form itself, so there is usually no need for the officer to ask more than a few
additional questions. We often need only to verify your identity or clear up one or
two points. Also, if the interview were longer, you would end up waiting in line for a
considerably longer time. In order to be fair to all applicants and to provide everyone
an equal opportunity to establish eligibility, we must work quickly and efficiently.
Q8: I have heard that it is better to say that I am going for
business than for tourism or to see relatives. Is this true?
A: No. Tell the truth. If your ties to China are adequate to overcome the presumption
of immigrant intent (INA section 214b), a tourist visa will be issued. Problems arise if
you mislead the interviewing officer as to your intent in visiting the United States.
Once a misrepresentation is made, we may find it difficult to believe other information
you have supplied.
Q9: When I applied for a visa, I told the officer I would return to
China after a short stay in the US. Why didn't the officer believe
me?
A: We are required to evaluate your overall situation in reaching a decision. Your
statement that you intend to return to China is helpful, but under the requirements of
U.S. law the statement alone is not adequate to show you have strong ties outside of
the United States which would compel you to return to China. It is not that the officer
did not believe you. Rather, the officer considered your statement along with the
other evidence you brought to your interview and concluded that, on the whole, the
evidence was not compelling.
Q10: I have been accepted by a U.S. school which issued me an
I-20. Why isn't that enough for issuance of a student visa?