Should know about US Visa

S, FINANCIAL
AND
OTHER DOCUMENTS

Contents: -

1. Admission Documents.
a. Admission Letter
b. I-20
c. No Objection Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae. (Bio-data)
3. Statement of Purpose.
4. Academic Records. (Includes mark sheet, character certificate of all the institute you have attended)
5. Scholastic Tests.
a. TOEFL
b. GRE
6. Employment Records.
7. Evidence of Social and Family Ties.
a. Nepalese Citizenship Certificate
b. Relationship Certificate
c. Family Certificate
d. Police Certificate
8. Sponsorship Letter.
9. Financial Documents.
a. Charter Accountant Certificate
b. Bank Certificate
c. Bank statement
d. Business Documents
e. Property Evaluation Certificate
10. Medical Certificate.
11. Miscellaneous. (Includes all pass certificate, migration, provisional and letter of recommendation of the past institutes and the all the award certificates too)

Let us start with to which consulate you should attend:

US Consular Districts:

You have to attend for interview at the following consulate or embassy to which your passport consular district falls.

NEW DELHI
Residents and holders of Passports issued by the regional passport offices of Delhi and the north Indian states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh should contact and attend for F1-Visa interview at:

U.S. Embassy
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi

Phone: (011) 24198000
Fax: (011) 24190017 or 24198407

Consular Office & hours of operation:
Immigrant visa services: 8:30 a.m., Monday - Friday
Nonimmigrant visa services: 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Monday - Friday

NOTE: Due to administrative work, visa section is closed on the last working day of each month

MUMBAI (Bombay)
Residents and holders of Passports issued by the regional passport offices of the western states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Union Territories Daman, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli should attend for the F1-visa interview or contact at:

The U.S. Consulate General
Lincoln House
78 Bhulabhai Desai Road
Mumbai 400026

For F1 visa procedures call (022) - 23637407 & 23637408
Phone: 022-23633611 to 3618
Fax: 022-23630350

Consular Office Hours of operation:
Nonimmigrant visa services:
8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday - Friday
Token distribution: 11 a.m.

Note: Mumbai's Visa Services Office is also closed on the last working day of each month.

CALCUTTA (Kolkata)
Residents and holders of Passports issued by the regional passport offices of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Jharkhand, Andaman and Nicobar Islands should attend for f1-visa interview or contact at:
The U.S. Consulate General
5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani
Calcutta 700071
Telephone: 033-22823611/15
Facsimile: 033-22822335/3865

Consular Office Hours of operation:
Nonimigrant services 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Monday-Tuesday Thursday-Friday
(Closed on Wednesday)

CHENNAI (Madras)
Residents and holders of Passports issued by the regional passport offices of the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Lakshadweep Islands and Pondicherry should attend for f1-visa interview or contact at:

The U.S. Consulate General
Mount Road
Chennai 600006

Phone: 044-28112000
Fax: 044-28112020

The Consular Office Hours of operation:
Nonimigrant visa services 8:15 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday

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US Consulates websites:
New Delhi:: http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/

Chennai: http://chennai.usconsulate.gov/

Kolkata: http://calcutta.usconsulate.gov/

Mumbai: http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/
http://www.visa-services.com/student-FM.html

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Email-id of US consulates:
Regarding NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATIONS
including students (F1). who will be in the U.S. for a specific period contact respective consulates.

New Delhi: newdelhi@pd.state.gov
Kolkata: ConsularCalcutta@state.gov
Mumbai: MumbaiNIV@state.gov
Chennai: ChennaiNIV@state.gov

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F1 Visa:
The "F-1" visa is for USA academic studies for foreign Students. It's a non-immigrant visa for student, which will permit the applicant to stay for a particular period of time in the United States to accomplish the purpose of studying.
All applicants for F1 visas must overcome the legal presumption that they are intending immigrants. To qualify for a visa, applicants must demonstrate that they:
• Plan to remain in the U.S. for only a specific, limited time.
• Have sufficient funds for the stay in the U.S.
• Have a residence outside the U.S., as well as other binding obligations, which will ensure departure at the conclusion of the stay in the U.S.
Once an F-1 visa has been issued please be aware, however, that new U.S. law allows students and trainees to enter the United States no more than 30 days before the program start date indicated on their I-20 or DS-2019. In general, we recommend that such visa holders ENTER NO MORE THAN 10 DAYS before their program start date. While it is possible to enter up to 30 days in advance, students/trainees should be prepared to justify to immigration officials the need for any earlier arrival.


How to apply for visa interview appointment



Note for Mumbai applicants:
Mumbai Us consular district people can take online appointment or offline appointment, which can be found at the following link.
http://www.visa-services.com/student-FM.html


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Note for New Delhi, Kolkata & Chennai applicants:
All first time applicants of New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai consular districts for F-1 visa would need to make an appointment on the website www.ttsvisas.com
Whatever may be the previous US visa status of an applicant, when applying, first time for F1 visa, a student has to appear for personal interview by taking an appointment with web-site www.ttsvisas.com

You have to take a hard copy (print-out) of the appointment made by you after the appointment was confirmed. You can directly take the appointment page print copy or confirmation mail sent to your given mail-id by the TTS people.

Without this print copy of your appointment you will not be allowed to attend the interview.

