Q: how much does gpa matters for applying in full bright scholarship program?

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1 Student Visa Chat May, 2011 Q: what is SEVIS? A: Do you mean SEVIS? This is the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System registration Q: What are the most important documents should be provided in the interview? A:Please consult the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you to find what application fees, if any, you will need to pay, what documents you will be required to bring, and out how long it may take to get an appointment for an interview with a visa consular officer. Q: is it necessary to get admission in us university before applying for visa A: Yes - the school or program will first need to send you an I- 20 form for the F & M visa or a DS for the J visa. Q: How Many times student can apply to F- 1 Visa? A: There is no limit on the number of times a person can apply for a visa. If you are re- applying after your student visa was denied, you should be sure to understand why it was denied and what you need to improve upon before you apply again. Q: Financial support is to be shown for one year or two years? A: You must be able to show sufficient funds to meet the first year's fees and demonstrate that you will be able to meet your financial needs for the rest of your study without resorting to unauthorized employment. Q: If we have our siblings already in USA, will this hamper our chances of getting Visa? A:The consular officer needs to know that your intentions are to return to your home country after completing your studies - and this intent can be for any number of reasons - social, cultural, family ties, it could be related to your career plans after college or obligations that you have. Q: I graduated in May 2010 and I am currently not working. During the last year, I took time to prepare for GRE and TOEFL. Does this period of one year cast doubt on my professional career? However, I do have an experience of six months in Siemens as a part of my Undergraduate internship. Currently, I am strengthening my basics in electrical engineering and making some projects of my own. A: You can explain to the consular officer how you spent the time between the end of your previous study and your current application for a student visa during your interview Q: Hello. I am a final semester engineering BE student. My 8th sem exams are in June itself. Hence, there is a possibility that by the time I go for the Visa interview in July, I might not have got my exam results yet. In this case, what am I supposed to do? Also, how many days will it take for my Visa to arrive at home after my interview at the Chennai US consulate? A: You can check the consulate website for information on what the consular officer might like to see to verify your academic preparation. Also, the website will tell you exactly how you would receive your issued visa. Q: how much does gpa matters for applying in full bright scholarship program?

2 A: You can read about the Fulbright Program at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs website. Look for "J visa programs". Q: when you apply for F1 visa along with dependents (F2- visa), what kind of questions are the dependents asked? A: The visa status of the dependents depends on the visa status of the F 1 visa holder, so the F 1 student must have been issued their visa in order for the dependents to apply. You can read more about visa classifications at Travel.State.Gov. Q: 2) Does having a first- uncle as a US Citizen and a sibling on H1B in the USA, affect my chances for a F1 Visa in anyway? A: Having relatives in the U.S. does not stop you from being able to get a visa. During your interview, the consular officer may ask you questions about them, but this may be related to a number of factors including why you wanted to study in the U.S. or your intent to depart the U.S. after your studies end. Q: 3) On the DS- 160 there is 1) Immediate Relatives and 2) Other Relatives. What is the difference between both sections? A: Immediate relatives are your spouse, your children, and your parents. Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents are not immediate relatives - they are "other relatives". Q: 1) I had applied to 12 schools, and have got 7 accepts and 5 rejects. Consequently I got 6 I- 20s. I will be taking the Visa appointment using only one I20 of the university I wish to go to. Does having multiple I20's create a problem? A: This is not a problem - use the I- 20 for the school in which you plan to attend. As a courtesy, please thank and notify the schools which accepted you that you will not attend Q: if i renew my F1 visa, can i ask for longer period? A: The period of validity of your visa depends on the reciprocity schedule for your country. You can check that at Travel.State.gov "Fees and Reciprocity Tables". It is also important to understand that one you enter the US as a student, your visa expiration date is no longer relevant. The immigration officer will admit you for "duration of status" and as long as you maintain your student status you will be in legal status. Q: I have six I- 20. Is that a cause of worry? Should I ask the other universities, which I will not be attending, to cancel my I20s, or do I have to carry all the I20s for the interview? A: Take the I- 20 for the school you want to attend to the interview. It would be good to let the other schools know you do not intend to come to their institution but it isn't necessary for the visa. Q: if we have started the visa process for a university, and in the meantime get an admission offer from another university later on, how do we cancel the previous procedure to start for getting the visa for the other university? A: Just let the first school know you are going to attend a different institution. Q: I have an admit from a good University and I have GRE 1160 and TOEFL 86 with 72.4% Undergrad Degree with Honors. Will the 86 TOEFL score affect my VISA?

