FAQ

VISA

What are the Different types of visa?s for persons wishing to study in US?

• "F" visa includes academic students in colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, other academic Institutions, and in language training.
• "M" visa is for people wishing to pursue nonacademic or vocational studies.

What is the eligibility criteria for applying for the visa ?

Scholastic preparation: - You must have successfully completed a course of study normally required for enrollment

Financial Resources: - You must prove that sufficient funds are, or will be, available from an identified and reliable financial source to defray all living and school expenses during the period of your study in the U.S

How do I apply from India?

You first must apply to study at an USCIS-approved school in the United States (a school approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for accepting foreign students). When you contact a school that you are interested in attending, you should be told immediately if the school accepts foreign national students. If you are accepted, the school should give you USCIS Form I-20 A-B/ID (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status - for Academic and Language Students

What are the documents required for applying US visa ?

Valid Passport , Passport size photograph ,A Non-immigrant Visa Application (Form 156) available from the Consular section, Form I-20 executed by the authorizing official of institution concerned, signed by the applicant. Evidence of financial ability to cover the costs of the education and maintenance involved, Visa fee.

When should I apply for Visa?

An applicant may apply for a student Visa not earlier than 90 days before the registration date specified on the FORM I-20

Do I need to show proof of financial resources?

Yes. Proof of financial resources to meet all expenses for the first year and of the availability of funds for the following years from reliable financial resources is required.

What is Non-Immigrant Intent/ Existence of Permanent Residence?

You must establish to the satisfaction of the Visa consular officer that you have binding ties to your residence in your country and that you will depart the United States when you have completed your studies

Can I Apply for a Permission to Transfer Schools at a later stage ?

Yes. However you must be a full time student in good academic standing. You must notify your current institute of your intent to transfer to another institute & obtain a fresh USCIS Form I-20 from the school you intend to join.

If one cannot use the visa for a particular semester, can he/she use it for another?

Yes. One can defer admission to another semester and use the same visa, if there is no change in the university or the program

Can I Bring my Spouse and Children to the U.S?

Yes. Your spouse and children may come with you to the United States in F-2 status.

How Long Can I Stay in the U.S.?

You are allowed to stay in the United States for as long as you are enrolled as a full-time student in an educational program

Do I need to Extend My Stay as a Student in the U.S ?

You do not need to apply to extend your stay in the United States as long as you are maintaining your student status , If you need to extend your stay longer than the date listed on your I-20, you should contact your designated school official (DSO) or the USCIS in advance for specific instructions

 Am I eligible for a work permit during my course in the US ?

Your visa allows you to work on-campus for 20 hours a week, but you may not work off-campus during your first year of study. After the completion of your first year of study, you may apply to the USCIS for a work permit that authorizes you to work off-campus, but you must demonstrate a special need

Can I Travel Outside the U.S.?

Students may leave the United States and be readmitted after absences of five months or less

From where can I get USCIS Forms?

Your designated school official (DSO) can give you an USCIS Form I-20

Will I be granted a visa on obtaining confirmation of my admission?

No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance.

When will the visa be granted and how does the student know?

Grant of visa will be informed by the visa officer and the student would be informed of the grant or rejection during the interview itself

What Should I Do If I Am Refused a Visa under 214(b)?

You can re appeal with valid justification .When you do, you will have to show further evidence of your ties or how your circumstances have changed since the time of the original application.

*For any other specific query, please use the quick query option in the home page and we will revert to you with answers.