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Postponing, preponing of the appointment with TTS:
If you are unable to keep your appointment, cancellation or modification must be done latest by 2:00 p.m on the day prior to your appointment by using the "Modify/Cancel Reservation" link on the Home Page of the link www.ttsvisas.com.

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SEVIS & BCIS


SEVIS - STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISITOR INFORMATION SYSTEM.
Beginning January 30, 2003, all forms I-20 issued by academic educational institutions, must be created within the SEVIS system. As of January 30, 2003 all new forms I-20 issued on or after that date must be SEVIS compatible documents. All students must present a SEVIS-generated form I-20, if they are applying for a visa after January 30, 2003. These new forms are printed on a single sheet of paper and will have a large black bar code down the top right hand side of the form.

SEVIS is basically a system to enable U.S. academic institutions to maintain accurate and timely data on foreign students, and their dependents, and communicate this information to the now BCIS formerly known as U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and Department of State in real time.

BCIS: The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) became the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS), moving from its organizational home in the Department of Justice to the newly created Department of Homeland Security.

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What International Students Need to Know About SEVIS
(Taken from Michigan State University Site)

SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is an
Internet-based system in which the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization
Service (INS) maintains information on nonimmigrant students holding F, M
and J visas. Under SEVIS, University will be required to provide regular electronic
reports to the INS.

Compliance Date
January 30, 2003 has been set as the date for universities to be fully compliant with SEVIS.
Universities are required to electronically transfer all current international student data within 30 days after the deadline for class registration spring semester 2003.
Key Changes Students Need to Know:
1. Address
Students may no longer use a P.O. Box or an office address. Instead, they must use the address that describes their residence. In addition, students are required to notify the DSO within 10 days of any change in their name or address. The DSO has 21 days to notify the INS.
2. Reporting Cycle
Designated School Officials (DSO's) are required to report within 21 days of the occurrence the following events:
A. Any student who has failed to maintain status or complete his or her program
B. A change of the student or dependents legal name or U.S. address
C. Any student who has graduated early or prior to the program end date listed
on the SEVIS I-20 Form
D. Any disciplinary action taken by the school against the student as a result of
the student being convicted of a crime
E. Any other notification request made by SEVIS to the DSO with regard to the
current status of the student
In addition, every semester and no later than 30 days after the deadline for registering for classes, DSOs must report the following registration information to SEVIS:


A. Whether the student has enrolled at the school, dropped below a full course
of study without prior authorization by the DSO, or failed to enroll
B. The current address of each enrolled student
C. The start date of the students next semester

DSO's are required to report these events within 21 days. Based on recently passed legislation, the INS is required to audit higher education institutions compliance records every two years. If a school is not complying, they may face a one year suspension from admitting any international students.

4. Can a student who has been reported to the INS as out of status regain their legal student status?
For instance, if a student dropped below a full course of study without getting
prior approval from the DSO, he or she would be out of status and reported to the INS. What should the student do?
• If an international student violated his or her legal immigration status, they may apply to the INS for a reinstatement if the “violation of status resulted from circumstances beyond the student’s control” such as an illness, injury or natural disaster. If the institution was in error in reporting the student as out of status, this would be considered out of the student’s control and the student would be eligible to apply to the INS for reinstatement to student status.
• The student may not apply for reinstatement under any circumstances if he or she has been out of status for more than five months.

what a SEVIS Record will contain for a F1 visa interview attending person – Collected from The Net.

The list below will give you a general idea of the kinds of information SEVIS is requesting (keep in mind that new legislation may also add new requirements):

Information of the type currently appearing on Form I-20, the F-1 student visa form (including: full name, country of birth, country of citizenship, birth date, admission number, school student is attending, student’s major, student’s expected date of graduation, level of English proficiency, estimated costs of the school for 9 months, student’s means of financial support, names of school’s Designated School Official--DSO, place of issue, and date of issue) Data generated by standard procedures (such as extensions of stay, transfers, practical training and employment authorizations and recommendations, reduced course load authorizations, etc.)


Required Documents for F1 Visa

They can be classified as follows.


A. Consulate Documents.
B. University Documents.
C. Qualifying Test Documents.
C. Educational Documents.
D. Proof of Funds Documents.

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A. Consulate Documents:


1.Copy of Web appointment (TTS).


2. Form DS-156. (Can be downloaded and printed back-to-back (Both sides on a single paper or sheet). Download it from:
http://travel.state.gov/DS-0156.pdf

3. Form DS-157 (Only for all male applicants in the age group of 16 to 45 years) (Not required for Female applicants)
Download it from:
http://travel.state.gov/DS-0157.pdf

4. Form DS-158 (for applicants seeking visas in F category)
Download it from:
http://travel.state.gov/DS-0158.pdf

Note: You can fill the above forms in your own handwriting or if you are using Adobe Acrobat reader 5.0, you can directly type in the form (except a few columns) and take printouts directly.

5. One Demand Draft from the for Rs.4,600/- as mentioned below.

6. One Photo 50mm X 50mm (or 2inches x 2 inches Square) on form DS-156. (Photo guidelines are given below within this section. Kindly follow them as described.) A recent document on Photos has been uploaded and available in the file section of our group "f1visa2usa"
You can refer that for clear instructions.