3 A: You don't need TOEFL for the Embassy interview (it's usually a part of the admissions process). During the interview, the consular officer may speak with you in English to ascertain your proficiency and that you have the necessary level to undertake your studies Q: After booking Visa appointment date, do we need to submit or send any document to US consulate or we will just go attend the Visa interview A: You should read the embassy or consulate website to learn what documents you should bring. For a student, the mandatory documents are your passport, your DS- 160 confirmation sheet, your application fee confirmation, and your I- 20 and SEVIS fee confirmation. You might also bring your school leaving records and the information you need to demonstrate how you will pay for your study. Q: Can I get a statistic on the acceptance rate for F1 Visa in India? A: Yes, you can find information on issuance rates at Travel.State.Gov under the "Visas" tab. Q: Financial support are to be shown for one year or two years? A:.US. immigration law stipulates that F- 1 student visa applicants prove the possession of sufficient funds to cover their first year of studies and living expenses in full (funds must be readily available), and possess additional funds to cover all subsequent years. Whatever official financial documentation you want to provide it prove you meets this requirement is at your discretion. Q: My son is studying is Asia for the last 3 years... before that, he was in Africa. My husband is working in Arica. After my son completes his IB, he will go back to Africa. My question is... can he apply US student visa from there? A: Visa applicants may apply at any embassy or consulate where they are physically present. You should check the specific embassy or consulate website for information on post- specific procedures for making appointments and presenting an application. You should also be aware that applying at a post where you are not resident may make it more difficult to demonstrate your qualification for the visa and that there may not be capability to do the interview in your strongest language. Q: Will Having lower GRE score affect chances of getting F- 1 visa? A: No, but it might affect your admission to the school of your choice, which is the first step in studying in the US. Q: sir, i have got and admit from a good university. i have got gre score of 1240 and toefl score of 116 but i have not received my official score card from ETS despite repeated reminders. will this be a problem in the visa process or interview? A: Those things are part of your school application process and are not as important to the visa application process. Q: As one should apply 120 days early to the starting of session and till yet haven't received I 20 so applying for visa date in June will be a problem? A: You are allowed to apply 'up to 120 days' but it is not required - just be sure to apply early enough to receive your visa in time to begin your studies in the US Q: I have talks with a professor from a University but the University itself has rejected me. Can I show to VO that in the University from which I did not get admit had an offer of assistantship from a professor? A: You have to admit to a school and get an I- 20 in order to be able to apply for a student visa.

4 Q: I'll study in U.S. this year. I tend to transfer to another university next year. So can I apply for my new visa in the U.S.? A: Visas are not issued in the US, only at our embassies and consulates. Talk the DSO at your school to find out about how to transfer to another school. Q: Is it compulsory to bring physical documents to prove our financial standing or do we to just tell how we plan to fund our studies? I read on a lot of sites that we have to just tell the officer on how we are planning to fund the studies without any need to bring our bank statements or other form of physical proofs. Is that true? A: The consular officer will ask you to explain, but you might also be ready with your documents in case the consular officer wants to see them. you should check the embassy or consulate website for the place you will apply to see if they have specific instructions. Q: Do number of universities applied can create a problem? A: No - it is more important to explain why you chose a particular school or program. Every student is different, and when making your choices you should consider the factors that are most important to you in both your education, lifestyle, and future goals. Q: Please why is d SEVIS fee a part of d Visa payment and what is SEVIS A: I don't understand what you are asking. Q: Right now the VFS site only shows 2 available interview dates in June. Does this mean that the entire month has been booked? A: I don't know - it depends on how the embassy or consulate manages their appointment system. Check their website for information on "how to apply." Q: My period of study is 2 years. So what will be the duration of visa i will be given? A: The visa foil will be valid until the date on your I- 20. However, DHS will allow you to remain in the U.S. for duration of status, meaning as long as you're a student. However, if your visa has expired and you travel outside the U.S., you'll need to get another visa. Q: which all documents do we need to bring for the visa interview? A: Detailed information about student Visas (including required documents and forms) can be found at the U.S. Department of State website, HTML. Q: If I would like to show our immovable assets such as buildings and land in order to show financial ability for my second year of education, should I bring the original title deeds? A: You can be prepared with whatever you think will best demonstrate your ability to pay. The consular officer may or may not wish to see the documents. Check the embassy or consulate website for specific information. Q: Dear sir, I want to ask about the student exchange visa tab in the DS- 160 form where they need the reference of two people those who can vouch for the information provided by me. sir i want to ask that those two people could be my neighbors also? or do i need to give references of my professors? A: It s up to you. If you are applying for a student visa, your professors might be better references than your neighbors, however.

