Bangalore: Ian Hopper, deputy chief of the non-immigrant visa section at the American Consulate in Chennai, advised students exploring educational opportunities in the US, not to get misguided by self-proclaimed agents and consultants, who might make false promises and provide fake documents. He said the consulate staff are trained to detect such fake documents during visa interviews.
Hopper’s suggestion came during an information session on US student visas held in Bangalore recently by Yashna Trust, the USEFI Satellite centre, in association with USEFI, Chennai.
Hopper’s advice is pertinent since bank documentation and evidence of liquid funds are crucial to determining the student’s ability to pay, which is one of the focus areas during the visa interview.
Proper evidence of liquid funds is required for at least one year of study. One’s ability to fund the remainder of the education can be shown via projected income: an indication of how the money will be raised in the future. Hopper provided concrete examples of acceptable documentation, but stressed that there are no “right” answers, and it depends on the family’s personal situation.
During the session Hopper fielded a number of questions from the large number of students who attended. He provided information on the visa application process and discussed guidelines used in visa issuance decisions. He said students should directly answer questions during the visa interview, as it may last only a few minutes.
Besides the student’s ability to pay, the other focus area during visa interview is the student intent, which can be demonstrated by grades, standardized test scores, a logical progression in terms of field of study and a clear idea of why they need that education. Students are allowed to carry documents to the extent that it helps them demonstrate their student intent and ability to pay.
Hopper suggested that students should apply for a visa only when they are absolutely sure of which university they want to attend. A student must also enrol at the university that is mentioned in the visa stamp. A student may apply for a visa up to 120 days in advance of the intended date of enrolment but can enter the United States only a month in advance.
Hopper said the US welcomed international students and that the highest numbers of them on US campuses are from India. The consulate at Chennai processes the majority of the visa applications in India.
Why Study In The USA? The chances are you already know the value and brand of US education. You may have known or heard about somebody who studied in US and you can detect a difference in his or her personality. US education system is sure different from the system in your home country.
(Did you know, India is the leading place of origin for international students in US with 76,503 students in the U.S. in 2005/06 (a decrease of 5% from the previous year), followed by #2 China........ Here are just a few of the reasons why more than 500,000 international students from around the world are furthering their education in the United States:
Worldwide Recognition: A degree or certificate from a college or university is useless if it is not recognized by employers, other institutions or field authorities. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to ensure than the degree from the school you choose is recognized in the place you plan to use it in. Fortunately, colleges and universities in Usa are given professional accreditation by different governing bodies. These schools have to earn their accreditation by meeting certain criteria, helping ensure a quality education, as well as a degree or certificate that is recognized. Most schools in the USA are accredited, though we strongly suggest that you thoroughly find out what each school's accreditation is before deciding. There are thousands of US schools that offer credentials recognized in almost every corner of the world.
Supporting Industries, Training & Research: Because of the vast wealth of resources in Usa, the opportunities for practical training related to your field of study are vast. Most college and universities have established affiliations with employers and researchers in different fields of study, thereby creating an avenue for students to obtain hands-on and invaluable experience. Many universities even require that students obtain practical training in order to graduate. In many cases, these opportunities are not available any where else in the world.
People And Culture: Usa is a melting pot of people from all over the world. One will find most Americans to be very hospitable, friendly, kind, generous and accepting of foreigners. Of course, there are a few exceptions, as in any country, but these are not the norm. In general, the people are gregarious, innovative, and eager to learn about the other cultures. These are traits that many international students adopt and take home with them.
Technology: Regardless of what degree a student chooses to pursue in school, he or she will have to use computers and other technologies in order to succeed. Many universities incorporate the latest technology into their curriculum, encouraging students to obtain proficiency before they go out into the workplace. Specialized technology, such as the newest medical equipment in medical schools, allows each student to maximize their true potential and gain experience that is marketable in the real world.
Flexibility: In your country once you start your degree program, if you lose interest in the subject you chose earlier can you change your major (degree subject?) Can you change your college and transfer to a different institution carrying with you the work you already did? Sounds impossible? Not in US. Since the USA school system utilizes credit units and often accommodates working students, most schools offer academic programs that are flexible in nature. This means that, very often, one can choose when to attend classes, how many classes to enroll in each semester or quarter, what elective or optional classes to take, etc. An Usa education is very conforming to each student's needs.
Value: How much are you spending on tuition fees this year in your present college? How much are you looking to spend in the course you are planning to do after your current degree? If you start comparing, tuition costs worldwide in OECD countries are more or less comparable. The difference is the return on investment what US qualification brings. As an investment in your future, a U.S. degree offers excellent value for the money. A wide range of tuition fees and living costs, plus some financial help from colleges, have made study in the United States affordable for thousands of students before you.
Career Opportunities: In your country every student or job aspirant is looking to join some multinational company. When you study in US, you are in the home territory of the same companies whose branch office you are so eagerly looking to join. With a US degree you have to access to myriad career opportunities just by being physically present in US. Does your present college where you study now, offer a chance to work with Fortune 500 companies? You only live once. Why not get one degree from Usa which will replace the value of all other degrees put together? Think about it.
Salient Features:
You can apply for F-1 which is to study full-time academic/language courses or M-1 which is for vocational courses.
Hundreds of US colleges and schools are looking to enrol foreign students. They need you, more than you need them.
Best way to sample US life and decide your future career goals while investing yourself with an US credential.
You can transfer schools (with permission) once you are in US.
You can work part-time on campus and also off-campus to receive practical training.
You may travel in and out until the completion of your studies.
