Chick-fil-A Seen as Lucky Charm for Chinese Seeking U.S. Visas

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Chinese students in the U.S. have developed a superstition that ordering food from the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain can help improve their chances of securing coveted U.S. work visas, such as the H-1B. This belief stems from the similarity between the chain's name and the phrase 'check files' in Chinese, which is seen as an auspicious omen. Despite Chick-fil-A having no locations in China, the brand has become a source of good luck for many Chinese visa applicants.

Why it matters

The belief that Chick-fil-A can influence visa outcomes highlights the cultural significance of homonyms and superstitions among the Chinese student community in the U.S. It also reflects the intense competition and anxiety surrounding the visa application process, where students will grasp at any perceived advantage, no matter how unconventional.

The details

Chinese students have developed the belief that ordering food from Chick-fil-A can improve their chances of securing U.S. work visas, such as the highly coveted H-1B. This stems from the similarity between the chain's name and the Mandarin Chinese phrase 'check files,' which is seen as an auspicious omen. Despite Chick-fil-A having no presence in China, the brand has become a source of good luck for many Chinese visa applicants.

• The belief has emerged among Chinese students in the U.S. in recent years.