:: The Indus Foundation ::

Study in America

The Indus Foundation I Higher Education In America I Types of U.S.Colleges and Universities I College or University I Some Questions for Study in America I Admission Process I Services & Benefits I Admissions Consulting I Graduate Admissions Major Fields of Study I Brief Descriptions of Each Field of Study I Applying for a Student Visa I Travel in the U.S.A. I Frequently Asked Questions I International Student Application I Why Study in America? I Associates Only

Applying for a Student Visa

To enter the United States as an F-1 student, the student must apply at a US Embassy of Consulate for an F-1 student visa. Depending on the country where the Embassy or Consulate is located, the student may be required to make an appointment. We inform the policies of the Embassy/Consulate for the student's country so that the student will not encounter unexpected delays. In some countries, students fail to obtain a visa because they were not aware of the procedures or were not prepared.We do not let this happen to the students from the Indian sub-continent. The information outlined below is designed to help the student understand the visa pro cess.

VISA POLICIES
By law, all nonimmigrants are vie

wed as "intending immigrants". This means that the visa officer is under the assumption that the student will be coming to the US and will remain in the US permanently. Student visas (F class) are given to students that can demonstrate to the Consul that they intend to return permanently at the conclusion of their studies.

SOME QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
How do I prove my intent to return? Excellent question. The ability to convince the Consul (either in person or through written application) may be difficult. The student may want to present documents that demonstrate ties to the student's home country that would convince the consul of the student's intent to return.

Such documents may include:

Proof of land ownership
Economic and Social ties are crucial: An applicant's future role in a family business, academic institution, government agency, professional organization are all possibilities. Bring letters from appropriate parties to demonstrate such
facts.
The family's extended relationships in the community, civil service posts, church, etc., can make a difference. Additionally, if other family members have studied in the U.S. and returned it should be mentioned.
For students from nations with strict banking regulations, an application is strengthened when funds can be shown either in a U.S. account, or already received by the school.
Letters from prospective employers recognizing the need for specialized training offered in the U.S. can also serve to aid an application.

Most importantly, Consular Officials want to hear directly from the applicant in the personal interview. At no time, is it recommended that the applicant bring family members with them to the interview. The applicant should submit any/all of the documents to the Consular Official for review.

Along with the above information, the student must also present a valid passport showing validity for at least the next six(6) months and a properly completed INS Form I-20 A/B.

If the student has sufficiently proven to the Consular Official's satisfaction that he/she intends to come to the U.S. solely for the purpose of study and will return to his/her home country upon completion his program, a visa stamp will be affixed to a page in the passport. Students are encouraged to apply for a multiple entry F-1 student visa. In most cases, the visa will be issued on the same day of the submission of the application. In some instances, the process may take longer depending on the time of year, consular case-load or other factors.

What if my visa application is denied ? If the student's application is denied, the student should ask the Consular Officer for a "written denial decision." This will provide the student with the official reason for the student's visa denial.

What is F-1 Status? F-1 is one of the several classes (types) of nonimmigrant Visas. Persons with an F-1 visa are admitted to the U.S. for the purpose of study.