Visa Outcomes
After your F-1 visa interview, there are a few different directions your application might take. This page will help you understand what each outcome means, whether your visa is approved, denied, or placed under administrative processing. The ISSO will walk you through what to look out for, how to prepare for the next steps, and where to find support if you need it. No matter the result, you’re not alone. We are here to help you move forward with confidence
Submit the Visa Update eForm in iComet
If you have recently faced a visa interview, submit the Visa Update eForm in iComet for guidance on the next steps, regardless of the outcome!
Visa Approved
That is great news! Congratulations on receiving your F-1 visa! See below for next steps!
Initial F-1 students may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on their I-20. Page 1 of the I-20 includes the earliest possible date a student may enter the U.S. Initial students must use their most recent I-20 for travel to the U.S.
Maintaining F-1 Status Workshop
The ISSO also has a required orientation for international students as well, “Maintaining F-1 Status Workshop”. You may find information about the F-1 Status Workshop here: https://isso.utdallas.edu/joining-ut-dallas/report-your-arrival/
International Student Orientation
The Intercultural Programs Office who offers the international student orientation will be better able to assist you. You may also reach out to them directly at ICPrograms@utdallas.edu .
You may also find information about the international student orientation here: https://icp.utdallas.edu/
TB Test and Vaccinations
The TB test is mandatory for all students born outside of the United States. Students will take their TB test when they arrive in the U.S. Students should schedule their TB test using the Health Center Patient Portal. To learn more about the TB requirement, visit the Student Health Center immunizations webpage. Contact the Student Health Center for any questions regarding the TB test requirement.
All students that are under the age of 22 are required to receive the meningitis vaccination. For questions regarding this requirement, please contact the Office of the Registrar at records@utdallas.edu.
Our International Student Contact list may be useful for your time at UT Dallas: https://utdallas.app.box.com/v/new-student-resources
Get in touch with your academic advisor to register for classes.
Your academic advisor can help you register for classes. You can find your academic advisor here: https://registrar.utdallas.edu/registration/academic-advising/
Here are some useful checklists for pre-arrival and post-arrival.
- Post-arrival checklist:
- Pre-arrival checklist:
Visa Denial
If your visa is denied under INA 214 (b), this normally indicates that you did not sufficiently demonstrate the intent to be an F-1 student or that you have a residence outside the U.S. that you do not intend to abandon.
If your F-1 visa is denied under INA 212(a)(4), this normally indicates that you did not sufficiently demonstrate that you are unlikely to become a public charge during your stay in the U.S.
If denied a visa, notes will be added to your record and that is the first thing the next officer will see during your next attempt. They are wanting to see what has changed since your first interview attempt. If you have new information to prove your intent, you may re-apply for an F-1 visa at any time.
If you have been recently denied a visa and wish to discuss your specific case 1:1 with an ISSO Prospective Student Coordinator, you can book an individual appointment.
Administrative Processing
A Consular Officer may require further administrative processing. If that is the case, the visa officer will inform you. You may be required to submit additional documentation or additional background checks or information from other sources may be required. There is no timeline for administrative processing. It may take weeks or months to receive an outcome.
Students can experience significant delays due to required security checks. Master’s and PhD students in scientific and technical fields are advised to provide detailed information about their field of study when applying for visas. Some helpful items to bring to your visa interview include:
- a resume
- a list of publications, including samples
- letter from the UT Dallas academic department specifying the area of research and possible applications
If your visa is approved, you will be told when your passport with the visa stamp will be returned to you. You may review the visa processing times website to learn about typical visa processing times.
If your visa has not been approved or denied 30 days after your initial visa interview, please contact the ISSO at issoprospective@utdallas.edu.
