International Student Visa

• Special situations, such as transferring between U.S. schools or applying for a dependent visa, may not require paying the SEVIS fee. Check with the U.S. Department of State for details.
• F-1 students who are not required to obtain a visa to enter the U.S. must still pay the SEVIS fee. An example of this is a Canadian citizen.
• For additional information on bringing dependents to the U.S., returning to the U.S. to continue previous studies, or renewing your visa, refer to the U.S. Department of State website.

Show ties to your home country
Under U.S. law, all applicants for non-immigrant visas are viewed as trying to immigrate to the U.S., so you must be able to convince the consular officer that you are a legitimate student. Show that you have good reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States. Examples might be a job in your home country, an inheritance, investments to look after, or family ties.

Speak English
Expect the interview to be conducted in English and not in your native language. Practice answering interview questions in English.

Do not lie, be honest and open
Many times, a student will be rejected for a student visa because they are not completely honest with the consular officer. It is very important to always tell the truth and give an honest answer to every question. Consular officers are trained to use various methods to find out if a person is lying in the interview. Just tell the truth.

Know your academic program, your school, and how they fit into your career plans
Be ready to tell why you want to study in a particular program at Liberty. Be excited about your chosen major!

Be concise
Your visa interview will be short. Visa officers are busy. Keep your answers short and to the point. Do not volunteer any information and elaborate only if asked by the visa officer. Look at the visa officer in the eyes when you are being asked questions and when you respond. 

Organize your supplemental documentation
You should make clear to the consular officer which written documents you are presenting and what they signify. Bring the envelope in which your documents were sent, and multiple bank statements from your sponsor, if possible.

Purpose of coming to the U.S.
Your main purpose of coming to the United States should be to study, not for the chance to work before or after graduation. If you mention working in the United States during your visa interview, you will probably not be given a visa.

Be prepared to address questions about your dependents
If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your home country, be prepared to answer questions about how they will support themselves in your absence. If you cannot prove that your dependent(s) can support themselves without you sending them money, your visa may be denied.

Be positive and smile
Don’t argue or have a bad attitude. 

Apply early
The earlier you apply for your Student Visa, the better your chances are of getting it.

Attire
Dress professionally. ( Search “Interview Dressing” online when in doubt.)

Familiarize yourself with Liberty and the Lynchburg, Virginia, area before your interview with the embassy consular. For more information on Lynchburg, visit lynchburgvirginia.org or lynchburgva.gov.

If your Visa is denied, you must submit the official visa rejection documentation in order to have your $250 Enrollment Deposit refunded.

Please submit your documentation to international@liberty.edu 

Practice your answers to each question before the interview. Have an adult sit behind a desk and ask you these questions.

Questions you might be asked at your interview:

• Which university awarded your diploma (if you are a college graduate)?
• What was your major in your undergrad (if you are a college graduate)?
• Why are you interested in this particular U.S. school?
• What is so special about the U.S. school/university you want to attend?
• How are you going to fund your education in the U.S.?
• What is the main motive for studying in the U.S.?
• What are your future plans?
• Do you want to return back?
• Why don’t you apply for good universities in your home country or other countries? Why only the U.S.?
• Do you have any relatives who study/reside in the U.S.?
• How interested are you in pursuing your higher education in the U.S.?
• What do you know about the U.S. school you are going to join?
• Why this particular school and this particular major?
• Are you expecting any funding from the U.S. school?
• Do you have sufficient finances to fund your education?
• Who will fund your education in the U.S. and why?
• Why are you joining such a costly university in the U.S.?
• How much of a loan are you taking for your education in the U.S.?
• Will you work in the U.S.?
• Will you settle in the U.S.?
• Do you have any relatives in the U.S.?
• What do you hope you will be doing 5 years from now?
• Do you know anybody in the school you are joining?
• What will you do if you don’t get a visa?
• What role does studying in the U.S. play in your and your family’s life?
• Can you afford the cost of an education in the U.S.?
• Are your educational certificates fake?