THE GMAT Club Podcast

F-1 Visa Explained: What Officers Review Before Approving Your Visa

Episode Summary

U.S. visa officers are now required to check your social media and online presence before approving a student visa. If there’s any mismatch between your DS-160, LinkedIn, or public posts, it could raise credibility red flags — even if it’s an honest mistake. In this episode of the GMAT Club Podcast, we break down exactly what happens before your F-1 visa is approved and how you can prepare for the interview confidently

Episode Notes

Recent Policy Changes to US Student (F1) Visa

New Mandatory Social Media Reivew Requirement

Contradictory Information on Visa Form vs on LinkedIn Profile

Reduction in the Validity Perriod of Student Visas

Changes to Visa Interview Locations

Should you remove controversial social media posts

Pre interview Documentation

Why Visa Officers Sometimes Do Not Look at your Documents

Proof of Funding

Does School’s Reputation Matter in Securing a Visa?

The Role of Career Plans & Ties to Home Country

The Interview, What Visa Officers Want to Know

3 Things Visa Officers Evaluate in the Interview

Red Flags in Interviews

When & Why Should One Hire Immigration Attorney

What If Your Visa is Not Approved