5 Q: while answering for "why this particular school" can we mention the ranking? n if yes which site is accepted for genuine ranking A: Answer with the truth - if that's why you chose the school, then say so. Q: Hello. I have an important query. My I20 had a minute detail missing, so i asked the university to resend to me the new I20, although they told me that the existing I20 was fine and it won't come in my way. Now the thing is, I haven't yet received my new I20. I still have the old I20 issued 20 days back, and I am planning to use it for my Visa Interview. Do they stamp on the I20, so that I may use the old i20 for my visa and after my interview, if i get the new one, i will treat the new one as my i20 A:Depending on the missing detail, the consular officer may want you to get the new I- 20. Confirm your course of action with the school before you make a decision. Q: I have admitted from other Universities but reject from 1 University. But I have talks from a professor from a university from which I got rejected. So I want to show to VO that I have a profile that is acceptable to Professor but University rejected me. This is for the sake of showing that I am a good at my academics so that Professor offered me assistantship. A:More important is that the school has issued you an I- 20 or DS which is a Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) document issued by your US school or program. It will be required when applying for a student visa and when you enter the US on a student visa Q: For how many months is the F Visa issued? Consider a Master s program of 2 years. Was there a change made in this duration recently? A:The visa will be valid until the date on your I- 20. However, DHS will allow you to remain in the U.S. for duration of status, meaning as long as you're a student. However, if your visa has expired and you travel outside the U.S., you'll need to get another visa Q: for those who are working in India and applying for f- 1 visa now, do they have to show the income tax papers A:You should check the embassy or consulate website for the documents they suggest you have available. Q: Supposedly we have a summer program in a university and the program starts from June 20. How long will it take me to get a student visa? Does the time required to obtain a visa differ from country to country? A:How long it takes to get an interview will depend on your local US Embassy or Consulate - please check with them. However, most visas are issued in a few days after the interview. It will typically depend on the situation and if you have all of the required documents. Q: what is the most important demonstration ties documents (such as owning properties)? A: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 applicant must, however, establish, usually through credible documentary evidence,

6 that he/she has enough readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study. If you feel that showing other financial sources of income will be helpful to clarify your financial evidence, you can bring a copy with you to your interview. Q: I have a Fulbright Grant.. Can you please explain in detail, the process of filing a DSD- 160 form and what needs to be done to ensure the visa process goes smoothly? A:The DS 160 is the on- line application form. It is required of visa applicants worldwide. you can find a link to it at the website of the embassy or consulate where you plan to apply. Both the embassy or consulate website and Travel.State.GOV provide information on the visa process. Q: my program generally get over in 2 yrs., but ds160 asks to enter the intended duration of stay in USA. Should it be same as my i20 duration? although the real duration is a year lesser than the one on my i20 A:You should answer with the length of time you really do expect to be in the US. Q:Hi there. i would like to ask. Will the I- 20 forms be sent to the students home through mail. A:You'll have to ask the school you are applying to. Q: I am shifting my place of residence next month and my passport will carry my old address then, is it necessary for me to get address changed on my passport since it is a tedious process. A:When arriving in the US, the officer will only want to see that your passport is valid for more than 6 months upon the date of entry, it has a student visa, and you have an I- 20 or DS Q: Am I able to make an interview appointment without an offer from universities? I mean I have been admitted into an exchange program but could only get my offer after July. Will it possible for me to make an appointment before July? A:If you are admitted to an exchange program, you will have to have you DS 2019 for the visa interview. You can check the embassy or consulate website for information on how to make an appointment and how long the wait time is. Q: can we ask for a student visa as a couple?... we have a baby too A:Immediate family members (spouse and children) can get derivative student visas. You would get F1, they would get F2. You should talk to your school since they will issue I- 20s for your derivatives Q: Is it a myth that If more students are going to the same University from same country then VISA approval is stricter for them? A:This is only a myth Q: What should be filled as "Point of Contact in US" on the DS- 160 form? A:It depends on what you are going to do in the US. if you are going to school, you could put the designated school official in the international student office. It should be somebody who know who you are and is in contact with you. Q: If the visa officer asks me what i intend to do after my studies, is it harmful to say ''I would like to work in USA for 1 or 2 yrs. gain some work experience and ctry tp pay out my loan'' affect my chances of getting visa? A:Always tell the truth. Be educated about visas by reading the information at the Department of State website Travel.State.Gov.

7 Q: i have got low GRE and TOEFL scores. and GRE i have given twice, but quite low. but have got admit from a good univ. Will it be any affect in VI? A:For the visa issuance process, the GRE and TOEFL is not required. It is used by the school to determine admissions. During the interview, the consular officer may speak with you in English to ascertain your proficiency and that you have the necessary level to undertake your studies Q: Can my US port of entry be different than the city of my University? A:Yes - you might fly into New York from your country and go through immigration at that Port of Entry and then go on to Denver to join your school, for example. Q: Dear sir, I have been admitted to a US university with full financial aid- tuition fee waiver and departmental scholarship that is being mentioned in the I 20. Do i still need to show my bank assets?? A:It is always a good idea to have more information with you because you don't know ahead of time what the consular officer might like to see. But you need to understand that the officer may not ask for it and that is OK, too. Q: What are the most important aspects when applying for a student visa to pursue English language studies? A:Know what it is you want to do, and how you will cover the costs. Always tell the truth. Thanks for all of your great questions today! I m sorry but this is all the time we have for now. Please check in with us for future scheduled programs at

8 Student Visa Chat December, 2010 Q: I want to ask about age limit for undergraduate in US if there is any A: There is no age limit, as I far as I know for applying to be an undergrad. However, once accepted school, you'd have to explain why you're doing at this point in time when you apply for your visa. Q: How much time will it takes to get the student visa? A: The time that it takes to get a visa depends on a number of factors 1) whether you have your entire paperwork ready and 2) when you're able to get an appointment. Almost all Embassies have procedures to try to expedite appointments for students. You can go on travel.state.gov to see how long it takes to make an appointment at your local U.S. embassy Q: I m from china, i was just wondering if i can get visa to study non-degree course, such like intensive English class A: Yes, you can apply for visas to study non-degree courses. Also, you can apply to do vocational studies under M visas (i.e. hospitality, pilot, etc.). Q: Dear it is hard for Muslim country to get F1 visa, particularly Pakistan so please say something about this? A: Students visas are adjudicated under the same guidelines in every country. Students have to show 1) permanent residence abroad 2) acceptance to U.S. school 3) English knowledge if required by program, and 4) funds to cover first year of school. Q: Hello. My admission counselor suggested I shouldn't go leave the country if I get student status here because I might not be able to come back and study. If I receive F-1 status while in the US (changing status from J-1), can I visit my country and come back to study? What is the likelihood that the US embassy in my country will deny my visa application and won't let me come back and complete my education? Thank you! Q: i am from Pakistan looking for scholarship Q: What Supporting documents can help to enhance the Visa issuance? A: As I mentioned you'll need the required documents 1)I-20, proof of ability to pay for 1st year, etc. Other than these, other documents aren't necessary, but can be useful if the consular officer has questions. Documents that show your ties abroad - any social, economic ties are useful as are transcripts. Q: Hello, I am going on an internship in Boston from February 2011 till June 2011, do I need an H-3 visa or a J-1 visa? A: Depends on the type of internship. You should visit travel.state.gov to see the difference. Q: How many workings hours are given on a student visa? Like in UK i think student are allowed to work 20 hours per week, what about USA, did it vary with degree like graduate, undergraduate etc. or its same for everyone?

9 A: Intl students in the US are also allowed to work part time up to 20 hours per week. Optional Practical Training is also permitted up to 12 months (29 for STEM students) for full time degree seeking students Q: can i person with low funds able to apply? A: Applicants must provide credible 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. Q: I have got admission in Chatham University but have 5.5 IELTS score. So is it ok for embassy requirements? A: Once you're admitted to a university, the consular officer will look at your I-20 to see what level of proficiency the university expects and whether you will get any additional English training before school starts. They may conduct the interview in English to assess your ability. Your hard score is not as important as being able to tell whether you will be able to do the studies based on your English level. Q: What can be the reasons for rejecting to give VISA? Thanks A: There may be a number of reasons why a visa is rejected. The most common is the applicant being unable to show that they have a permanent residence abroad to which they will return after their studies. Q: a student goes on a tourist visa to visit US universities and decides to stay and apply for an academic program. Does this student need to come back and apply form an F1 in his home country, or can he change his visa status while in the US? Q: will it be problem if there is mistake about my middle name in I-20? A: Yes, names should be spelled correctly on the I20 Q: IS THERE ANY PROCEDURE TO GET AN URGENT STUDENT VISA? (1 month ) A: Most consulates have procedures to expedite appointments for students. GO on the website of the embassy where you will be applying and look under the Visas (Non-immigrant visas) section for either students or emergency appointments to find out how to request this. Q: how often can you get a J-1 visa, because I have heard, that you can only get it once in your life. Is that right? A: It's not only once in your life, but there are 15 different exchange visitor categories and many of these have restrictions on how long you can stay in the U.S. and how long you have to be outside the U.S. before you can get another J. Q: Will my valid tourist visa be cancelled if I get student F visa? A: No, you can have both visas at the same time. Q: I want to ask that how is the UNIVERSITY of TULSA (OKLAHOMA CONSIDERED? ) A: Noman, this session is on student visas. For information about the admissions process at specific institutions, please contact the EducationUSA center nearest you:

