Can I travel to the US on a B2 visa if my F1 interview is pending?

Whether you can travel to the US on a B2 visa while your F1 visa interview is pending is a complex question that depends on several factors and has no definitive yes-or-no answer. Here's what you need to consider:

1. Visa Intent and Purpose:

• B2 visa: This visa is for temporary visits for tourism, business, or medical reasons. You must demonstrate that your primary intent is not to stay in the US long-term.
• F1 visa: This visa is for full-time study at an accredited US institution. Having an F1 visa application pending suggests a potential long-term intent to stay in the US.

2. Visa Officer's Discretion:

• Ultimately, the decision to grant you a B2 visa rests with the visa officer at the interview. They will assess your individual situation, including your travel history, ties to your home country, financial situation, and intended purpose of visit for both the B2 and F1 applications.
• Any inconsistencies between your stated travel purpose for the B2 visa and your F1 application could raise red flags and increase your chances of rejection.

3. Potential Risks:

• Denial of B2 Visa: If the visa officer believes your primary intent is to stay in the US for studies and not just a temporary visit, they may deny your B2 visa application.
• Prejudice to F1 Application: A B2 visa denial can negatively impact your pending F1 application, as it could raise doubts about your genuine intentions and ties to your home country.

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