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Introduction to US student Visa |
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Admission into US Universities is one half of the process. The other and the more important half is obtaining a visa. Especially for students, getting a student (F-1) visa was always a nightmare.
Yet, with careful planning, preparation and proper guidance from Impel experts, the process becomes easier, with successful result. As a result of several changes within the USCIS, visa process has been simplified, while at the same time improving the safety and security procedures in order to safeguard their country’s interests.
To study in USA, international students have to attend US Embassy/Consulate for visa interview. Before that, students have to receive the I-20 or IAP-66 form (for J1 visa) from the US University. This form confirms the student’s admission in the university.
For the students who want to study in USA should initially get the admission from any university or educational institution of USA before commencing the visa process. The visas issued for students are then classified into three categories:
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F1 Visa – issued for the students applied to study in USA or to conduct research at an accredited US university. |
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M1 Visa – issued for the students applied for Non-academic or Vocational Studies in USA or for training at a non-academic institution. |
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J1 Visa – issued for the students applied for academic studies as an exchange visitor through a designated sponsoring organization that includes educational and cultural exchange programs |
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| Visa officers who conduct the interview (and review the applications overall) consider several factors before you could be considered for grant of a visa. |
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Is the applicant genuine? – This can be proven by applying for an appropriate program that is compatible with your academic background and future plans. |
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Is the applicant eligible? – Many students apply and get admission in programs that are not suitable to their academic profile. Without proper eligibility makes one suspicious. |
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Does the applicant have sufficient funding? – By providing necessary resources and evidence, you can substantiate your case. |
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Does the applicant have future plans? – If you do not have proper future plans, it is difficult to convince the visa officer about your reasons to study in the US. |
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Finally, Will the applicant come back? – By providing strong evidence of your ties to your homeland, you could address this worry of the visa officer. |
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The process of reviewing visa applications has become more sophisticated with Bio-metric (finger-printing) requirement, review of applicants for /illegal/dangerous activities and the careful consideration of applicants’ intent to enter the US.
In few circumstances the visa officer may also demand further application review in Washington DC. Some visa applicants may need to undergo an extra review process if they seek to engage in a commercial exchange or academic pursuit involving certain designated fields of advanced technology. As a visa applicant, you have to recognize that these name-checking and registration processes are necessary and crucial elements that protect the citizens and visitors.
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| Check list of required documents |
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The following is a list of some of the documents that you are supposed to carry along with you on the day of VISA interview: |
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S.No. |
Mandatory Documents
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Valid Passport with at
least 6 months validity |
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I-20 duly signed,
Acceptance letter (if
any), financial letter /scholarship(if
any) |
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Visa Application fee (US
$ 131) receipt issued by
HDFC Bank. |
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VFS Service Charges
receipt (as specified by
HDFC Bank) |
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Application forms
DS-156, DS-157 and
DS-158 duly filled
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Web Receipt of
Appointment Confirmation
from www.vfs-usa.co.in
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7. One Photograph (size
2” x 2”) as per
specifications given at
the end of this page. |
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SEVIS fee Receipt of US
$ 200 through website
www.fmjfee.com
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Academic Documents |
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9. Original marks sheets
and certificates of all
qualifications starting
from SSC (10th standard)
to the highest
qualification, including
any marks sheets that
reflect back logs, if
any |
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TOEFL/IELTS/GRE/SAT/GMAT
score sheets in original |
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Extra Curricular
Activities, Work
Experience Certificates,
Merit Certificates &
Appointment letter (if
any) |
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Leave/Relieving letter
from the employer if you
are already working |
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Financial Documents |
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Proof of liquid
funds(refer to proof of
liquid funds document) |
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Proof of movable
assets(refer to movable
assets document) |
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Proof of immovable/fixed
assets(refer to fixed
assets document) List of
property documents to be
furnished when the same
is used as a collateral
to obtain a loan or when
shown as a fixed asset
or as a source of income
Valuation reports of the
property ( refer to
format_ Certified
engineer report ) |
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Proof of income from the
sponsors ( refer to
eligible sponsors &
income proof document) |
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Proof of relation with
the sponsor ( refer to
sponsorship affidavit &
how to establish
relation with sponsor) |
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Financial statement from
Chartered Accountant
(refer to CA statement
format) |
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| Visa fees information |
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To slot a date for visa interview, students have to pay the visa fee for the Embassy either by Cash/Demand Draft favoring “US Embassy - Visa Fees”
Selected HDFC Banks. The bank drafts issued by cooperative banks will not be accepted. The visa fee may include the following payments: |
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Application Fee: Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee (USD $131 equivalent), Form DS-156, DS-157, DS 158. |
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SEVIS Fee: Payment of US $200 for the SEVIS fee. |
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Service Charges as prescribed by VFS towards towards courier and other services |
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Note: Do not forget to carry your original passport and copy of the I-20 when you go to make payment at HDFC Bank |
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When submitting the visa application form it is essential to attest a passport size photo consistent with the absolute requirement of US consulate. The photograph has to be an unmounted full face picture, with the dimensions of 50 sq.mm i.e., 2/2 inches, where the applicants head has to be in the center of the frame. It has to be taken not before the last 6months. The photo has to be affixed to the application form by stapling or with gum. |
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Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet requirements your application will be considered incomplete |
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SUCCESS STORIES |
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