10 Q: Hi, how many days you need to obtain your students visas after request? A: You can apply for a student visa 120 days in advance of the start of your course of study. There is no accurate estimate for a timeframe for a visa application because every case varies. We suggest you take full advantage of the 120 days have to apply in advance. Q: How long is an F1 visa (for graduate studies) valid? A: The visa foil will be valid until the date on your I-20. However, DHS will allow you to remain in the U.S. for duration of status, meaning as long as you're a student. However, if your visa has expired and you travel outside the U.S., you'll need to get another visa. Q: I am not getting this point of Permanent Residence Abroad, as I am from Pakistan, and if I m planning to study at some of USA universities, once my studies get finished, definitely I ll be back to my hometown, so what you mean by Permanent Residence Abroad? A: The INA requires that the applicant possess a residence in a foreign country he or she has no intention of abandoning. The regulations require that you are satisfied that the alien intends to depart upon termination of student status. Consequently, you must be satisfied that the applicant, at the time of visa application:(1) Has a residence abroad;(2) Has no immediate intention of abandoning that residence; and(3) Intends to depart from the United States upon completion of the course of study. Q: I want to ask that if you have your relatives living in USA then, Does this causes an impact on your VISA? A: Not necessarily. The consular officer may ask questions about these relatives to assess the strengths of your ties abroad. However, many people want to study in the U.S. because relatives have told them about the universities and how they work, so visas are issued all the time to people with relatives in the U.S. Q: Documents that shows your ties abroad? Means if i have relatives there in USA, will it act as catalyst to visa processing time? A: Just answered similar question. Q: If every Document (and the 4 points mentioned) is OK, Still can the Visa be rejected? A: Presenting all of the required documentation does not guarantee a visa. The adjudicating consular officer has the authority to determine that the applicant is qualified. For more information on the qualifications needed please see the wealth of information we have on our website travel.state.gov. In addition you can review the 9Foreign Affairs Manuel also found at travel.state.gov Q: How can we apply for non-degree courses for particular fields like Veterinary Science? A: Detailed information about student Visas (including required documents and forms) can be found at the U.S. Department of State website, HTML. Q: dear is possible that I will convert my F1 visa into H1 visa after completion of my studies? A: It is possible. However, it's a process that happens once you have found an employer who will apply for the H1B visa for you. Q: what is this F visa and I20 everyone talking about, from where can i get the info

11 A: The F visa is the most common type for international students. Check for more information or come back at 11am to see the intro presentation again Q: sir, I am applying for PhD program. My whole funding depends upon university assistance ship. Do I still need some kind of bank statement to show to the embassy? A: Usually this is noted in the I-20. However, if you have received a notice or letter from the school stating you will have an assistantship that will cover your tuition or expenses, also bring that to the interview. Q: will it be problem if there is mistake about my middle name in I-20? A: There could be. We usually ask people to get a new I-20 so that they don't have any problems at the port of entry or with their SEVIS record. Q: I would know if the standards test is a condition to obtain you students visas? A: The consular office does not adjudicate the students qualifications for a specific institution as the Form I-20 and SEVIS record are evidence that a school has accepted the applicant as a student. However, the consular officer does look for three different things: (1) The applicant has successfully completed a course of study equivalent to that normally required of a U.S. 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. In addition, the consular officer does look to see if the alien has necessary proficiency in English. If a school has admitted an applicant on the basis of the applicant's TOEFL or other English language test scores, the officer should not reevaluate the school's decision, even if the applicant seems to know less English than the TOEFL score indicates, unless the officer suspects the applicant obtained the results through fraud. Q: What is minimum amount is required in financial statement for Graduate Program and Student visa? A: You have to show that you can pay for the first year of school when applying for a student visa. Q: i don t know who to contact and where to process my application can i get simple steps that tells the procedure for applying A: If you're talking about applying for student visas, you can go to travel.state.gov and look up student visas. Q: which is the certification accepted as proof of English proficiency by universities? Thank you! A: The test that some schools use to test English proficiency is called the TOEFL. Q: What is the difference between an F1 visa and I think a J1 visa? A: F1 visa is for academic studies (usually graduate or undergraduate). J1 visas are for designated exchange visitor categories - there are 15 of these ranging from interns to professors to doctors Q: I'm not good at Mathematics and have feared of taking GRE can i do IELTS? A: This is up to the discretion of the college or university you are applying to.