7. Passport - Each applicant must possess an individual passport valid for travel to the U.S. with a validity date at least six months beyond the intended period of stay;
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Demand Draft Details:


Visa fees are as follows:
1) Non-immigrant visa application fee (non-refundable) Rs. 4600/-
2) Courier fee: Rs. 400 (Courier fees may be paid in cash or via a demand draft favoring "T.T. Services" to be paid on the day of appointment at the TT Services counter located at the Embassy.)

One Demand Draft/Bank Draft/Pay Order/Bank Managers
Check taken for the following amount from any Nationalized Banks and Local Branches of Foreign Banks. DD's drawn on Co-operative Banks are not accepted.
DD specifications for different centers are as follows.

1. New Delhi:
One Demand Draft for Rs.4600/-, drawn in favor of the "American Embassy, New Delhi." Drafts should be drawn on a bank with a branch in New Delhi.

2. Calcutta:
One separate DD on "American Consulate General, Calcutta," Payable at Calcutta for the amounts of Rs.4600/
Write your full name and date of birth on the back of each and every bank draft, using only a pencil to do so.

3. Mumbai:
In Mumbai a single DD includes both Visa application fee and Courier fee.
Demand Draft for Visa Application Fee: Rs.5000/- Favoring
"VFS a/c - US Visa", payable in Mumbai.
Note: Drop Box applicants from Western Region opting the courier service (Blue Dart) for home/office pick-up of application - please add Rs. 120/- per passport. Total fee payable with pick-up service: Each application must contain the Demand Draft for Visa Application Fee: Rs 5120/- Favoring " VFS a/c - US Visa" payable in Mumbai

4. Chennai:
One DD on "American Consulate General, Chennai." Payable in Chennai for the amounts of Rs.4, 600/-
Important: Please write your complete name and passport number on the back of each draft.


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B. US University Documents:


1. Offer letter from university or Acceptance letter from university.
2. SEVIS generated i-20 form from US University.
3. Any special letter of Aid or Funding.
4. Any useful correspondence with university officials or department officials or professors, in the form of mails or e-mails. If e-mail take printouts of the same. When VO asks for the proof of contact with professors, present them.
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Regarding i-20's read the following:
Note: If a student receives More than one i-20, he/she should take all the received i-20's to visa interview. If the visa officer asks for the proof of more
i-20's then you can show them to VO. But unless the VO asks for them don't show. Just keep them with you. And also remember that VO will be knowing about all your admissions (If I-20 was ever issued)

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C. Qualifying Test Documents:
Original Score Reports of
1. TOEFL
2. GRE/GMAT/SAT

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D. Educational Documents:
1. Original Degree of Graduation or any other available highest degree as per the specifications applicable to individual cases.
(What if Degree certificate is not available? kindly follow the following FAQ available with Chennai consulate web-site.
(Q. What if I have not yet received my degree certificate?
A. Yes - you may still apply, but please be sure to include your Individual and consolidated mark Sheets and provisional certificate along with Course Completion Certificate duly signed and stamped with college seal by principal.)
2. Intermediate or (10+2 exam) original certificates or as applicable to your case.
3. SSC / CBSE - (+10th standard) original certificates or as applicable to your case.
4. All semester/year-wise Individual marks lists, which is now became mandatory. Original Degree Consolidated marks list

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E. Proof of Funds Documents:

A. Scholarship letters,
B. Bank letters Certified by Bank Manager on bank Letterhead showing availability of liquid funds within 5-10 days of visa interview appointment date,
C. Salary slips of parents and other sponsors if any of latest available month,
D. IT returns for last 2-3 years etc of parents and other sponsors if any.
E. Rental receipts of own shops or buildings if any with revenue stamps.
F. Sponsors Business last 3 years Profit/Loss Account duly certified by a CA if sponsor is a businessman, Company Registration documents, Company Tax papers of last three years showing consistent incomes or profits,
G. Pension Papers - if sponsor is retired.
H. 6 months – 1year of Bank records - i.e. Bank transaction statements. Or Bank Passbooks of sponsors. (At times VO ask for more than one year also.)
I. Chartered Accountant Statement of Monetary worthiness of the sponsors.
J. Affidavit of supports by sponsors and student separately.
K. Loan approval letters (if you want to show loans.) Regarding loans kindly look into FAQ's in our next mail.

Note:
As a matter of fact you need to show the funds available with you through liquid cash, liquid assets and properties and income from immovable assets and annual income through Tax-Returns.

1. Liquid Cash

The Bank in which the sponsor (Parents and other sponsors, if any) is having an account on bank's letterhead and duly stamped along with a seal can certify this. It can be supported by 6 months to 1 year Computerized Bank statements or Pass books whatever available with Bank.

Your sponsors bank account should contain cash for first year funds of university fee + Living expenses + insurance + Misc. expenses + airfares to USA and + Reserve cash funds for second year. Generally it will be between 15-25 lakhs and sometimes between 30-35 lakhs depending upon the I-20.


If column No.5 of your I-20 shows “the normal length of study is for 24 months, then you have to show availability of liquid funds for 24 months. If the normal length of course is for 36 months, then you have to show availability of funds for all three years, event though you know the course is for 24 months. But you have to show funds and even VO will be asking for funds depending upon what your I-20 is mentioning. So a lot depends upon what your I-20 is saying.

