question in each field of application.
Equally, providing incorrect information during your visa application or visa interview is one of the most widely cited reasons for US student visa rejection. This frequently occurs when people hurriedly fill out forms so take the time to triple check every piece of information you include.
Documentation that doesn’t match your original DS-160 application form or the university’s I-20 will be noted immediately by visa officers.
In terms of making sure you have all required documentation - be sure to make a list of all the documents and copies you need for the visa interview. These may include bank statements, parents’ salary certification, loan letters, and proof of assets, as well as proof of payment of the SEVIS (I-901) fee.
Reason #4: Country of Origin
Whilst an outright visa denial based solely on your country of residence is not common, it is true that certain areas of your application may be reviewed more deeply depending on your country of origin. Visa ‘risks’ vary by country, and as a result, students from different countries will be asked different sets of questions during their visa interview.
if your country of origin is less politically stable than the US and not as economically developed, you may face more detailed scrutiny of how you plan to fund your studies, as well as your future employment plans.
Reason #5: Late Application
Wait times at consulates and embassies vary from country to country, and your F-1 visa may be denied if the issuing consular believes you will not be able to coordinate travel and start your program on time.
It is generally advisable to allow up to a couple of months for your visa application to be reviewed and a visa interview to be scheduled.
How to Re-Apply for a Student Visa
Whilst there is generally no appeal process for visa denial, the good news is that there is no limit to the number of times you can apply for a US visa after rejection.
It’s important to note, however, that if you have been found liable for fraud or misrepresentation on a previous application, you will be permanently ineligible for a visa.
When re-applying for a student visa, these are the steps to follow.
1. Establish why your student visa application was denied
There could be several reasons for a visa refusal, denial, or rejection. In the instance that the consulate refuses or denies your US visa, you may receive a form with details of why, but it may not state an exact reason.
It’s important to try and establish why your first application for a visa has been denied so that you can try to rectify the issue when you re-apply and be better prepared to openly and directly address any questions about your previous denial in your next interview.
2. Prepare all information and supporting documents thoroughly
Each time you re-apply for a US visa, you will need to submit new supporting documentation, as well as updated information about your current situation.
It’s important to make absolutely sure you have absolutely everything you need before re-applying, and that it addresses any missing or inaccurate information that may have previously led to your eligibility being questioned, and your visa being denied.
It’s also worth practising for your next interview to make sure you are as prepared as possible.
3. Complete a new application and schedule a new interview
To submit a new F1 visa application after an initial rejection, you must complete a new application form, pay the application fee, and schedule an appointment for a new interview.
It’s a good idea to visit the website of the US Embassy or US Consulate where you plan to re-apply to learn about any reapplication procedures.
How Kings Can Help with Your Student Visa Application
Through our Guaranteed Outcome programs, students begin a bachelor’s degree at one of our partner universities in New York, Boston, California, Oregon and Wisconsin.
After two years, they then transfer to a Top 50 or Top 100 university in the US, from where they graduate.
They are supported extensively by our specialist on-campus teams both pre and post arrival.
Visa assistance and support
- As a long-standing provider of university preparation and pathway programs in the US, Kings has experience and expertise in supporting international students with their student visa applications.
- Our commitment to providing support to ensure a smooth visa application process means that a great deal of the stress and uncertainty is removed for those students who choose to study with us.
- We are able to offer letters of support where required, and with our trusted network of agents, provide help with preparing students for their visa interviews, giving them the best chance of success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.How many times can you apply for a student visa?
There is no limit to the number of times you can apply for a US visa after rejection.
2.What are the consequences if a student's visa is denied?
While it is not possible to appeal a US visa rejection, you are able to re-apply whenever you are ready.
If your visa is denied, it's important to contact your university or program provider to let them know, particularly if the delay to your visa means you cannot arrive for the proposed start date of your course.
3.What disqualifies you from getting a student visa?
According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the following can prevent students from being granted a visa:
An application may be denied because the consular officer does not have all of the information required to establish if the applicant is eligible to receive a visa, because the applicant does not qualify for the visa category for which he or she applied, or because the information reviewed indicates the applicant falls within the scope of one of the inadmissibility or ineligibility grounds of the law. An applicant’s current and/or past actions, such as drug or criminal activities, as examples, may make the applicant ineligible for a visa.
Next steps
We hope that this article has helped you understand more about why student visas may be denied, how to re-apply, and how Kings Education can help you.
If you would like receive more detailed information about the Kings and our programs, please get in touch with us at us.admissions@kingseducation.com.
For more information about US visas and how to apply, visit Travel.State.Gov (U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs
