I have been in US for around 5 years. I first did my master's and then joined PhD. My student visa expired in 2002. I am now planning to go to india to renew my student visa next month.
I have a brother, who came to USA last week. When he went to the interview, he informed the consulate people that he did not have anyone from the family in the US (inspite of me being here). I am now going for Visa renewal and am confused as to whether i should declare that i have a brother in USA or not. The question comes in two forms DS-156 and DS-158. The reason being both myself and my brother have the same surname and mailing address. With all the sevis database, i am concerned if they can know information about you and your family andf will know if you are telling the truth or not.
I request anyone to advice me as to whether or not, i should declare that i have a younger brother in USA or not. If i say yes, that is say that my brother is on student visa in USA, will it in any way affect my F-1 visa renewal. Also, is there a way the consulate people can elate me and my brother using the Sevis information (last name and address etc) to decide whether i am telling the truth or not.
Any comments/suggestions on my question would be greatly appreciated.
I have a brother, who came to USA last week. When he went to the interview, he informed the consulate people that he did not have anyone from the family in the US (inspite of me being here). I am now going for Visa renewal and am confused as to whether i should declare that i have a brother in USA or not. The question comes in two forms DS-156 and DS-158. The reason being both myself and my brother have the same surname and mailing address. With all the sevis database, i am concerned if they can know information about you and your family andf will know if you are telling the truth or not.
I request anyone to advice me as to whether or not, i should declare that i have a younger brother in USA or not. If i say yes, that is say that my brother is on student visa in USA, will it in any way affect my F-1 visa renewal. Also, is there a way the consulate people can elate me and my brother using the Sevis information (last name and address etc) to decide whether i am telling the truth or not.
Any comments/suggestions on my question would be greatly appreciated.