Applicant Has A U.S. Citizen Relative - Will They Believe She's A Nonimmigrant?

[yoopea]

First, I apologize for not going through the forum, but this is a specific question and difficult to use the site's search engine for.

My question is, if a student (Chinese) has an aunt who has become a U.S. citizen. In her F-1 interview if she says yes when they ask her if she has any U.S. citizen relatives, will they consider her as a possible immigrant and therefore ineligible for the visa?

A few of her family members (including the U.S. citizen) counseled her to lie in her interview as her relative is not a native-born citizen and anyway this student has no intention of immigrating. I told her she should tell the truth in case they did check her background, but I can't help thinking she's right that it is a risk.

Does anyone have experience with this?

Thanks!!

[inadmissible]

I have experience lying to immigration officers, and I can assure you they will always find out, and the consequences are so much harsher than just having told the truth in the first place.

They will grant her an F-1 visa if they are convinced that she will return after completing her studies. If she has a good life in China, that will not be a problem. If her parents can afford four years of non-resident tuition (lol how many American families have that kind of cash in the bank?) and living expenses, I imagine she has a good life in China.

[yoopea]

I have experience lying to immigration officers, and I can assure you they will always find out, and the consequences are so much harsher than just having told the truth in the first place.

They will grant her an F-1 visa if they are convinced that she will return after completing her studies. If she has a good life in China, that will not be a problem. If her parents can afford four years of non-resident tuition (lol how many American families have that kind of cash in the bank?) and living expenses, I imagine she has a good life in China.

Thanks so much inadmissible! Yeah, I think I'm gonna go with my gut on this one and make sure she tells the truth. It's not worth the risk.

Thanks again.