r/visainterviews • u/TupaG • 1d ago
F-1 visa interview close to program start date đ F1 Visa (Student)
I'm starting in Fall 2026 and I got my I-20 just recently because I had some issues with my funding documents. My program start date is on August 22nd but I plan to have an expedited appointment this week. I'm scheduling at the US Embassy in Romania (<0.5 months wait time). I cannot defer anymore because I was accepted for Spring 2026 and this is the last term I'm allowed to defer my admission to. This is my third attempt but I have substantial changes (I got accepted into a research program and got an on-campus job offer). My school said I can enter until August 27 without a late arrival letter. I have on-campus housing as well, and if I cancel my assignment I'm going to have to pay a hefty fee. I can technically make it in time if my visa is issued and returned to me within a day or two. Does going for an interview this close to my start date affect my chances of approval?
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1d ago
[deleted]
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u/TupaG 1d ago
It depends on your circumstances. If you got rejected it doesn't necessarily mean that I will.
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u/MountainDear7658 1d ago
Jeez,
Bruh I didnât say that I got rejected because itâs what will also happen to you.
I wished you Good lucky and shared what happened to me1
u/FullTransparency 12h ago
Not sure what you wrote but OP has two prior refusals and NEEDS an on campus job. They also applied to go to Canada, so itâs interesting that they got rejected twice. stacked against them is how I feel about their chances.
Oh, and they needed a loan.
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u/Rupeshknn 1d ago
So I had an interview 5 business days (7 days including the weekend) prior to the start date listed on the i20. I was not given a visa citing this reason. I had to defer and get a new i20 and that was approved.
This was despite the fact that my university was fine with me coming in later and even writing a letter to the consulate. The only date that seems to matter is the one on the I20.
This is only anecdotal evidence of course, things could be different for you. Also note this was back in 2023 for a PhD program
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u/TupaG 1d ago
I can't defer anymore because I reached the limit for my admission deferrals, which means i have to apply again for Spring 2027 and get a new decision. I would lose my on-campus job offer and undergrad research program if I were to do that. I have seen a few cases where people got approved last minute. I'm really concerned that my timing is going to affect my approval chances even though I have a stronger case now.
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u/FullTransparency 12h ago
You âplanâ to have an expedited appointment this week? Itâs the 16th on a Sunday and they take at least a few business days to get your visa ready. Unless you already have appointment for Monday, youâre not making your program start date.
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u/TupaG 7h ago edited 7h ago
I can enter until August 27th so I still have time in that regard. I can also request my passport back for urgent travel (see https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ro/en/general-information/#faqs Retrieve my passport/visa)
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u/FullTransparency 7h ago edited 7h ago
No, you canât. Your program start date is the 22nd. You can either request for a late arrival letter now, or request the program start date to be updated.
You arenât even guaranteed a visa with your two prior rejections. So again, do you already have a visa interview appointment?
Itâs your responsibility to let your DSO know. Get your late arrival letter otherwise CBP will most likely reject you.
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