12 Q: May I use my visa for studying English as a foreign language and then study a graduate program without coming back to my country? A: Depends. If your initial entry is with an F1 visa, then if your subsequent studies would fall under an F visa, you could continue your studies since the Dept. of Homeland Security admits you for the duration of your studies. However, if you're changing visa categories, you might need to apply for adjustment of status with DHS. Q: Good Evening, my Nephew had been to USA last year by USAID program. May i know is there any chance for him to go there for higher studies on scholarship? A: Hello Shahid, there is always a chance for him to return for higher education studies. Please be sure he visits his local EducationUSA Advising Center for assistance: Q: also i want to ask that the university requires the student to be registered for the semester to ensure the confirmation of seat. Should one register or not which is better from the visa officer's point of view? A: To be eligible for a student visa, the consular officer needs to see that the student is going to be engaged in a full course of study. Q: IS it possible to obtain visas directly US department without our presentation in Embassy? A: No, Visas Americans Traveling Abroad Find a U.S. Embassy A to Z Index Visas Questions?» What Is a Visa? Q: Many people who went as a student never came back so why can t we stay permanently in US if offered a Job? A: You have the option of applying to change your status to another nonimmigrant visa type after your student status expires. To change status from one type of nonimmigrant visa to another, applicants must file from I-539 with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For additional information about changing status, please contact them at , or Q: Dear I have got I-20 form and written on it that there is need for further English language classes so does it affects positively on visa application? A: The consular officer will probably ask you how you will get this additional English training. We know that many universities have immersion programs at the beginning of the studies to improve your English. You should be able to explain what you'll be doing to improve it. Q: is it possible to apply an F1 Visa while the person is in US? A: No, visas are only issued overseas. However, depending on your status in the U.S., you may be able to apply for change of status with DHS. Q: If a mistake is made in the DS160 form, (student typed his SEVIS number incorrect) how can a student fix that? By issuing another DS160? A: DS-160 applications submitted on or after November 1, 2010: Enter your application ID number and answer additional questions as prompted to access and correct your application to make changes even after you already submitted the form. If you did not save your information, you can fill out a new DS-160

13 application form. If you are unsure, it is best to contact the US Embassy or consulate where you plan to apply. Q: if i transfer to another univ. and then change my i-20, but my visa will expire in the coming 6 months. Is it necessary for me to go back my home country for re-application visa and take visa interview? A: No, if you will not be leaving the U.S. However, the old and new schools have to proper document your transfer with SEVIS. Once your visa expired, if you travel outside the U.S, you would need to get a new visa. Q: sir can we apply for a job after study completion? Please answer this or is it necessary to come back? A: In order to over section 214(b) of the INA, the consular must see that you are indenting to return to your home country upon completion of your study. You have the option of applying to change your status to another nonimmigrant visa type after your student status expires. To change status from one type of nonimmigrant visa to another, applicants must file from I-539 with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For additional information about changing status, please contact them at , or Q: why is it compulsory to come back to home town? A: It's not home town, but it's outside of the U.S. The Immigration and Naturalization Act required than an applicant for a student visa prove that he has ties abroad such that he will leave the U.S. at the end of the studies. It's the law. Q: If you are fully funded by the Assistant ship in MS program, Then Is it necessary to show the bank statement? A: Not necessarily. The assistantship is usually noted on your I-20, but if it's not, you would need to provide whatever information you have that shows the assistantship will be enough to cover your schooling expenses. Q: I have enough money to cover my all expenses in my bank account while I study in the USA which was given by my father. In this case should my father get certificate from his work, about his income? A: 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 applicant must, however, establish, usually through credible documentary evidence, that he/she has enough readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study. If you feel that showing your fathers financial source of income will be helpful to clarify your financial evidence, you can bring a copy with you to your interview. Q: If we want to come for some combine program of Residency PhD, we will need to apply for F1 visa or we will fall under the category of J1 Exchange visitor... ( I am asking in perspective of Full Bright Scholarship, Because I am thinking to avail it for PhD Studies in USA) A: Residency programs are usually done with 1 J1 program for medical students. Q: My name is Areta Galat and I am an EducationUSA advisor in Brazil. One of the frequent questions in our office is about the possibility to extend the F1 visa, and transfer from one academic institution to another. How is this process?

