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Dear All,
I obtained my first US visa in 1999; it was an F-1 visa but a 6-month one expiring in March 2000 as per my first I-20 which was for an English program. I entered the US in September 1999, got a new I-20 in January 2000, that was to expire in Dec 2001. I got another I-20 in Dec 2000, this one expiring in December 2004. I went back to my country in 2001, got a new US visa, this time expiring August 2004. In 2003, I left the US to continue my studies in Canada, came back to the US for one day in February 2006 for an interview at the Canadian consulate, with a one entry 2-month B-2 visa.
I've been back in my country since 2006 and I am now planning to go to the US for a month vacation. When I filled my DS-160 form, I answered that I overstayed my first US visa, and as I went to the visa interview early July, after asking me my purpose of visit ("visit friends"), length of visit ("30 days"), places I will visit ("New York and North Carolina"), my occupation (which I backed with my company registration documents) and my monthly revenue... the VC then asked me to tell him what happened when I overstayed. I know I was not convincing enough and I didn't even relate the total story, I guess I got nervous at that point as I didn't even think this would be a problem as I got my F-1 visa renewed after that supposed overstay. He immidiately told me that I was denied and handed me the rejection letter stating INA 214b.
I realized after doing some research online, that I actually never overstayed as my first I-94 was stamped D/S and I never lost my student status throughout my 3 years and 3 month stay in the US. I am pretty sure it was that overstay and the fact that I was not able to provide a credible explanation that I got denied.
I have reapplied, stating "no" to the overstay question and am planning to go for another interview early August, and explain the situation. I had already purchased a ticket (which I failed to provide at the interview) and I have a 2-year old son (which birth certificate I did not show either). Is my case strong enough to get my visa at the next interview?
Please I need your advice on how to conduct myself at the next interview so that I be succesful
Thank you.
I obtained my first US visa in 1999; it was an F-1 visa but a 6-month one expiring in March 2000 as per my first I-20 which was for an English program. I entered the US in September 1999, got a new I-20 in January 2000, that was to expire in Dec 2001. I got another I-20 in Dec 2000, this one expiring in December 2004. I went back to my country in 2001, got a new US visa, this time expiring August 2004. In 2003, I left the US to continue my studies in Canada, came back to the US for one day in February 2006 for an interview at the Canadian consulate, with a one entry 2-month B-2 visa.
I've been back in my country since 2006 and I am now planning to go to the US for a month vacation. When I filled my DS-160 form, I answered that I overstayed my first US visa, and as I went to the visa interview early July, after asking me my purpose of visit ("visit friends"), length of visit ("30 days"), places I will visit ("New York and North Carolina"), my occupation (which I backed with my company registration documents) and my monthly revenue... the VC then asked me to tell him what happened when I overstayed. I know I was not convincing enough and I didn't even relate the total story, I guess I got nervous at that point as I didn't even think this would be a problem as I got my F-1 visa renewed after that supposed overstay. He immidiately told me that I was denied and handed me the rejection letter stating INA 214b.
I realized after doing some research online, that I actually never overstayed as my first I-94 was stamped D/S and I never lost my student status throughout my 3 years and 3 month stay in the US. I am pretty sure it was that overstay and the fact that I was not able to provide a credible explanation that I got denied.
I have reapplied, stating "no" to the overstay question and am planning to go for another interview early August, and explain the situation. I had already purchased a ticket (which I failed to provide at the interview) and I have a 2-year old son (which birth certificate I did not show either). Is my case strong enough to get my visa at the next interview?
Please I need your advice on how to conduct myself at the next interview so that I be succesful
Thank you.
