w.1016

Hello all,

I have an upcoming interview next monday for the M1 Visa to do a vocational course in Orlando to become a certified personal trainer. This course is internationally accredited which is a major reason why I want to do this particular course. Unfortunately, I was denied on my first appointment-granted, I wasn't very well prepared, but for this second one I have letters of reference from the program itself and my current work, saying that they would consider me for a job on my return if one was available. I'm basically looking for ideas or things I can bring to the interview to help boost my case. I was also wondering whether I should buy a plane ticket to the USA so I can show that on my application, demonstrating my intent to return to the UK-but this is a big risk obviously, if I don't get it. Any suggestions?
Thanks
W

crg

How long ago was the last denial?

How is your prior US travel history?

How would you support yourself while studying considering you will have quit your job?

How far from Orlando does your girlfriend/boyfriend live?

w.1016

My last appointment will have been two weeks ago this Friday. My us travel history is quite frequent, I have had 3 visas ( 2 student, 1 for summer camp work) as well as one trip a year for a max of a week, but never overstaying. I have funds from work and given to me by family for study purposes. I am currently single.

ian-mstm

Be prepared to be denied again... and don't buy a plane ticket until you have the visa in your hand.


I was single right up until the day I was married.

Ian

w.1016

What would you say my
chances are?

w.1016

Is my new appointmwnt too soon? Would you recommend a later one?

ian-mstm

Since you ask, somewhere between 0% and 50%. You already have a denied visa (which you must declare on the new application) and they are not obligated to look at any of your new evidence.


If you can wait 6 months between appointments, that's probably the minimum that I'd recommend. If your course takes place during that time, then you have to figure out how important it is to you. Worst case scenario = you get another denied visa and you lose the application fee.

Ian

w.1016

The program is in January, hence why I wanted an appointment sooner rather than later..

scrubbedexpat099

Why Florida, seems something you do it anywhere from a quick google.

I am sure that is what the Consulate are also wondering.

w.1016

This particular course is what's appealing-not the fact thats in the USA. It's an internationally renowed course that gives you a qualification in over 38 countries, and because its a 4 month program, it has over 500 hours of classroom teaching and 200 hours of practical lessons. The best course I could find in the UK, that was about the same price, was only 5 weeks, so in my mind I would not be getting anywhere as near good value for money, nor would I be as qualified or as comfortable as a personal trainer.
All of this, of course, because I wasn't well prepared, I didn't mention during my first interview. I will be saying all of this during my second, with supporting documents from my current work and the program itself.

Thanks for your answers guys-any more useful tips, advice, or suggestions of things I could bring would greatly be appreciated.

lisa67

The fact that you can do a similar course in your home country, all be it, in your opinion not as extensive and will cost you more money, in my opinion means that your chances of getting a visa are slim.

w.1016

Hello all,

Well you were correct, it was a no unfortunately, but I'll have to take it on the chin. My worry now is, how will this visa refusal impact any potential future visa applications I may apply for down the line? I am considering graduate school over there in a year's time or so...

All the best
Will

scrubbedexpat099

Graduate Personal Trainer?

I think you are over doing it.

w.1016

No I will be working as a personal trainer here in the UK for some time, but I would eventually like to attend graduate school to get a masters in sports studies

discoviking

Cross that bridge when you get to it. It will be a new visa application with different requirements. The consulate will see your previous visa applications and take them into consideration, but nobody here can predict what the outcome will be. The only thing that can be predicted with 100% certainty, is that you will not get a visa unless you apply.