14 A: You must be a full time students in good academic standing to apply for permission to transfer schools. You must notify your current school of your intent to transfer. You must ask the school that you plan on attending to give you a new USCIS Form I-20 A-B/1D (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status - for Academic and Language Students). You must complete your portion of the U.SCIS Form I-20 and give it to your new designated school official (DSO) within 15 days of transferring. The designated school officials (DSO) should give you the last two pages, known as Form I-20 ID, and forward a copy of the first two pages, known as Form I-20 A-B, to the USCIS and your prior school. Q: can a student stay permanently in US after study completion? A: No. For someone to stay permanently in the U.S., they would need an immigrant visa. If they wanted to work for a temporary period, they would need to get a work visa (usually an H visa). Q: Is it possible that I will convert my status as a full time student to part time student for particular course in college? A: To remain in student status, you need to continue in a full course of studyq: If I have some sort of fight with some guy (physical) in USA, then will my Student visa get cancelled? A: Once in the United States, visitors fall under the jurisdiction and responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and questions about the validity or change of status are best directed to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. You may visit them on the Internet at to find out more information or by calling their customer service line at Q: how much we should have in our bank account to prove that we are eligible for study in US. A: You need to be able to show funding that will cover expenses for the first year of school. However, if asked, you should also be able to explain what you plan to do to cover future expenses. Q: I had a two year drop after completing my high school studies in 2009 and i want to apply for admission in a community college in US will the two year drop affect my VISA Approval? Q: what will happen if I not pay my tuition fees and does it credit bases. As my university have this option for students. A: Please check with your university. Q: if I am in the U.S. with a visitor's visa, can I take a class of painting for 2hours per week? A: Yes, you could take a class that is incidental to your visit and less than 18 hours per week while in the U.S. with a B/tourist. Q: How should you prepare for Visa interview and what documents you should take along? Are there any special dress code / other things (Recommended)? A: There are certain required document including the I-20 or DS-2019 and proof of your ability to pay for the first year. In addition to this, the law requires that you prove that you have a residence abroad which you have no intention of abandoning, so anything you have that would show your ties/residence abroad would be beneficial. Q: i want to do PhD in winter 2011 session on scholarship basis

15 A: You need only apply for an F-1 student visa in order to pursue a PhD in the United States. Q: I'm married, and I have 2 children, and I want travel with them for my graduate studies, they must apply like students? A: Immediate family members (spouse and children) can get derivative student visas. You would get F1, they would get F2. You should talk to your school since they will issue I-20s for your derivatives Q: i haven't applied to any university in US until now but i have plans to get admission in future in some university in US, Can i get a visa if yes then how can i get student visa. A: Full-time academic study in the United States will require an F-1 student visa. F-1 applicants are required to provide/prove the following: 1) permanent ties to your home country, including a residence/life you will be returning to at the completion of your studies, 2) acceptance to a U.S. academic institution (indicated by a valid I-20 form from the school), 3) sufficient knowledge of English to pursue the intended course of study, and 4) sufficient funds to cover your first year of study in full, as well as access to additional funds to cover all subsequent years. For information on nonimmigrant visa application/appointment procedures, visit to access the website of the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your home country. Also, information regarding SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System) registration (required of all F-1 visa holders), can be found at Q: Are international college students allowed to work in the USA? A: current immigration regulations allow international students to work up to 20 hours per week part time. On average, they earn about $2000 per year to help with personal expenses. Also, Optional Practice Training (OPT) is available to full time degree seeking students for up to 12 months, and up to 29 months for STEM students Q: do previous visa attempts and reasons for rejection considered? A: Every visa application is reviewed on its own merits. However, a consular officer may look at previous visa applications to see if there is information that would be relevant to the current application. Q: Do Visa Consular deny visa for a low GPA of 2.7 if i am applying for a community college and got accepted? A: No, they don't deny strictly based on GPA. However, the consular officer may ask you about a low GPA and its reasons as this relates to you being a legitimate student. Q: hello, what is the average visa processing time and does it vary from country to country? A: Most visas are issued in a few days after the interview. It will typically depend on the situation and if you have all of the required documents. Q: what are the requirements of the F-1 student visa? A: Requirements for a student visa include 1) proof of ties abroad/residence to which you will return after your studies 2) I-20 form 3) sufficient knowledge of English to pursue studies and 4) sufficient funds to cover first year of study Q: how much bank statement is required for 1 & half year MS program in Computer Science? Also tell me duration period of bank statement..? A: U.S. immigration law stipulates that F-1 student visa applicants prove the possession of sufficient funds to cover their first year of studies and living expenses in full (funds must be readily available), and