Liquid funds also covers any Fixed deposits + Bonds + Shares + NSC + Mutual funds etc or any other liquid or semi-liquid assets. It's best to show Fixed deposits in our opinion (Not recently deposited, just before visa interview). They carry much weight. For everything you intend to show get a latest valuation certificates basing on which CA will be giving his certificate. If you are prepared to show Gold and Jewellery, you should produce their valuation from a Government approved official valuer, along with a declaration of possession of Gold and jewellery by the sponsor. But remember in recent times Gold and jewellery has lost its shine in visa processing, as many a times VO's commenting that they don't think parents or sponsors will sell of their Gold and other valuables for the sake of their wards education. So be careful, while showing Gold and Jewellery. If there is no other alternative, then try to show gold and jewellery - only as an asset but not as a means of funding for college expenses and fees.

So from bank you need to produce:
A. Bank Letter stating the funds available with sponsors account and how much it will be equivalent in US$.
B. Fixed Deposits Original certificates.
C. 6 months or more Bank Transaction statements and Pass Books and any other related documents.

2. Properties:
There's no uniformity in these issues. Generally it should be around 70-80 lakhs or more. Many people say many things. Some say they haven't asked for it, or they are not at all asking for these things, so there is no need for it etc. But in our opinion one should be prepared for all things in a visa interview
These may be Buildings, plots, flats, shops, agricultural fields, farm houses etc immovable property in any form if you are able to justify. All these should be evaluated and certified by a CE - Chartered Engineer or Tehsil or concerned metro/revenue officials etc to give their certificate of opinion on the value of these immovable assets at current market value.

3. CA statement:
A CA - Chartered Accountant will give his certificate of Monetary worthiness of sponsors basing on the documents he is having related to sponsor. His certificate mentions all the Cash, liquid assets and immovable assets available with the sponsor, which can be available for immediate use for the applicants study in USA.

We feel one should have all documents ready with them. If they ask for any proof just submit the relevant document immediately. Better to show them than saying I don't have it now.


FAQ on F1 Visa

Some Important FAQ's on F-1 Visa, which every student should go through: These are from US consulates and other good sites. As far as possible we maintained the integrity of original issues but changed some things to keep up with the latest trends and changes.

Q. Should we carry original documents or photocopies?
A. The applicant should carry the original documents and photocopies duly notarized if necessary. Kindly check US consulate web-sites for related details.

Q. Do students need any special documents?
A. You must present current documentary evidence that sufficient liquid funds are available to pay all travel, living and school expenses continuously and should be able to support in the coming years also till the course completion. If the support is from the educational institution in the form of a scholarship or assistantship, it should be noted on the Form I-20 . And also along with I-20 you need to carry a special letter from university – a covering letter or a special offer letter along with I-20. If the support is from a sponsor (normally a very close relative) presently in USA, you must present a notarized Form I-134 Affidavit of Support available free of charge at any office of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the USA or can be downloaded from the link


http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/files/i-134.pdf

Stating willingness to finance your education expenses, along with copies of the sponsor's most recent income tax return and bank statements for the past six months. (Further details can be had from the form itself.)


An F-1 applicant must have evidence of sufficient and readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study, and that barring unforeseen circumstances adequate funds will be available for each subsequent year of study as mentioned on I-20 form. The number of years required to complete the course of study will be determined by the school and noted on the I-20 in Column.No.5.

Q. Do I have to pay the first year tuition in advance?
A. No -- paying the tuition expenses in advance is one of several ways to show proof of funds, but it is NOT a requirement to pay in advance. But If you paid the first year fee you need to provide official receipt from the school at the time of interview.

Q. What if the university will not accept the tuition fees in advance?
A. It is the university's decision to accept or not accept the fees in advance. The Consulate has no influence over universities' policies regarding this. Students should consult with prospective universities regarding their policies well in advance of applying for a student visa.

Q. What documents should I show to prove that I could pay for my education?
A. There are no specific documents that prove a student is able to pay for his/her education. Bank account statements, chartered accountant statements, employment letters, and property documents are the most common documents used to show proof of funds.

Q. What if my university does not require that the TOEFL or GRE?
A. Students whose prospective university does not require that they take the TOEFL or GRE should provide a letter from the university stating the same. However, the Consulate recommends that all student visa applicants provide standardized test scores.

Q. Is it required that I apply by Drop Box?
A. Only returning Student applicants may use the drop-box

First time Student visa applicants to USA must make an appointment and be interviewed. Please be aware that to review your case a Consular Officer may require a personal interview before a final decision is made.

Q. How do I prove that I can afford to attend school in the United States?
A. An I-20 shows the amount of funding you must have available to cover the first year's expenses. The total amount includes tuition and fees, living expenses, expenses of dependents (if applicable), and other expenses (as applicable). You must prove that you have immediate funds available to cover this amount. If you are going to a two-years Master's program, then you must also show that funds are or will likely be available to cover the same amount for the subsequent year or years.

Q. What if I have not yet received my degree certificate?
A. Yes - you may still apply, but please be sure to include your Individual and consolidated mark Sheets and provisional certificate along with Course Completion Certificate duly signed and stamped with college seal by principal

Q. How soon after getting my I-20 may I apply for the visa?
A. Generally You may apply for the visa no earlier than 90 days before the first day of school as indicated on the I-20 form. But for the latest rules for Fall 2004, it’s better to contact respective consulates through e-mails or by calling.

