The U.S. welcomes foreign students to its colleges, universities, and other schools. It also, however, makes a point of ensuring that they plan to return to their home countries when their studies are over. That's why part of any application for an F-1 or M-1 student visa will involve proving your residence in and ties to your home country to a U.S. government official. Here, we'll give you tips on doing that successfully.
In preparing this part of your student visa application, think about finding convincing documents that will answer the question, "Why would you want or need to return home after your trip?" This question and requirement might sound patronizing or insulting to you, reflecting an underlying assumption that everyone would want to live in the U.S. forever. Unfortunately, the U.S. government tends to believe that, thinking everyone is angling for a way to stay in this country for as long as they can.
Factual details concerning your home, family, and employment situation will probably be the best sources of proof that you will return home when your studies are completed. Possible documents to gather for your visa application might include the ones listed below.
Possible documents to show the U.S. consular officer:
However, don't feel limited by this list. You might have a unusual reason for wanting to return home that no one but you could think of. For example, perhaps you are an expert at a form of dance that only people in your country are interested in watching, or you are the sole heir to a family business.
Here's how your employer might write a letter on your behalf:
Tivoli Productions, Inc.
Tivoli Alle 100
2020 Copenhagen
June 11, 20xx
To Whom It May Concern:
We have authorized our employee, Dag Moller, three year's leave in order to pursue a master's degree in business administration in the United States. Moller is a marketing assistant at our office and a valued employee, whom we are convinced will become a high-level marketing expert with further training. We have hired a temporary substitute in his absence. However, we eagerly await Mr. Moller's return in July of 20xx.
Very truly yours,
Karl Follerup
Director