F1 Visa - Should I tell the consulate everything?

[martindinh 0]

Hello everyone

I'm a Vietnamese and will be having my interview for an F1 visa in July in Vietnam

 

I'm currently 23 years old, and already got an AAS degree for Business Administrative from an American college (but studied in Vietnam). I've tried to apply for an F1 visa before and failed 2 times (both time was based on the lack of financial proof, which has been remedied in 2017)

 

Currently I am in the work force. I plan to go to the US to gain a Bachelor Degree in Information Technology. I intend to ask my company's director for a paper confirmation that I will be given consideration for a position in the future after returning from the US

 

The local Visa consultant agency, however, suggest that I should not bring up the fact that I've been in the work force, nor should I show the consulate officer the confirmation document from my director. Their reasoning is that saying this will make the consulate officer confused, which might harm my chance of getting an F1 Visa

 

They also suggested that I should apply toward a bachelor degree for Business Administrative as this will be more logical toward the consulate officer. I could switch major back to IT after gaining a visa.

I'm at a loss on what to follow. Please give me your opinion if possible. Thank you

[jimbob09 3]

Your local visa consultancy is giving you very bad advice. Ignore them and do not speak to them again.

 

A letter saying they'll consider you for a position upon returning to your home country is going to do more good than harm. Being in the work force is good and shows you have experience in what it is you're going to study. It shows you've thought about it and are going to do some legitimate studies, so therefore can only help your case.

 

Ignore the advice on the course too. You want to study IT so you've applied for that, got accepted and got the I20. That's good enough for the consulate officers. If questioned on your choice of course, you'll find it easier to tell them about what you want to study, and lying and being nervous when asked about the other course would make the officer suspicious, trust me, they'll know instantly if something seems off etc.

 

Follow your own way of doing it. You're doing it the right way.

[Allie D 39]

1 hour ago, jimbob09 said:

A letter saying they'll consider you for a position upon returning to your home country is going to do more good than harm. Being in the work force is good and shows you have experience in what it is you're going to study. It shows you've thought about it and are going to do some legitimate studies, so therefore can only help your case.

Seconded. I know many, many people who had work experience prior to applying for a F-1 visa. They were all approved. Admitting your work experience will not hurt your chances. A letter from your company's director shows the consulate that you have an incentive to return to Vietnam.

Edited May 13, 2017 by Allie D

[martindinh 0]

Thank you everyone, that has cleared up the doubts that I have. I'll be sure to prepare documents to support those claims.

[geowrian 22,337]

Always be truthful to a CO. Nothing good happens when you aren't truthful or try to hide something.

 

You aren't required to volunteer the information about your employer considering you for a position upon return, but I concur that it's helpful.

 

I'm not sure what they mean by not bringing up that you've been in the workforce. There's a section on the DS-160 for this information...you have to provide the info. They are also likely to ask what you do for a living at the interview.

 

Go with whatever you want to study. Don't tell the CO one thing (Business Administration) while wanting to do another (IT).

 

Best wishes.