Q. What if I have received a full tuition waiver from my prospective university?
You must prove that funds are immediately available to cover the first year's living expenses, and show evidence that further funds will be available for all subsequent years. Any financial documentation you provide should be in support of this. This applies to ALL student visa applicants.

Q. Does having a relative in the US affect visa application
A. No.

Q. What about a foreign sponsor?
A. The motive has to be established clearly. Sixty per cent of the students, who go to the US for education, do so on some sort of aid. Education in the US is a costly proposition. So, if someone is funding you, then the US Consul would want to know why, and under what terms.

Q. For a student visa with sponsorship, is it for or against one's case if the sponsor is (a) a US citizen, (b) an Indian citizen?
A. There is no regulation for or against the nature of citizenship of the sponsor for US visa.

Q. Is there a specific number or quota annually for student visas?
A. There is no ceiling on student visas according to US immigration law.

Q. I am a student going to US for PHD. My I-20 says that my funding is for one year, after which it will be reviewed. Will I have to show funds for the rest of the three-four years of study?
A. At the visa office, the students must show funds (academic plus living) for one year, and access to funds for subsequent years. If your aid covers your overall expenses for the first year, then it is OK but it's better to show funds availability to take care of day-to-day expenses in US.

Q. I get my visa on one I-20; then I get another I-20 from another school, which I now want to join. What will I have to do?
A. You will have to apply and appear for another visa interview.

Q. How many attempts are allowed if visa is denied?
A. Especially for Mumbai people two attempts in duration of two years, with a gap of three working days between each attempt. There is also a mail in facility after two attempts where you can mail the US Consulate your documents for review. What has to be kept in mind is that, with each new attempt some fresh documents have to be produced. Visa consuls go by the rules, and if same papers are submitted, then the application hardly stands a chance.
But In the consulates of New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai where one has to attend for F1-Visa interview through www.ttsvisas.com one can attend any number of times without restriction but with a gap of three working days (don't include Saturdays and Sundays while counting). Every time you need to pay the application fee and it's better to apply only if you are able to show considerable change in your case, than your previous interview.

Q. Does the reputation of the college have any bearing on my visa application?
A. No. However, the reputation of the college establishes the motive. If you are going to a reputed college, intentions are clear. But if you are going to an institution no one has heard of, and which has not asked you to take any standard tests, then that makes the US consul suspicious. Though, in some cases, when students are going for some specialist courses, which are not offered anywhere else, a marginal school would do.

Q. If I have been chosen by more than 10 schools, does that help?
A. Yes, it establishes that you are a superstar. There is no direct relation, though it completes the picture for the consul, and helps them evaluate the case better. remember the more i-20's you receive, there's more chance for visa.

Q. What should a student wishing a Graduate (Master's) study in the US do if he is financing his studies himself?
A. He will have to show how he would transfer his funds from India to the US. Does he have a foreign exchange release permit from an authorized bank or a sponsor in the US to take care of his living and education in US dollars? Moreover, he should convince the US Consul that he has strong ties in India, which prove that he is not an intending immigrant.

Q. For students going for further studies, what is considered as conclusive proof that they are coming back? How much assets or liquid cash on hand should be shown for a student visa?
A. There is no fixed amount of assets or liquid cash specified in the US immigration law. The law that operates is that the interviewing US Consul should be convinced that the applicant is a bona fide student, wanting genuinely to pursue higher studies in America and return after his education to India and apply his knowledge in India. The ties that could be shown by students, would involve his economic attraction in India after graduation and social roots to which he would return rather than stay in the US. Statistics in the past have shown that 7 to 8 out of 10 students do not return and therefore the Consulates in India are very careful in granting student visas.

Q. Is a student visa guaranteed when an I-20 form is issued by a University?
A. A student visa is not guaranteed on the issuance of the I-20 alone as the applicant has to convince the US Consul that he is not an intending immigrant by showing proof of his permanent ties in India.

Q. If sufficient funds are not available, can a loan from banks or other institutions help in getting a student visa?
A. The US Consul will have to be convinced about the mode of repayment of the loan by the applicant. Practically, if loans are shown, then getting a visa becomes a bit difficult but not impossible.

Q. For a student visa, can a student be partially sponsored by a US-based sponsor and partly by an India-based sponsor?
A. The US Consul has to be convinced about the genuineness of the case. Prima facie, the case cannot be rejected because two sponsors are involved.

Q. Do visas for students get rejected if the applicants have brothers and sisters in America?
A. This is an individual situation. The decision depends on a case-by-case basis. If the US Consul feels that the applicant is trying to get to the US in the guise of a student with possible support of siblings in America, he may be rejected. Likewise, if the applicant's brother or sister had gone to the US on an NIV and adjusted status to permanent visa, the applicant does become a "risk candidate" and it will be then left to the judgment of the interviewing officer to decide. If the siblings are in USA and still on Non-immigrant visa status like F1 or H1-B and not applied for any change of status seeking permanent residency, then the case will be viewed positively. Still one need to convince Visa officer regarding the intentions.


