<p>I probably need to apply for my F1 visa in Canada, since I'll be in North America around application period as you can't apply for the F1 visa in the States (right?). No way am I flying all the way back home to apply for my visa--that's a grand flushed. I've emailed the embassy in my country about this and they replied::</p>
<p>"You may apply for any type of visa at any embassy or consulate worldwide. However, please know that generally people are discouraged from applying for visas in countries they are visiting purely for tourism, as the consular officer must assess the applicant’s ties to the country they’re applying in. All applicants for nonimmigrant visas are presumed to have an immigrant intent until they prove otherwise." </p>
<p>How do I go about convincing the officers? Anyone been in this situation before? Does it really create a significant barrier to visa applications?</p>
<p>ok, well I have a similar problem to you. I'm also going to be in Canada during admission time and will be applying for a visa outside of my home country; however,I am also a Canadian Permanent resident. When I spoke to our consulate about it they said it was fine if I applied in Canada. Which means it's definately possible. They suggested that you show your "loyalty to a country other than the US" in my case they said that it would be unlikely for me to want links with a third country so simliar to Canada so I was probably safe in the respect.
Which country do you come from? If it's still developing you have a harder case but if it's 1st world and most of your family (esp. parents) live there then that's a strong tie. Also, how long will you be in Canada and what will you be doing? As in do you have an address there? If I was an immigration officer I'd take into account how easily you "settled" in Canada (just a thought)
-If I were you I'd use any lack of travel experiences outside of your country - if you have that (ie: show that you "haven't really had a huge interest in staying in or exploring other countries other than the states which you plan to just study in and then return back home because, really you just prefer it there" something along those lines) Remember consulates are almost opposite to admissions officers.. lol
-Any possible job openings back home once you've completed your degree.
-Family, as already mentioned
-Maybe any long term unique community involvement that you're passionate about (eg: mine's working with people infected and affected with HIV/AIDS - a community involment that isn't common in the states or an issue as prevalent)</p>
<p>Give it some thought. These are just my quick ideas on the topic and don't take anything as gold because I'm no consulate official! :) Good luck though:)</p>
<p>Oh, I seem pretty screwed. I live in Singapore, developed, but only my mum and granddad are here. I'll be backpacking around, so I'll have no fixed address. And because I am backpacking around, I will have travel experience. =\ Doom.</p>
<p>Hmmm... well I don't don't know what your US consulate is like but our educational advisor is super freindly. She's not the one that descides if we get visas or not so we can talk to her about anything and safely know we won't be considered terrorists:). Maybe your consulate has someone like that in education? worth a try...</p>