Visa Resources and Travel

Careful attention to these considerations will help ensure your DS-160 is processed smoothly and reduce the risk of delays or denials. REMEMBER: print the completed form BEFORE you submit.

Required Documents and Information

• Have your passport, travel itinerary (if available), national identification, employment and education history, contact information, and details about your U.S. stay ready before you start

• You may also need biographical information about your family members and travel companions

Language and Accuracy

• All answers must be in English using English (Roman) characters, except when specifically asked for your name in your native alphabet

• Enter your name and other personal details exactly as they appear in your passport. Include all middle names and note any previous names or aliases under "Other Names"

• Ensure all information is accurate and consistent with your supporting documents. Even minor discrepancies (such as spelling or date of birth errors) can cause delays or denials

Completeness and Honesty

• Answer every question unless it is marked “optional.” If a question does not apply, use “Does Not Apply” or “N/A” as instructed

• Provide truthful and complete answers. Any false statements or omissions can result in visa denial or revocation

Travel and Purpose Details

• Clearly indicate your purpose of travel and select the correct visa classification. For multiple purposes (e.g., business and tourism), add all relevant categories

• If you do not have exact travel plans, provide your best estimate for arrival date

• Enter the address where you will stay in the U.S. (use the PDSO's campus address and phone number)

• Specify who will pay for your travel, and provide additional details if it is not yourself

Employment and Education History

• Provide complete employment and education history as requested, including all institutions attended after elementary school and all employment in the last five years

Security and Background Questions

• Answer all security, health, and background questions honestly. Provide explanations for any “Yes” answers in the space provided

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect visa classification selection

• Incomplete or incorrect names and missing prior names/aliases

• Rushing through the form—review each section carefully before submitting

• Not saving your confirmation number or the application itself

Technical and Procedural Tips

• Use a supported browser: Internet Explorer 11 or higher, Firefox, or Google Chrome 58+. Safari and Microsoft Edge are not supported

• The system times out after 20 minutes of inactivity. Save your work regularly to avoid losing data

• You can save your DS-160 to your computer and return to it within 30 days. For longer periods, download and save a copy to your device.

• Save your application ID and security question answers early. You will need these to retrieve your application if you need to return later

• After submission, immediately save or print the DS-160 confirmation page and number. This is required for scheduling your visa interview

For the school's point of contact:

Beth Riley, PDSO

501 East St. Joseph Street

Ivanhoe International Center

Rapid City, SD 57701

605-394-6884

After, June 26, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced that they will start extreme vetting on all visitors to the United States.  Here are the DOS guidance on what they are doing:

1. Two-Tear Expedited Appointment System - any student accepted to a university with a lower international enrollment will receive priority for expedited appointments. This is not guaranteed.

2. DOS access to social media accounts is now a requirement for visa approval: All F, M, and J visa applicants must now set their social media accounts to "public" during the application process. Consular officers are instructed that limited social media visibility "could be construed as an effort to evade or hide certain activity." 

3. Administrative Processing: The new system uses INA 221(g) refusals as a mechanism to conduct enhanced vetting, meaning applicants will see "Refused" status in their official records even when undergoing routine screening. In most cases this is a temporary administrative step.

4.  Vague and subjective "Hostile Attitudes" standard gives broad discretionary power. Consular officers are tasked with identifying "potentially derogatory information" including undefined terms like "hostile attitudes" toward the United States and political activism.  

   1. Unfortunately, we do not have clear guidance on what this actually means.

5. Processing delays are expected because of the new screening requirements.

6. The new policies affect all student and exchange visitor categories and all existing cases. The policy applies equally to “all FMJ applicants,” including new applicants, returning students and exchange visitors, and even currently pending cases, including those eligible for interview waivers. This broad scope affects the entire pipeline of international student and exchange visitor visa processing, not just new applications. 

MORE Social Media Vetting Tips

You have less than three (3) minutes to make a good impression on the visa officer. Make sure you are prepared. See the Extreme Vetting/Social Media Updates for information and advice when going to your interview.

We highly recommend you visit the EducationUSA office in your home country for help. They have fantastic resources and it is free for you.

See below for more information and resources.

This page has information about the F and J visa:

• Overview 

• How to Apply 

• Fees

• Required Documentation

• Spouses and Children

EducationUSA

EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of over 430 international student advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories. The network promotes U.S. higher education to students around the world by offering accurate, comprehensive, and current information about opportunities to study at accredited postsecondary institutions in the United States.

Some visa officers ask why do you want to study at this university. Be prepared to talk about how your major will help you and your home country in the future.  

Learn about: 

• Costs related to your education

  • You received a costs estimate with your I-20/DS-2019. Make sure to review this before you go for your interview. It is important to understand these costs when you arrive in Rapid City.

• the school and your intended major. 

• Read/learn about your courses/program

• Know names of few professors

• About South Dakota Mines

• All South Dakota Mines Degrees

• Boundless: Preparing for the F-1 Student Visa Interview

• International Student.com: has some good information to help you with the visa interview 

  • F-1 Students  

  • J Status (students, interns, scholars)

• Shorelight: F-1 Visa Interview Questions & Answers Guide

• immihelp: USA Student Visa Sample Questions and Interview Tips

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

We have compiled a list of U.S. visa interview questions. We have gathered these questions from other international students who have gone through a visa interview process. It is hard to be sure what questions the Consulate will ask you; however, if you are prepared for the following questions, we are sure you will do well with whatever questions they ask you. You’re nervous? That is completely normal, be yourself, be respectful, do your best and good luck!

1. Why did you select to study in the U.S.?

2. What institutions did you apply to?

3. Why did you select this/these institutions?

4. Is this your first time going to the U.S.?

5. Tell me more about the institution you selected?

6. Did you do TOEFL/GRE/IELTS what are the scores?

7. What are your summer vacation plans? Will you return home for the summer?

8. Who is paying for your education?

9. What does your sponsor do for a living?

10. Where does your sponsor work?

11. Currently what do you do?

12. (If you are currently working) why are you leaving the current job?

13. (If you are helping your father’s business or family business) what will your father/family do for the four years while you are gone?

14. Who do you have in the U.S.? Do you have friends and family?

15. How many brothers and sisters do you have?

16. What is your field of study?

17. Why did you select this field of study?

18. Why do you think you need to go to U.S. to do this field, there are many courses and programs in your country, why do you need to go the U.S.?

19. What are you planning to do after graduation?

20. Are you planning to work during your four year period?

21. What will you do if your visa is rejected?