F1 Visa Renewal

[cheamitk]

Hi,

I am seeking multiple perspectives and suggestions on my F1 Visa renewal.

I got my F1 visa for PhD after clearing the administrative processing in form of 221g (pink slip) in July 2007 for University of Houston. I was given 4 years of Visa.

However, after my first semester, I changed my school to University of Delaware as I could not get a project of my interest in Houston. Now I have completed 4 years in Delaware and my visa had already expired 6 months back. I want to go to India and get my F1 visa stamped.

I have I-20 valid by the end of this year.
I have financial support from the department.
I have good grades and 6 publications.

Does anyone see a problem for me to get my visa renewed at this point? Any comment and suggestion in this context will be sincerely appreciated.

Thanks.

[kabkaba]

Unfortunately, there is always a risk in any F1 Visa application. Depending upon the reason for which you got 221g last time, you can get it again. (was it technology alert list related, did you get questions related to your major, research topic etc.?)

[cheamitk]

Thanks for replying,

Yes I was asked some questions regarding my previous job and then they gave me a pink slip where I had to explain my past work as well as the research work I was going to do.

I am can live with getting a pink slip as people say that it generally gets cleared in 3-4 weeks. I am worried that it must not get rejected.

[kabkaba]

There is a risk of denial too. But that is completely unpredictable. Some people get it and some don't.

[cheamitk]

Thanks for replying again.

What you are telling is generally true for any type of Visa, irrespective of being renewed or applying fresh. There is always risk in visa application and some get it and some don't.

However, when you look at my details, what prompts you to think that my visa may get rejected. Such information will help me to prepare for that.

thanks again.

[kabkaba]

Not really. In case of other Visas like H1/L1 which allow immigrant intent, there are solid reasons why Visa is denied. In case of non-immigrant intent Visas like F1, it is totally up to the discretion of Consular officer in deciding whether you have immigrant intent or not. So it is difficult to predict anything. Having property, family, job ties to home country helps but not always. I have read about cases having all these and still not getting the Visa and cases who were clearly intending to immigrate and still got their F1 Visa. You having good grades, enrolled in good university/program will work in your favor, having a Visa previously approved also works in your favor. However, changing schools etc. works against you.

[cheamitk]

Thanks for your comments. These are very thoughtful and they make sense. However, I am hoping it works in my favor and I am willing to try it out.

Thanks again,
I appreciate your time and consideration.