Q abt Expired F1-Travelling to India in Dec05!

[anujkmathur]

My initial F1 was issued for pursuing BS in July 99 - Expired in July 04. I joined MS in Aug 04 & received new Sevis I-20 valid till 07. I have appt @ Chennai counsulate on Dec 9 05. Pls help me with the following:

Do I have to prepare for the visa interview xactly as I had done the 1st time? Would I need the same kinds of documents, CA statement, parent's support, bank statements? Can I use my own US bank statements? I have a full graduate assistantship, how much ~ balance do I need to show?

I had shown my parents support to get into MS & to get the I-20. Also, my brother is working in the US, will it be better/worse to show his support?

Would I need any more visa forms other than DS 156, 157 & 158?

I'd appreciate if anyone can help! Thanks!!!

[aeinstein2001]

Yes you need to prepare the documents just like you did the 1st time. you can show your US bank statments and graduate assistantship but your financial support should not be based on assistantship because the visa officer might think if for some reason university is not able to provide you with assistantship then how you will be able to complete your education so keep your US bank statments and graduate assistantship as secondary support but not as the primary support.balance should be around the yearly cost of attending the school as per I-20. It is better not to mention about your brother, they might reject you on the basis of potential immigrant, say "NO" for if you have any siblings in the US.

[veena_swsh]

Hi,
It is certainly not advisable to lie about your brother on the DS 156. It may prove harmful in the long run. If the consulate happens to find out the truth, you will be barred from getting any kind of visa to the US. So be truthful, equip yourself with documents, finance, and precise answers to the questions you can expect at the interview, and go for it!