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In order to apply for a student visa, you must first apply and be admitted to a school in the U.S. When you are admitted to South Seattle Community College (SSCC), we will send you an I.C.E. I-20 form which authorizes your study period. You can take that I-20 to the U.S. Consulate in your country and apply for your student visa.
In order to obtain a non-immigrant, student visa, you must be able to prove the following:
- That you have strong ties to your home country which demonstrate your intention to return home after your studies
- That you have sufficient funds to pay for your financial needs while you are studying in the U.S., including tuition, health insurance, housing, travel expenses, etc.
- That you have legitimate intentions to study full time and gain education and training which will be useful in your home country
Once you receive your visa from the U.S. consulate in your country, you are eligible to come to the U.S. and "apply" for entry. A C.B.P. officer (usually the airport) will decide if you are admissible, looking for proof of the above criteria. Therefore, you may be asked to show your financial documentation again, or you might be asked to prove you really plan to study. You must also show the I-20 for the school where you intend to study.
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Steps to Applying for a Visa
STEP 1
Fill out a student application and wait to be admitted to a school in the U.S.
STEP 2
South Seattle Community College will send you an ICE document I-20 form which authorizes your study period. You take that I-20 and proof of SEVIS fee payment to the U.S. Consulate in your country and apply for your visa.
STEP 3
Bring your passport, visa, acceptance letter to South Seattle, I-20 and financial statement to the Seattle airport. You will need all these documents to be admitted to the U.S.
Application Checklist click here.
Visa Interview Tips!
In order to obtain a student visa, you must be able to prove the following:
- That you have strong ties to your home country which demonstrate your intention to return home after your studies
- That you have sufficient funds to pay for your financial needs while you are studying in the U.S. This includes tuition, health insurance, housing and travel expenses etc.
- That you have legitimate intentions to study full-time and gain education and training which will be useful in your home country. Below are some helpful tips for you to consider when you go to the U.S. Consulate or Embassy to apply for your student visa. Your chances of being granted a visa are highest if you follow each suggestion carefully.
1. Demonstrate Your Intent to Return to Your Home Country
- Show the officer that you have strong ties to your home country, and that your reasons for returning home are stronger than reasons for staying in the United States.
- The officer may ask about your intentions or prospects for future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, and long-range plans in your home country.
2. Speak in English, if possible
- Listen carefully to the question asked. Answer that question only. Explain how further study in English will help you in the future.
3. Know about South Seattle and How It Fits Your Career Plans
- Be prepared to explain why you want to study in a particular program in the U.S.
4. Keep Your Answers Short
- Because of the high number of applications, consular officers must conduct quick, efficient interviews. They usually make a decision based on impressions formed during the first few minutes. Keep your answers short and to the point.
5. Supplemental Documentation
- The officer should be able to see easily which documents you have and why you are presenting them. Long written explanations cannot be evaluated quickly. Remember your interview will be just 2-3 minutes.
6. Maintain a Positive Attitude
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