1. No. My team mate did get rejected however.
2. Yes, my team mate got his visa on second try
3. B1
4. No
5. I had the team invitation, but honestly she didn't check any papers. Just asked me why I'm going. I think having strong ties like finishing your education helps. Just be confident, and explain what is ICPC, and why you are going.

I wish your team the best of luck! :)

1. My team (from Poland) all got visas with no problems.
2. -
3. B1/B2
4. No. I don't think booking any flights (return or not) before getting a visa would be a good idea if you have a high probability of being rejected. When you apply it even says in various places that you shouldn't make final travel arrangements before you get a visa, so I think they shouldn't take that into account (but I might be wrong?).
5. I had the ICPC invitation with me, but they didn't check, although they asked me to explain what ACM is. There was also an email from ICPC some time ago saying that they are sending information to embassies explaining the situation, do you know if your embassy received this before they rejected you? If they want you to prove ties in your country, then I guess you could mention your university/family.

Wish you good luck :)

In case you haven't done so already, make sure you contact the ICPC people: "All visa related questions should be sent to Barb Dolan, 2017 Host Visa Coordinator, at [email protected]."

1. Yes, we have apply for the visa. 1 person got rejected.
2. yes.
3. B1/B2
4. no. we book the flight after all of our visa confirmed.
5. Honestly, the consulate didn't bother to check any documents that you bring. They will ask u some questions. What helps are:

• Show friendly faces.. (SMILE a lot)
• Be Confident
• You need to explain in fluent manner (don't stutter), they will ask you what ICPC is, What kind of contest it is, Have you ever fly overseas for contest like this before, What your parent jobs are, etc..
• With B1/B2 -- you must demonstrate that internship or any other future endeavours regarding employment in the US never cross your mind. (demonstrate this through your answer with questions above)
• demonstrate that you go there ONLY for the competitions and any other matters never cross your mind.
• look at the eye when talking
• disclose your sponsor (university pays the expenses, etc2..)
• GOOD LUCK!

Btw, even though they didn't check the documents, Be sure to bring it in case needed. We brought team invitations, host invitation, last 3 months of bank statements, university letter, university bank statements,Birth Certificate, Family photos, etc..

Hope this can help!

1. My team is from Brazil and we no had problems with visa.
3. B1/B2.
4. No.
5. I didn't have to show any documents, I just answered some questions. You can request the original signed invitation ([email protected]), they send by mail (it takes a few days), maybe this will help you.

Contact visa support ([email protected]), if I am not mistaken they sent an email saying that they could contact their consulate if they had problems with visa.

1. My team applied for the visa yesterday. Currently, all three members and the coach have the visa.

2.

3.B1/B2

4.No

5.I showed them the invitation ticket, the confirmation of my university.

Interview experience: They asked me some question like what will I do in the US?, have I gone to any other country?

1. We have applied and rejected.
2. We did not try once more, I do not think it would make any difference, and it costs a huge amount of money since we have to travel to Lebanon for it!
3. B1/B2, didn't get it.
4. Nope!
5. I didn't get it, but I brought everything, all the invitation, the note to the consular officer, proofs of being a student, having a job, getting a scholarship, etc. She neither asked for any documents nor did she accept to take any. She said that they are aware of the contest.

I did everything I could, I also smiled all the time (just like my profile pic!), I did just like most of other contestants have done, but the result was different!