Applying for Your Student (F-1) Visa

Please read this page very carefully to understand what you need to bring to your interview and what is expected of you! Before you go, spend some time to think about yourself, your personal goals and why you want to study in the U.S. Practice the interview!

2.     Make an appointment with the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate.
F-1 student visas are issued by U.S. Embassies and Consulates located outside the United States. Non-immigrant students may apply for a visa at the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence up to 120 days prior to the program start date on their Form I-20. The local Embassy or Consulate will provide you with specific application instructions. Check for specific requirements in your home country by visiting http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors.html.

Students are encouraged to apply for their visas early to provide ample time for visa processing. The application process typically includes an in-person interview with a consular official to determine the applicant’s purpose of travel to the U.S. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so be sure to allow adequate time to schedule your visa interview. 

3.     Bring required forms and documents to the visa interview

• Form I-20, issued by HCC
• Completed visa application
• Passport valid for travel to the U.S.
• 2x2 photograph (see specific nonimmigrant visa photograph requirements)
• MRV fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee
• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt

You may also need:

• Transcripts from previously attended institutions
• TOEFL scores (if available)
• Financial evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses while studying in the U.S. 

4.     Commonly Asked Visa Interview Questions and Helpful Tips

• Why do you want to study at Hillsborough Community College in the United States?
• Have a clear plan. Describe why, where, and what you plan to study in the U.S.
• Do you have any family members or relatives in the United States?
• If you have relatives in the United States, identify who they are, what their relationship is to you, and where they live.
• What ties do you have in your home country that will draw you home?
• Establish a strong personal motive to return to your country after you complete your course of study.
• Who is funding your educational expenses?
• Show documents proving there is a valid source of funds, and explain clearly how they were obtained and/or will be obtained in the future.

5.     Visa Issuance or Denial

If you are issued a student visa: Congratulations! Contact us to confirm your arrival plans and begin making arrangements for housing, flight and arrival in Tampa Bay.

If you are denied a student visa: Politely ask the consular official why the application was denied. It is important to understand the reason why the visa was denied.  One of the most common reasons for a denial of a non-immigrant visa is failure to convince the Consular Officer that the student will return to the home country after the period of stay in the United States. This means that an applicant for an F-1 visa must convince the Consular Officer that s/he intends to leave the United States after completion of the program.

Visit the United States Department of State’s website to learn more about visa denials at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/denials/denials_1361.html.

Also ask when you may reapply for a visa. Then, contact the Center for International Education to discuss strategies for a new visa application, to defer attendance at HCC or to discuss options for late arrival.

If you have questions or concerns, please e-mail us at international@hccfl.edu.