WHAT CONSULS (VISA OFFICERS) LOOK FOR

(From http://travel.state.gov)
Evidence of Residence Abroad
The consular officer may not issue a student visa unless satisfied that the applicant:
(1) has a residence abroad,
(2) has no intention of abandoning that residence, and
(3) intends to depart from the United States upon completion of the course of study.
Applicants generally establish their ties abroad by presenting evidence of economic, social, and/or family ties in their homeland sufficient to induce them to leave the United States upon the completion of studies.
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Evidence of English Proficiency
If the alien's Form I-20 indicates that proficiency in English is required for pursuing the selected course of study and that no arrangements have been made to overcome any English-language deficiency, the consular officer must determine whether the alien has the necessary proficiency. To this end, the officer must conduct the visa interview in English and may require the applicant to read aloud from an English-language book, periodical, or newspaper, and to restate in English in the applicant's own words what was read. The applicant may also be asked to read aloud and explain several of the conditions set forth in the Form I-20.
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Determining Financial Status of F-1 Students
The phrase "sufficient funds to cover expenses" referred to in 41.61(b)(2) REGS/STATS means the applicant must establish the unlikelihood of either becoming a public charge as defined in INA 212(a)(4) or of resorting to unauthorized U.S. employment for financial support. An applicant must provide documentary evidence that sufficient funds are, or will be, available to defray all expenses during the entire period of anticipated study. This does not mean that the applicant must have cash immediately available to cover the entire period of intended study, which may last several years. The consular officer must, however, require credible documentary evidence that the applicant has enough readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study. The officer also must be satisfied that, barring unforeseen circumstances, adequate funds will be available for each subsequent year of study from the same source or from one or more other specifically identified and reliable financial sources.
Funds From Source(s) Outside the United States
Whenever an applicant indicates financial support from a source outside the United States (for example, from parents living in the country of origin), the consular officer must determine whether there are restrictions on the transfer of funds from the country concerned. If so, the consular officer must require acceptable evidence that these restrictions will not prevent the funds from being made available during the period of the applicant's projected stay in the United States.
Affidavits of Support or Other Assurances by an Interested Party
Various factors are important in evaluating assurances of financial support by interested parties:
1. Financial support to a student is not a mere formality to facilitate the applicant's entry into the United States, nor does it pertain only when the alien cannot otherwise provide adequate personal support. Rather, the sponsor must ensure that the applicant will not become a public charge or be compelled to take unauthorized employment while studying in the United States. This obligation commences when the alien enters the United States and continues until the alien's departure.
2. The consular officer must require documentary evidence to resolve any doubt that the financial status of the person giving the assurance is sufficient to substantiate the assertion that financial support is available to the applicant.
3. If the person giving the assurance is in the United States in nonimmigrant status, the consular officer must examine the evidence presented with exceptional care. Is the sponsor's financial situation sufficient to provide the funds without need to resort to unauthorized employment? Is it likely to worsen during the period of the commitment, possibly compelling the applicant or the sponsor to resort to unauthorized employment? Will the nonimmigrant sponsor remain in the United States at least as long as the student?
4. The consular officer must also carefully evaluate the factors which would motivate a sponsor to honor a commitment of financial support. If the sponsor is a close relative of the applicant, there may be a greater probability that the commitment will be honored than if the sponsor is not a relative. Regardless of the relationship, the consular officer must be satisfied that the reasons prompting the offer of financial support make it likely the commitment will be fulfilled.
Funds From Fellowships and Scholarships for F-1 Student
A college or university may arrange for a nonimmigrant student to engage in research projects, give lectures, or perform other academic functions as part of a fellowship, scholarship or assistantship grant, provided the institution certifies that the student will also pursue a full course of study.
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Educational Qualifications for F-1 Students
Consular officers are not expected to assume the role of guidance counselor to determine whether an applicant for an F-1 visa is qualified to pursue the desired course of study. The institution will satisfy itself on the student's abilities before accepting the applicant for enrollment. Consular officers should, however, be alert to three specific factors in this regard:
(1) the applicant has successfully completed a course of study equivalent to that normally required of an American student seeking enrollment at the same level.
(2) cases in which an applicant has submitted forged or altered transcripts of previous or related study or training which the institution has accepted as valid, and,
(3) cases in which an institution has accepted an applicant's alleged previous course of study or training as the equivalent of its normal requirements when, in fact, such is not the case.
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Relationship of Education or Training Sought To Existence of Ties Abroad
The fact that a student’s proposed education or training would not appear to be useful in the homeland is not, in itself, a basis for refusing an F-1 visa. It may, however, be a relevant factor in the overall assessment of the likelihood of the aliens return. This may be particularly true where F-1 coursework is advanced far beyond local needs. If a student wants to pursue a COURSE that does not (and for the likely future will not) exist in the homeland, the prospect of his/her voluntary departure from the United States is diminished unless the applicant can show the intention to work elsewhere abroad following the training.
Some important facts on f1 visa

1. Visa issuance is a very objective decision, and is not subjective:

Every visa official has a list of requirements he looks for in a visa application. If they are met, then, he issues the visa. If not, he doesn't.
It is how these requirements are met that makes a visa decision seem subjective. For instance, take the requirement of showing that you will return to India. If you provide unambiguous pragmatic evidence pointing to reasons for return, he will have no reason not to grant a visa. US Visa Official Quote: "Give a rational, objective reason that even a banker would believe". If, on the other hand, you only play with words and have nothing substantial to show, it looks like a subjective decision, since it is based upon subjective evidence.

