Hello All,
I have collected some information about F1 interview process in Delhi, India for my friend.
Do point out if something is incorrect as I dont want to mislead my friend.
Please comment on it and feel free to add any more information.
thanks and regards,
1. Make sure the name is entered in ISEAS by School and if not notify by email, why it is not.
http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/in1/wwwhf_m.html
Effective September 11, 2002, no F, J, or M visas may be issued unless the sending institution has entered the principal applicant's name into the ISEAS database. If for some reason your name has not yet been entered into the ISEAS database, please request your academic institution or exchange program sponsor to confirm your enrollment at that institution to us by e-mail. They may e-mail the U.S. Embassy once your name is entered. Our e-mail address is: nivnd@state.gov
2. Get I-20
3. Get Visa appt from embassy
Applicants should make an appointment using the website
http://www.ttsvisas.com.
4. Compulsory list of documents
· Completed Application Form DS-156 and DS-158
http://travel.state.gov/DS-0156.pdf http://travel.state.gov/DS-0158.pdf
· Passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States
· One colored photograph 1 and 1/2 inches square (37 x 37mm) for each applicant, showing a full face, without head covering, against a white background.
· For F visa applicants, a completed Form I-20A-B (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status for Academic and Language Students) from the institution where the applicant will be attending.
· Original TOEFL scores and SAT, GRE, GMAT scores. (As applicable)
· Students going to the United States to earn a Bachelor's degree should bring their most recent mark sheets and graduation certificates.
· Demand drafts for the Visa
Applicants must bring two demand drafts with them: one draft for the application fee and second draft for the issuance fee. All fees must be paid via demand drafts drawn in favor of the "American Embassy, New Delhi." Drafts should be drawn on a bank with a branch in New Delhi.
Rs 4900 - non-refundable application fee
Rs 3675 - visa issuance fee
5. Get documents for being legitimate student (Applicants must have successfully completed a course of study normally required for enrollment, should be sufficiently proficient in English to pursue the intended course of study, should have been accepted for a full course of study by an approved educational institution)
· Recommendation letters
· Statement of Purpose
· All Mark sheets/Certificates (provisional) starting from 10th
6. Get documents for returning home (They should also be able to establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that they have binding ties to a residence in India which they have no intention of abandoning and that they will return to India when they have completed their studies.)
· Return ticket booking and itinerary (not actual tickets). After spring semester ends
· Ration Cards of all close relatives to prove that they live close by
· Extended family photos to prove that it is one big huge loving family
· Parents job certificates to prove they have permanent jobs
· Parents and grand parents property certificates and the evidence that Student owns or will inherit property in India
· Mission statement for intention to come back and work in India and detailed plan for that
· How education is going to help her get better job in India and possible job prospect
· Evidence that you have a job waiting for you when you return home
· Evidence that you have very close ties to your family, to your community, and to churches, clubs and other organizations
· Testimonials from clergymen, government officials, teachers, and businessmen
· Evidence that your previous education and work experience has prepared you for your intended field of study in the U.S.
· Evidence of full or partial ownership of an established business in your home country
· Evidence of bank accounts in your home country
7. Get documents for financial sources (be able to prove that sufficient funds are or will be available to defray all living and school expenses during the entire period of anticipated study in the United States) Gathering the required money is really the most difficult task for any student. One must take into account the anticipated expenses such as tuition, living expenses, books, travel etc while planning his/her needs.
· How will money be transferred
· Bank account statements of sponsor
· Passbook
· Sponsor from US
· Property titles, etc from parents/grand parents
· CA statement fixed assets like house, land, gold etc and movable assets like cash, fixed deposits etc. A CA statement will give a positive indication of your financial good will and will make the Visa sanctioning process easy.
· Liquid assets for the entire duration of stay in US.
8. Walk in to corresponding consulates with all these required documents and be prepared to face a personal interview before granting the VISA. The personal interview generally targets your field of education, career objectives, future plans, etc.
9. Typical Questions
· How did you learn about the U.S. College?
· Exactly where is the college?
· Why have you chosen this university?
· How will you find a place to live in the U.S.?
