Demystifying the Student Visa Process

Summer signals the time to start planning travel for fall studies abroad. For the third year in a row, students from India represent the largest fulltime foreign student population in the United States. In the 2003-2004 academic year, 79,736 students from India were studying as undergraduates and graduates in the U.S. In the U.S., Indian students can find a flexible, diverse and high quality education that is student friendly and offers the chance for hands-on-training. American universities welcome the difference in perspectives, culture and opinions that international students bring to campus.
In the past, there have been certain misperceptions about student visas - that there was a quota on student visas or that, post 9/11, it was more difficult to get a student visa to the United States. These are simply not true. Anyone who is qualified for a student visa will receive a visa and the basic criteria for who is eligible have not changed.
The visa policy of the U.S. is based on the principle of "Secure borders, Open doors." And although the events of 9/11 have required us to take additional precautions to protect U.S. citizens and the citizens of other countries who are working and studying in the United States, we are working hard to ensure that all qualified students gain access to an American education in a timely manner.
In order to enhance security, some additional steps have been added to the visa process including the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), personal interviews and fingerprinting. These changes have now been seamlessly integrated into the visa application process and help to ensure the quick processing of bonafide students.
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is working hard to ensure that students gain their visa interviews in time for the fall semester. Please keep in mind that when making an appointment for a student visa, a few rules apply:

• First time students should schedule their visa interview as early as possible, but ideally not more than 90 days before the school start date.


• First time students cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days before their start date (continuing students with a valid visa can return at any time).


• Students from North India can request an emergency appointment if they are unable to schedule an interview in time to attend school. (However, please note that students with more than two U.S. visa refusals within the past six months, cannot apply for an emergency appointment, and will need to schedule a regular appointment online when one is available).


• Students studying in high-tech or sensitive fields should apply early, as some applications may require an additional 3 to 4 weeks of processing.
  
  
  
  In order to apply for a student visa, applicants should:
  
  

• Make an appointment online at www.TTSVisas.com or www.Visa-Services.com


• Complete application forms DS-156 and DS-158 (and DS-157 if required).
  
  Have a visa photo taken and obtain a demand draft for the application fee in the amount of Rs. 4,400 (no issuances fees are required for student visas)


• Pay the $100 SEVIS fee www.fmjfee.com (SEVIS is a one-time fee, as long as the student is continually in status while in the U.S.)


• Appear for the interview at the appointed date and time and be sure to bring your passport, SEVIS-generated I-20 form, evidence of your ability to pay for the education, and any relevant academic information.
  
  During the interview, an applicant for a student visa will need to convince the consular officer that he/she is a credible student, is able to pay for the planned course of study and has a credible plan to return to India.

For further information on student visas or other consular issues, please refer to the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Website at http://travel.state.gov/visa_services.html. For more information on educational opportunities in the U.S., please refer to the U.S. Educational Foundation in India (USEFI) Website at www.fulbright-india.org. Students from other parts of India should check with the nearest U.S. Consulate General for the rules pertaining to student visa applications in their area of residence.

- Check Official wordings