Consider studying abroad, Indians can apply for a student visa here in order to pursue higher education in America

study abroad

Scroll down to see the steps on how Indians can apply for a student visa in the USA for higher education. The United States offers a variety of academic programs at some of the best universities in the world, as well as opportunities to become an accomplished and economically powerful global citizen

In the five US consulates in India, nearly 14,600 student visas (F1 type) were given between January and May 14, 2022, according to a recent news article. In the near future, a record number of Indian students are also anticipated, and this fact alone should demonstrate to us the academic aspirants continued attraction to the US. The United States offers the opportunity to develop into an economically independent and talented global citizen in some of the best universities in the world.

However, unless your visa is stamped, such dreams will stay far away and illusive. Let’s start by breaking down the procedure to make it easier for anyone looking to study in the US.

There are three different kinds of student visas for the US, and I'll do my best to explain what each one entails

Visa for students (F1) If you are applying to a programme that needs more than 18 hours of study per week, you need an F1 visa. This covers both undergraduate and graduate programs like the MS, MBA, etc. Family members of F-1 visa holders may travel on an F-2 visa, but they are not permitted to work. They can apply for their own visas so they can work and attend school. 2. J1 Visitor Exchange Visa A J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is required for students, visiting scholars, and lecturers participating in exchange programs. The group includes Fulbright scholars as well as students from Indian colleges participating in short-term study abroad programs. A working professional who travels to America on an exchange program, accepts a research fellowship, or wishes to pursue vocational training also needs a J1 visa.

M-1 Visa for Vocational/Non-Academic Students Although the application process is comparable to that for the F1 visa, the M1 visa is only available to students attending vocational and technical schools. The main distinction is that M1 visas are time-stamped and students are not permitted to overstay their visitation.

Do one thing at a time

When you receive an I-120 from a U.S. university that has been approved by SEVP, the first thing you need to do is fill out a visa application. What precisely is I-120, then? It is the Nonimmigrant Student Status Certificate of Eligibility. Depending on whether you have a F or M student visa, your authorized school official will give you a form once you have been admitted to a university that has been SEVP-certified.

Important points to keep in mind

Your to-do list should include accurately filling out the visa application. Prepare a binder with all of your papers and certificates to bring to your visa interview. Answer all the questions honestly.

Be kind yet assured in the interview and well-prepared with specific answers to any questions concerning your study program, scholarship, funding, sponsorship, SAT, GRE, and TOEFL scores, university or school rank, living arrangements, and intentions to go back to India, among other things.

When asked about your ability to pay your fee and cover your living expenses while working in the US, the interviewer will be curious, so make sure to respond properly and without taking offense.

I’ll say it again: be specific. Officers only have so much time to spend with each applicant. A visa interview quite frequently does not go as expected because applicants are not well-prepared, do not bring original documents to the interview, and are unable to persuade the officer about their academic standing, school, and course of study. Or they come out as arrogant or evasive and unsure of why they are in the United States for schooling.

What happens if you are denied a student visa?

I-120-certified students who are qualified for an F-1 visa interview might not necessarily be granted one. Don’t give up if your visa application is rejected. Consult your university before resubmitting. A letter to the consulate can be obtained from the university. Alternately, you can submit a fresh I-20 and reapply for the following session at the same or a different university. However, your chances of obtaining a visa are rather high if you have obtained a scholarship, particularly one that covers all or most of your tuition. The same is true whether you’ve been accepted to a reputable university or if you consistently outperform academically. You may be granted a visa in part based on your TOEFL, SAT, and GRE scores.

Basics you should be aware of

The age range for US student visas is 14 to 79 years old. Below or above applicants are treated as special instances. An F-1 visa is available to anyone who has been admitted to a university. You will be questioned about it if there is a significant difference between your previous and future degrees, though. You will be alright if you can explain the gap using examples from your employment history and a strong case for why you need a future degree.

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