2. Proper documents are only half the story:

Visa officials know that documents in India can be easily forged. So what is on paper is not enough. What you say, how you say it, matters a lot. Sometimes it can even make up for inadequate documentation. US Visa Official Quote: "Some people complain that we did not see their documents. Remember, if we go through your documents when you are standing there, then that is a negative sign. It means we don't believe you and are checking the documents for proof or for grounds to reject you. So not seeing your documents in front of you is a good thing for you."

3. Success Rates of Visa:

Success Rates of Visa Issuance (overall) is 60 %. i.e. 60% of all applicants, across all categories, are issued visas. 40 % are rejected.

Success Rates of specific visas:
Visa - Success Rate
J1 Visa - 75 %
F1 Visa - 65 %
M1 Visa - 35 %

US Visa official Quote: "People who are between 18 and 37 and single attract our attention".

4. How to increase your chances of Success?

A. Legitimate Student:

Show that you have a coherent plan of study. e.g. B.A. English in undergrad in India then MS in Computer Science in US is not a coherent plan. B.E. Electronics & Communications then M S (Telecommunications) is very clearly coherent. Also, try linking the plan of study to India. There should be a connection between past study and future plan.

B: Reputation of School:

The better the ranking of the school that you finally choose, the higher your chances of getting a visa. Visa officials have actually been quoted saying that they never cancelled the visa application of a Harvard or Stanford student (they don't even look at anything else if he has a Harvard offer). Of course, everybody doesn't get Harvard, but then if you choose an obscure university, your chances of a visa decrease correspondingly, as suspicion about your choice rises. The official thinks, "he's going there only to get to the US, there are better univs than this in India".


C: Exclusiveness of course:


If the course chosen is not offered in India, then it is a positive sign - as long as you can still show that it is logically related to your past studies. So you can't choose Evangelism after a BSc Chem. and then say, "it's not offered in India". Well, actually, you can but you have to show compelling reason why you want that subject.

D: Evidence of having researched all options:

Show all schools that you chose (say, printouts of web sites, Photostats of brochures), show clearly which ones you short listed and why, which ones you got offers from, which ones you chose and why. Basically, show yourself as a thorough student.

E: Proper documentation of previous study:

Have original copies of Board certificates, college degrees, diplomas, extra courses, etc. Also have original results of GRE, A-GRE TOEFL, TSE and other standardized tests handy.

F: Show proof of networking (if any) with professors:

If you have sent mails to(or written to) professors, have copies of the mails ready to show, to establish seriousness of intent to study and to show that you consider your education as an investment.

G: Multiple Offers:

If you have received offers from many universities, show that. Especially if you have a scholarship offer from a lower ranked university and are still going to a higher one, then attach proof of this with your application.

H: Be Systematic:

Carry a folder with the covering letter and all these papers in order, so that (a) you don't fumble around in front of the counter window looking for the right papers (b) you look systematic and thorough.



Student Visas Instructions from Govt site
Students are Encouraged to Apply Early
Student Applicants (for F-1 visas) - Overview

Please read this information for general information on how to apply for an F1 student visa. In most countries, first time student visa applicants are required to appear for an in-person interview. However, each embassy and consulate sets its own interview policies and procedures regarding student visas. Students should consult Embassy web sites or call for specific application instructions.

Keep in mind that June, July, and August are the busiest months in most consular sections, and interview appointments are the most difficult to get during that period. Students need to plan ahead to avoid having to make repeat visits to the Embassy. To the extent possible, students should bring the documents suggested below, as well as any other documents that might help establish their ties to the local community.

Changes introduced shortly after September 11, 2001 involve extensive and ongoing review of visa issuing practices as they relate to our national security. It is important to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel departure date.

When Do I Need to Apply for My Student Visa?
• Students are encouraged to apply for their visa early to provide ample time for visa processing. Students may apply for their visa as soon as they are prepared to do so.
• Students should note that Embassies and Consulates are able to issue your student visa 90 days or less, in advance of the course of study registration date. If you apply for your visa more than 90 days prior to your start date or registration date as provided on the Form I-20, the Embassy or Consulate will hold your application until it is able to issue the visa. Consular officials will use that extra time to accomplish any of the necessary special clearances or other processes that may be required.
• Students are advised of the Department of Homeland Security regulation which requires that all initial or beginning students enter the U.S. 30 days or less in advance of the course of study start/report date as shown on the Form I-20. Please consider this date carefully when making travel plans to the U.S.
• A student who wants to an earlier entry in the U.S. (more than 30 days prior to the course start date), must qualify for, and obtain a visitor visa. A prospective student notation will be shown on his/her visitor visa and the traveler will need to make the intent to study clear to the U.S. immigration inspector at port of entry.
What is Needed to Apply for a Student Visa?

It is important to remember that applying early and providing the requested documents does not guarantee that the student will receive a visa. Also, because each student’s personal and academic situation is different, two students applying for same visa may be asked different questions and be required to submit different documents. For that reason, the guidelines that follow are general and can be abridged or expanded by consular officers overseas, depending on each student’s situation.