· Why did you select your chosen major field of study?
· What is the highest degree you will attempt to earn in the U.S.?
· How will you apply your American degree to a career in your home country?
· Why do you feel the need to study in the U.S.?
· Are your financial resources able to support your sojourn in the U.S.?
· (If your undergraduate program is different from the intended masters specialization) Why are you switching your field of interest?
· What steps have you taken to ensure that you will be able to perform well in the new field you wish to change to?
· What do you intend to do after you graduate?
· How will you apply your education in your home country?
· Do you plan to live in the US?
10. General tips for Interview
We also know that many applicants for student visas are denied for reasons, which can be avoided if a little advance knowledge and common sense are applied. Here are some tips prospective students should consider when preparing for an interview with a U.S. Consular Officer:
· Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview. Keep in mind that all Consular Officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part; on those impressions they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you make are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point.
· Consular Officers are required by U.S. law to assume that all applicants for nonimmigrant visas are actually intending immigrants. Therefore, the burden is upon you to convince the officer that you have ties that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current residence such as your job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, or investments. You need to be prepared to discuss expected opportunities for future employment and family and other relationships to show that you are firmly tied to your home and intend to return when you complete your program.
· Speak for yourself! Do not bring family members with you to the interview. The officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf.
· Be sure to know about the program at the prospective school and discuss how it fits your future career plans. If you are going to convince a Consular Officer of your qualifications for a student visa, you must be able to articulate your reasons for studying in a particular program in the United States, including how this study relates to your future professional career after you return home.
· Keep in mind that your interview will only be 2-3 minutes. Do not overwhelm the Consular Officer with supplemental written documentation, which is lengthy. It should be clear at a glance how your documents relate to your visa application and what they signify.
· Maintain a positive attitude. Do not argue with the Consular Officer. If you were denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal. Request the reason you were denied in writing.
· Under no circumstances should you state or imply that you intend to be employed in the U.S. after completing your program. Employment opportunities for students in F-1 status are strictly limited and must have appropriate authorization.
· You also may be required to demonstrate your employment opportunities at home after program completion.
I have collected some information about F1 interview process in Delhi, India for my friend.
Do point out if something is incorrect as I dont want to mislead my friend.
Please comment on it and feel free to add any more information.
thanks and regards,
1. Make sure the name is entered in ISEAS by School and if not notify by email, why it is not.
http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/in1/wwwhf_m.html
Effective September 11, 2002, no F, J, or M visas may be issued unless the sending institution has entered the principal applicant's name into the ISEAS database. If for some reason your name has not yet been entered into the ISEAS database, please request your academic institution or exchange program sponsor to confirm your enrollment at that institution to us by e-mail. They may e-mail the U.S. Embassy once your name is entered. Our e-mail address is: nivnd@state.gov
2. Get I-20
3. Get Visa appt from embassy
Applicants should make an appointment using the website
http://www.ttsvisas.com.
4. Compulsory list of documents
· Completed Application Form DS-156 and DS-158
http://travel.state.gov/DS-0156.pdf http://travel.state.gov/DS-0158.pdf
· Passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States
· One colored photograph 1 and 1/2 inches square (37 x 37mm) for each applicant, showing a full face, without head covering, against a white background.
· For F visa applicants, a completed Form I-20A-B (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status for Academic and Language Students) from the institution where the applicant will be attending.
· Original TOEFL scores and SAT, GRE, GMAT scores. (As applicable)
· Students going to the United States to earn a Bachelor's degree should bring their most recent mark sheets and graduation certificates.
· Demand drafts for the Visa
Applicants must bring two demand drafts with them: one draft for the application fee and second draft for the issuance fee. All fees must be paid via demand drafts drawn in favor of the "American Embassy, New Delhi." Drafts should be drawn on a bank with a branch in New Delhi.
Rs 4900 - non-refundable application fee
Rs 3675 - visa issuance fee
5. Get documents for being legitimate student (Applicants must have successfully completed a course of study normally required for enrollment, should be sufficiently proficient in English to pursue the intended course of study, should have been accepted for a full course of study by an approved educational institution)
· Recommendation letters
· Statement of Purpose
· All Mark sheets/Certificates (provisional) starting from 10th
6. Get documents for returning home (They should also be able to establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that they have binding ties to a residence in India which they have no intention of abandoning and that they will return to India when they have completed their studies.)