16 possess additional funds to cover all subsequent years. Whatever official financial documentation you want to provide it prove you meets this requirement is at your discretion. Q: how much student visa fee is? A: The fee for applying for the visa is $140. However, you all need to pay the SEVIS processing fee and any reciprocity fees that may apply to your country. Q: what is i20? A: The I-20 is a Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) document issued by your US school or program. It will be required when applying for a student visa (F & M types) and when you enter the US on a student visa Q: if you are going for Master s Degree, Then what special things you suggest for the Visa Interview/Process (Which are in addition to Undergraduate)? A: There are no additional requirements. Sometimes, grad students get assistantships that will cover their expenses directly from the school so people bring documents related to this. Q: what are the conditions/requirements of the financial documents to prove the availability of funds? A: In most cases, applicants provide bank statements. Q: will I be given visa for a 8 weeks program? A: You can be issues a short-term visa. It depends on the information provided in your I-20 Q: How can i change my status with DHS, what's DHS meaning? A: DHS means Department of Homeland Security. If you are already in the U.S. with another type of visa (not Visa Waiver Program), you may be able to change status to that of a student without having to leave the U.S. Q: i wanted to go and study music production with only to be told that US embassies hardly gives visa to Nigerians for this program. Any explanation? A: To pursue any type of full-time nonacademic or vocational study in the United States will require an M- 1 student visa. M-1 requirements can be found on our website at Where an applicant is from would not make a difference. Q: tell me about the total 1 year residence cost and also tell me about the bank statement how much require for 2 year ms A: The cost is provided by the university and consular officers look at the I-20 which lists it. Each program varies in cost and school Q:If I get admitted in Ph.D. - as it is fully funded- would I have to provide my bank or financial statements as well? A: No. Many times the I-20 will note the assistantship. If it doesn't, you would need to provide proof of this. Q: If the 4 points(i-20, Funds, Local Residence...) are 100% OK, and still for example your Visa is rejected, THEN WHAT ARE THE FACTORS WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED SUCH

17 A: Sometimes visas are refused because of the residence abroad requirement. Some people are unable to convince the consular officer that they will leave the U.S. that they will leave after finishing their studies. This is a requirement based on U.S. law Q: what are steps to get a student visa A: first receive an I-20 form for the F & M visa or a DS-2019 for the J visa. Next, pay the SEVIS fee either electronically by credit card at You may also pay by postal mail. You will then need to apply for a visa and schedule an interview with a visa consular. It is important to being this process early in order to ensure you will get your visa. You will need get a visa early enough to begin your studies in the US. Students can now apply for any of these visa types up to 120 days before their studies begin Please consult the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you to find what application fees, if any, you will need to pay, what documents you will be required to bring, and out how long it may take to get an appointment for an interview with a visa consular officer. Q:how old do the bank statements have to be and can they be of more than 1 person? A: The bank statements should be recent. They can be from someone else (parent, family member)l however, the I-20 usually says who will be paying for the studies so the information on finances should come from this source Q: What happens if you do a job of above 20 hrs. / Week on student visa in USA? A: If the DSO (Designated School Official) at your school has approved you for off-campus employment, you may work above 20 hrs. Per week during official student breaks and holidays only. Q: Hello! I've been admitted to the MS in the New School and am suitable for 4 requirements to be issued with F1 visa. Except that factor of ENOUGH PROOF of the ties with my own country (Russia) which is nowhere DEFINED and OBSCURE, I feel confident. But i am not married and do not leave children in Russia. Is this a reason to be not qualified as having not enough ties with Motherland? A: What I tend to tell people is to put yourself in the shows of the consular officer, what would convince you that someone was returning - this can be a number of things - social, cultural, family ties, it could be related to your career plans after college or obligations that you have. Q: I just want to thank you for your wide information sources on the web and your online efforts! A: You're welcome. We're glad you (and we hope many others) find them useful Q:..I want knew about for applying for master s program in computer science..so which visa i need to apply for is it J or F? A: Unless you are specifically going to participate in a U.S. exchange program as a "student" (which would require a J-1 exchange visitor visa), an F-1 student visa would be appropriate for this purpose. Q: i want to go for ms in system engineering...my whole education is in English so university say ok you don t need toefl but why i need toefl for embassy interview A: You don't need TOEFL for the Embassy interview (it's usually a part of the admissions process). During the interview, the consular officer may speak with you in English to ascertain your proficiency and that you have the necessary level to undertake your studies Q: hi i am from Islamabad...tell me what are the requirements to get the vocational visa...is there it required