records to see if certain information on the application was truthfully presented. It is
common in China for an applicant to have relatives in the United States or a petition
to immigrate on file. These factors by themselves will not prevent approval of your
application. Misrepresentation of these facts, however, risks causing your application
to be refused.
Q17: Must applicants take tests such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE,
and GMAT, in order to obtain a student visa? Is any particular
score on these exams needed to get a visa?
A: Applicants are generally not required to take any particular tests to qualify for a
visa. However, we note that motivated and serious student visa applicants often take
such tests when seeking admission to schools in the United States. The fact that a
student has taken one or more of these tests may help show the seriousness of the
applicant's study plans.
Q18: If my visa application is denied, would it help to have a high
ranking official or an American friend contact the interviewing
officer?
A: No. United States law assigns the responsibility for issuance or refusal of visas to
consular officers overseas. They have the final say on all visa cases. Additionally,
United States law is designed to insulate the decisions in visa cases from outside
influences. An applicant can influence a reversal of a prior denial only through
presentation of new convincing evidence of strong ties.
Q19: Should I use a travel agent or other advisor to help me
apply?
A: The matter is a personal decision for you to make. However, in most cases it is
not necessary for you to hire a travel agent to assist you with your application. Travel