· Return ticket booking and itinerary (not actual tickets). After spring semester ends
· Ration Cards of all close relatives to prove that they live close by
· Extended family photos to prove that it is one big huge loving family
· Parents job certificates to prove they have permanent jobs
· Parents and grand parents property certificates and the evidence that Student owns or will inherit property in India
· Mission statement for intention to come back and work in India and detailed plan for that
· How education is going to help her get better job in India and possible job prospect
· Evidence that you have a job waiting for you when you return home
· Evidence that you have very close ties to your family, to your community, and to churches, clubs and other organizations
· Testimonials from clergymen, government officials, teachers, and businessmen
· Evidence that your previous education and work experience has prepared you for your intended field of study in the U.S.
· Evidence of full or partial ownership of an established business in your home country
· Evidence of bank accounts in your home country
7. Get documents for financial sources (be able to prove that sufficient funds are or will be available to defray all living and school expenses during the entire period of anticipated study in the United States) Gathering the required money is really the most difficult task for any student. One must take into account the anticipated expenses such as tuition, living expenses, books, travel etc while planning his/her needs.
· How will money be transferred
· Bank account statements of sponsor
· Passbook
· Sponsor from US
· Property titles, etc from parents/grand parents
· CA statement fixed assets like house, land, gold etc and movable assets like cash, fixed deposits etc. A CA statement will give a positive indication of your financial good will and will make the Visa sanctioning process easy.
· Liquid assets for the entire duration of stay in US.
8. Walk in to corresponding consulates with all these required documents and be prepared to face a personal interview before granting the VISA. The personal interview generally targets your field of education, career objectives, future plans, etc.
9. Typical Questions
· How did you learn about the U.S. College?
· Exactly where is the college?
· Why have you chosen this university?
· How will you find a place to live in the U.S.?
· Why did you select your chosen major field of study?
· What is the highest degree you will attempt to earn in the U.S.?
· How will you apply your American degree to a career in your home country?
· Why do you feel the need to study in the U.S.?
· Are your financial resources able to support your sojourn in the U.S.?
· (If your undergraduate program is different from the intended masters specialization) Why are you switching your field of interest?
· What steps have you taken to ensure that you will be able to perform well in the new field you wish to change to?
· What do you intend to do after you graduate?
· How will you apply your education in your home country?
· Do you plan to live in the US?
10. General tips for Interview
We also know that many applicants for student visas are denied for reasons, which can be avoided if a little advance knowledge and common sense are applied. Here are some tips prospective students should consider when preparing for an interview with a U.S. Consular Officer:
· Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview. Keep in mind that all Consular Officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part; on those impressions they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you make are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point.
· Consular Officers are required by U.S. law to assume that all applicants for nonimmigrant visas are actually intending immigrants. Therefore, the burden is upon you to convince the officer that you have ties that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current residence such as your job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, or investments. You need to be prepared to discuss expected opportunities for future employment and family and other relationships to show that you are firmly tied to your home and intend to return when you complete your program.
· Speak for yourself! Do not bring family members with you to the interview. The officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf.
· Be sure to know about the program at the prospective school and discuss how it fits your future career plans. If you are going to convince a Consular Officer of your qualifications for a student visa, you must be able to articulate your reasons for studying in a particular program in the United States, including how this study relates to your future professional career after you return home.
· Keep in mind that your interview will only be 2-3 minutes. Do not overwhelm the Consular Officer with supplemental written documentation, which is lengthy. It should be clear at a glance how your documents relate to your visa application and what they signify.
· Maintain a positive attitude. Do not argue with the Consular Officer. If you were denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal. Request the reason you were denied in writing.
· Under no circumstances should you state or imply that you intend to be employed in the U.S. after completing your program. Employment opportunities for students in F-1 status are strictly limited and must have appropriate authorization.
· You also may be required to demonstrate your employment opportunities at home after program completion.