All applicants for a student visa must provide:
• A Form I-20 obtained from a U.S. college, school or university. Please be sure to give us all four pages of the I-20 form. The form must also be signed by you and by a school official in the appropriate places;
• An application Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157. The DS-156 must be the February 2003 date, either the electronic "e-form application" or the non-electronic version.
• A passport valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the United States;
• One (1) 2x2 photograph.
• A receipt for visa processing fee. A receipt showing payment of the visa application fee for each applicant.
All applicants should be prepared to provide:
• Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended;
• Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.;
• Financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If you or your sponsor own a business, please bring business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements.
Applicants with dependents must also provide:
• Proof of the student’s relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g., marriage and birth certificates.)
• It is preferred that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa, along with all other required documents.
What Items Does a Returning Student Need?


All applicants applying for renewals must submit:
• A passport valid for at least six months;
• An application Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157. Blank forms are available without charge at all U.S. consular offices and on the Visa Services website under Visa Applications Forms;
• A receipt for visa processing fee. A receipt showing payment of the visa application fee for each applicant, including each child listed in a parent’s passport who is also applying for a U.S. visa, is needed;
• A new I-20 or an I-20 that has been endorsed on the back by a school official within the past 12 months;
All applicants applying for renewals should be prepared to submit:
• A certified copy of your grades from the school in which you are enrolled;
• Financial documents from you or your sponsor, showing your ability to cover the cost of your schooling.
How long may I stay on my F-1 student visa?

When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in America. For a student who has completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorized practical training, the student is allowed the following additional time in the U.S. before departure:
• F-1 student - An additional 60 days, to prepare for departure from the U.S. or to transfer to another school.
As an example regarding duration of status, if you have a visa that is valid for five years that will expire on January 1, 2001, and you are admitted into the U.S. for the duration of your studies (often abbreviated in your passport or on your I-94 card as "D/S"), you may stay in the U.S. as long as you are a full time student. Even if January 1, 2001 passes and your visa expires while in America, you will still be in legal student status. However, if you depart the U.S. with an expired visa, you will need to obtain a new one before being able to return to America and resume your studies. A student visa cannot be renewed or re-issued in the United States; it must be done at an Embassy or Consulate abroad.



Student Visas Instructions from an University site
Taken from University of Cincinnati website http://www.isso.uc.edu/forms/f1/f1_Handbook.pdf

Applying for a Student Visa

Upon receipt of your Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) you will need to make an appointment with the American Consulate or Embassy having jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence. Although you may apply at any U.S. Consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence. Before you apply for the visa, you should understand the process and the rules governing visas. Many visa applications fail. In some countries, most applications fail. Often it is because the student did not know the rules or was not prepared. We do not want this to happen to you. Please read what follows very carefully.

The consular officer will take a very legalistic view. In the U.S., it is considered important to be impersonal when administering laws. This is considered rude or improper in many countries, but not in the U.S., where the ideal is to apply laws equally to all regardless of status or sex. Do not try to negotiate or discuss personal matters.

The most important rule may seem strange to you. The consular officer who makes the decision on your visa application is required to think of you as someone who plans to come to the U.S. permanently and you must prove that you intend to return to your country after completing studies. U.S. law very clearly states that F visas may be given only to persons who intend to remain in the U.S. temporarily.
This rule is the number one reason for denials of student visa applications.

The other important rules are:

(1) You must have a definite academic or professional objective. You must know what you are going to study and where it will lead. Be ready to say what you want to study
and what kind of career it will prepare you for in your home country. Be prepared to explain why it is better for you to study in the U.S. than at home.


(2) You must be qualified for the program of study.


(3) You must be definite about your choice of schools. If you do not seem certain that you want to attend the chosen University, you will not get a visa.

(4) You must be adequately financed and have documents to prove it. Except in the case when employment is particularly authorized on the Form-I-20 (i.e. graduate assistantship), you may not plan to use employment as a means of support while you are in the U.S.

U.S. Government officials are convinced more easily by written documents than by spoken statements. (Our comments – Though it seems reverse is the case now) When possible, have papers to show your connections to your home country. If your family owns property, take the deeds. If you have a brother or sister who studied in the U.S. and then returned home, take a copy of the brother’s or sister’s diploma and a statement from an employer showing that they have returned home. If possible, show that an individual or company in your home country will give you a job when you return. If you cannot get a promise of a job, try to get a letter saying that you will be considered for a job, or that the company needs people with the kind of education you are coming to the U.S. to receive. With papers, show ties to your home country. If your family owns a business, take letters from a bank, describing the business, to the visa interview with you. Do not emphasize any ties you may have to the United States or to family members in the United States. Your visa application is stronger and better if at least part of your financial support comes from your home country, even if most of it comes from the U.S.

Read your Form I-20. Some of the rules you must obey are printed on page 2. Be aware of these rules - especially the requirements that you study full-time. Look at the date entered in item #5 for reporting to the school. You must apply for the visa in time to reach the school no later than that date.


There is no time limit on how soon you can apply for the student visa. The sooner you apply the better. Consular offices get extremely busy during the late summer months (July, August, September). However,you will not be allowed to enter the United States more than 30 days prior to the start date on your Certificate of Eligibility.