Visa Assistance

VISA!!!

A visa is a document showing that a person is authorized to enter the territory for which it was issued, subject to permission of an immigration official at the time of actual entry. The authorization may be a document, but more commonly it is a stamp endorsed in the applicant’s passport.

In this article we will throw some light on USA Student Visas.

USA Student Visa!!!

A student can enter US under any of the following three non- immigrant visa categories:

• F1  –  Academic Courses
• M1 – Vocational Courses
• J1 – Government or university funded cultural enhancement or educational

exchange program.

Eligibility Criteria for Student Visas.

The first step in obtaining a student visa is acceptance as a full-time student to a U.S. educational, language training or vocational program being offered by a University/ College which has been approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  Upon acceptance into an approved program, a student must also prove that:

1. Educational Preparation – The student should have completed any course of study which is a prerequisite for acceptance into the education, vocational, or language training program for which he is seeking a visa.

1. English Language Aptitude The student should have a strong enough command over the English language to be able to complete the program for which he has been accepted.

1. Financial Resources – The student should have sufficient financial resources available or be able to show that such resources will be made available to him to cover his living and education expenses during his period of study in the U.S.

1. Residence Abroad – The student should be an International Student having residence abroad and should have no intention to stay back in U.S. on completion of the course.

Reasons for and ways to minimize refusals:

Applying for a visa to the U.S. should not be a mysterious or intimidating process. United States immigration law requires consular officers to view every visa applicant as an intending immigrant until the applicant proves otherwise. We should bear in mind that the Consular Officer has several responsibilities to consider during the visa interview:

A visa may be denied for a number of reasons, some of which could be that the student:

1.      Cannot prove to have strong ties to their current country of residence. It is the students’ responsibility to establish their connections in India by demonstrating their employment, family and social obligations.  Such connections help them (Consular Officer) to confirm that the student’s intention is to stay temporarily in the U.S. and then return to India.

2.      Has no visible means of sustenance. The students need to prove that they are financially stable and possess sufficient funds to pursue the course of study in U.S..

3.      Is applying on excessively short notice at the last moment. The students are eligible to start applying 120 days before the course start date of the US University/ College.

4.      Had their previous visa application(s) rejected. The student has to prove that the reasons for the previous denials no longer exist, should have evidence for the same.

5.      Have previous visa/immigration violations. If a student has a previous visa for any country, they should not have violated any rules of that country.

6.      Have low Scores. Students must have a good GRE/ GMAT & TOEFL Score

7.      Has huge number of backlogs. If a student is having any backlogs, he should be able to justify the same.

8.      Has a large gap between completion of studies and Visa application, he should be able to justify the same.

9.      Has a passport that expires too soon. A student should have at least 6 months passport validity before applying

10.  Has a criminal record or has criminal charges pending. Consular Officer will only allow legitimate travel to the U.S., to prevent unlawful immigration, and to protect U.S. borders from travelers with bad intentions.

3Cs for Successful Student Visa:

• Confidence: Be confident and don’t fumble while answering.
• Communication: Be Concise and Precise
• Clarity: Be audible and clear in your thoughts don’t mumble.

Points to remember:

• Preferably wear a Formal attire
• While walking to the interview window, sport a smile and greet the Consular Officer.
• Maintain Eye Contact.
• Don’t Lie for the questions asked if you are not sure and not comfortable to make up an answer.
• Be ready with all the financial documents.
• Know you’re Institution & program and how it fits your Career Plans.
• Maintain a Positive Attitude. Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.

All the very best for your Successful Visa.!!