F1 DS-156 Form

**nomika** · 06-16-2005, 08:57 AM

Hello guys!
I am trying to find out the right answer to the question "Do you intend to work in the US?" in the form DS 156.
I am applying for a F1 visa for doctoral studies and I have been awarded a TA/RA +tuition waiver that covers my expenses.
Since a TA implies working on campus I am confused:is the answer "yes on campus" or "no"?
I contacted the embassy but they said they cant answer questions regarding filling out forms.

Thanks!

**Rain_Maker** · 06-16-2005, 07:00 PM

Hi Nomika,

Working on campus with a TA offer is a part of a student's life. That I think is not considered full time employment. You can always write "No" as an answer to that question.

BTW, I have a GA offer too and I wrote "NO".

Please revert back if you have more queries.

Regards.

**nomika** · 06-16-2005, 08:08 PM

Hi Rain Maker!

Thanks for answering.I asked some friends some said "yes on campus" some said "no" and they all had TA/RA.I am as confused as I was in the beginning

.It seems that it doesn't matter.
BTW did you have your interview yet? Any questions regarding this point?
Thanks!

**Rain_Maker** · 06-17-2005, 04:06 PM

Hi Nomika,

Well, suit yourself. Write what you feel is best

!

I am done with my interview. My visa has been issued.
I would like to tell you a few things.....

A TA/RA/GA offer is a huge advantage. They are really impressed when you tell them that you a have a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend.
When I was being interviewed, he asked me if I received any financial aid.I told him I have a full tuition waiver. He looked impressed!
Answer them confidently. Give them an answer the moment they finish their questions. Don't let them think too much.

I saw students being grilled for around 10 minutes! Some of them even got rejected because they could not convince the visa officer.

Don't be nervous. A candidate with a GA offer is interviewed for hardly a minute or two!

Please let me know if you have more questions.

Regards.

**nomika** · 06-17-2005, 04:49 PM

Thanks Rain Maker!

I am a bit nervous but not too much. My interview is on Tuesday.
I was granted a J1 visa twice before and I learned that confidence is the key.
Did they ask you about your plans after you finish? I assume everybody gives the standard answer but I was just curious.

**Rain_Maker** · 06-17-2005, 06:07 PM

Hi Nomika,

Of course, that's understandable.

Well, I think the fact that you have been granted J1 twice is another plus point( I had a B1/B2 too and that guy probably thought that since I came back the last time when I went, I would come back this time around too!).

To answer your question...No, they did not ask me anything about my plans after I finish my studies..

My questions were pretty simple...

What does your father do, where did you undergraduate from, why did you chose this university, where were you working, why did you quit your job....

Regards.

Oh tuesday....All the very best to you!!

Best Regards,

Rain_Maker