Will I have a problem in getting a US F1 visa?

Question

I am an Indian and I will be going to UW Madison in the Fall. I was quite worried as some of my friends have told me that I might face some problems in getting a Visa.

1.) I will turn 18 in December. Since I will be underage during the time I will be applying for a F1 visa(in June, July).

2.) I have a real elder brother living in USA. Many of my friends say that the US Embassy people discourage people to go to US if they have a relative over there. If this is a real problem, should I disclose that I have a brother or not?

3.) I am an Indian. On the university site, it was written that some countries who have a high migration percentage(people who ultimately settle down in USA, enter US for some other reason). India has a high percentage.

I haven't been preparing hard for the admission exams here in India. If i don't get the visa, i will have to stay in India. I know I will get in admission in a really good college because of my father, but that won't settle good with my soul

Answer 1

First of all, you need to get admission into a university before you can apply for an F1 visa.

To answer your questions:

1) Age isn't really a concern once you are 18.

2) Having an older brother or any reletive will not aid no hinder your visa application unless he/they are not suppose to be there in the first place. Some consular officers may look favourably on this, as you have someone who may help you "settle down" in a new country/city quicker.

Not disclosing this information will not benefit anyone, lying is on the visa applicat form is an instant denial and besides, they will already know that your brother is in the United States.

3) Makes no difference. Visa are considered on individual merit, not on a race, religion, s*x or color as a whole. What your other countrymen have done before you, has bearing on YOUR visa application request.