Know your F-1 student visa application is ready before your interview
Most F-1 refusals come down to non-immigrant intent and unconvincing financial evidence — not your academic record. MigraIQ reviews your study plan, financial proof, and home country ties before your consulate appointment.
Refusals
Why US F-1 visas get refused
These patterns account for a large share of F-1 refusals at consulates worldwide. Most are fixable with better preparation.
Failure to demonstrate non-immigrant intent
Like the B-1/B-2, the F-1 operates on a presumption of immigrant intent under Section 214(b). You must show strong ties to your home country that will compel you to return after graduation. Officers look for a credible post-study plan, not just a desire to study.
Insufficient financial evidence
You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs, and travel for the full duration of your programme. Officers scrutinise the source of funds, sudden large deposits, and whether the sponsoring party's income plausibly supports the stated amount.
Weak or generic study plan
Officers assess whether your chosen programme, institution, and field of study make sense for your background and stated career goals. Vague answers to 'Why this university?' or 'What do you plan to do after graduation?' are common grounds for refusal.
I-20 or SEVIS issues
Your I-20 must be issued by a SEVP-certified institution, signed by a Designated School Official, and consistent with your programme details. Discrepancies between your I-20 and your application create red flags that are hard to resolve at interview.
What we check
A structured review of the factors officers actually assess
MigraIQ scores your application across the dimensions US consular officers use for F-1 adjudication. It identifies gaps in your non-immigrant intent narrative, financial evidence, and study plan coherence — with specific actions to fix each one.
- Non-immigrant intent and home country ties
- Financial sufficiency calculated against your I-20 cost of attendance
- Study plan coherence and post-graduation narrative
- I-20 completeness and SEVIS fee compliance
- Academic background and institutional fit
- Document completeness and consistency
Documents typically required
- Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond programme end date)
- Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified institution
- DS-160 confirmation page
- SEVIS fee payment receipt (Form I-901)
- MRV fee (visa application fee) receipt
- Interview appointment confirmation
- University admission letter
- Bank statements (3–6 months) for self or sponsor
- Sponsor employment letter and proof of income
- Academic transcripts and previous qualifications
- Evidence of ties to home country (property, employment offer, family)
MigraIQ tells you which documents apply to your funding situation and flags anything that may raise questions at interview.
How it works
From uncertain to interview-ready
Answer guided questions
Tell MigraIQ about your institution, programme, funding source, and home country ties. Straightforward questions, no legal jargon.
Upload your documents
MigraIQ reads your I-20, bank statements, admission letter, and supporting evidence using AI-assisted OCR to catch issues you might miss.
Get your Readiness Report and Support Pack
See your readiness score, every gap with specific actions, and a Support Pack that includes interview preparation notes tailored to your profile.
MigraIQ is a preparation and document review tool, not a licensed immigration attorney or law firm. Nothing on this platform constitutes legal advice and does not guarantee visa approval. Always verify requirements through US Department of State official sources.
FAQ
US F-1 student visa questions
Walk into your F-1 interview knowing you are prepared.
Create a US F-1 case, answer guided questions about your programme and finances, upload your documents, and get a clear readiness score with specific actions and interview prep notes. Free to start.