Improve Your Chances of Getting Your Visa Approved to Study in The USA

The US has been one of the top most sought out destination for students studying in Pakistan for years because of its top rated educational programs and world recognized degrees and certifications. In the top 10 countries with the highest number of student enrollment in the US Pakistan stands among several South Asian countries.

"The IIE Open Doors Report for 2023-24 shows that there have been 10,988 Pakistani students enrolled in the US at the same time, which is 10,164 last year, which demonstrates an incredible 8.1% growth. Reports further show that the type of foreign origin of international students in Pakistan figures Pakistan as the 15th country.

Many students prefer to study in the USA based on world class education system, quality of life, career opportunities, permanent visa chances. All these aspects encourage the students to apply for the visa months ahead of the academic year to pursue higher studies in the US.

Visa to Study In USA

To study in the US, you need an F-1 category visa that allows academic studies in an accredited US college or university for full time international students. The F-1 Visa Category allows admission in:

• University of College 

• Highschool

• Private elementary school

• Seminar

• Conservatory

• Any academic institution, including a language training program

Pakistan's F-1 visa approval rate was 63.75% with 36.25% rejection rate in 2023, according to reports. This represents a drop in the acceptance rate, and rise in the rejection rate, when compared to the acceptance rate of 65% and a rejection rate of 35% from last year.

This could be due to several reasons including changes in immigration laws, political circumstances, etc. But most of the time Complete F-1 visa application forms or mistakes in documentation is the reason why your F-1 visa gets rejected.

To prevent these kinds of errors and to confirm your endorsement of an F-1 visa, you must comply with the appropriate method and give every one of the necessary records at your visa embassy.

Complete Documents That Should be Submitted

For students applying for an F-1 visa to study in the United States, the following documents are typically required:

1. Valid Passport

The passport you submit must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.

2. Form I-20 

This is an online form for a temporary U.S. visa; consular officers use it, along with your interview, to determine your eligibility.

3. Form DS-160

This is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, which authorizes temporary travel to the US. DS-160 form requires applicants to provide all necessary information about the purpose of their travel and some of the information will be discussed during the interview; the applicant interview and information in the DS-160 form are the basis of which consular officers determine if the individual is qualified to obtain the nonimmigrant visa.

4. Application Fee Receipt

It is crucial to show the proof of payment for the non-refundable visa application fee that is $185 (currently PKR 51,670).

5. Passport-Sized Photograph

Applicants completing Form DS-16 must submit a digital photograph to the U.S. Department of State for an U.S. visa application. The picture must be a square JPEG file. It must also be no more than 240 kB to satisfy all U.S. State Department digital image requirements.

6. Academic Records

Submit all your academic transcripts and diplomas. Importantly, also include all your certificates and standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, etc.) from prior educational institutions.

7. Proof of Financial Support

To study in the US, you must show that you or your sponsor can cover your tuition, living expenses, as well as other educational costs. Key financial documents contain several analytically important items:

• Bank statements

• Scholarship letters

• Affidavit of financial support from a sponsor

8. Proof of Ties to Home Country

Showing strong ties to your birth country is very crucial whenever applying for a student visa. It reflects your intention to return to your home country after completing your studies. These include documents that prove your:

• Family ties

• Property ownership

• Job offers or career prospects

9. Letter of Admission

Don’t forget to add the official acceptance letter from the university or college you applied to along with other documents. It proves that you have been selected for a legit study program in the US 

10. Additional Documents (if requested)

Sometimes, visa officers may request extra documentation, such as:

• Resumes or CVs

• Research proposals

• Previous travel history, including expired visas or older passports

Tips To Increase Your Chances of Approval 

• Applying for an F-1 visa may seem complex, but with proper planning, it’s manageable. Here’s a simplified guide: 

• Get acceptance to the U.S. School or a SEVP-certified college or university. 

• Complete the DS-160 form and get the confirmation page printed with the barcode.

• Pay the visa fee on time and keep the receipt safe with you.

• Book your visa Interview by securing a spot early on and schedule at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. 

• Gather all the required documents (all the documents mentioned above and anything requested by the consulate).

• During interviews be honest when answering questions about your study plans, financial ability, and ties to your home country.

Wrap-Up

Errors in processing and documents is one of the main reasons for the high USA visa rejection rate of 36.25% for Pakistani students. That’s why it is important to prepare all the required documents, most importantly including passport Form I-60 and DS-160, pay visa fee on time, prepare yourself for the interview and prove your ties to your home country. Following these instructions will boost the chances of visa approval and open the doors to study in USA and for new career opportunities.