If you are planning to go for further studies in the United States of America there might be a lot of confusion about the process of application for the visa. A number of students find themselves surrounded with looming uncertainties about their application process.
The very basic step towards applying for a US student visa is getting an I-20. You cannot apply for a student visa interview until you have the I-20 (a form issued by a school/ university which has approved admission to you), online or offline. This certification comprises the basic background forming the visa application. Further mostly it is preferred that the student should apply only 90 days in advance of the date of enrolment which is mentioned in the I-20 form issued by the institute one wishes to join.
While applying for the visa one must show to the competent authorities that their funds are enough to suffice the expenses of their education in the US. At the visa office, candidates have to show their finances (academic plus living) for atleast one year, and the mode of access to funds for following years. In case if your scholarship or financial aid covers the expenses of your academics then it would be okay.
One must pay a fee of Rs 4400 as the visa application fee plus Rs 441 as service fee for the process of application.
In case if you turn out to be unsuccessful in the first attempt of applying for a visa then other unlimited attempts are allowed but with a gap of three working days between the last attempt and the fresh one. For every new case of applying for the visa, the students are required to submit fresh copies of documents that are necessary.
With your interview, the interviewing US Consul should be convinced that the applicant is a bonafide student; indisputably willing to pursue higher studies in America and return after his/ her education is complete and to apply his/ her knowledge in India upon their return. Statistics in the past have revealed that seven to eight out of every 10 students applying for a US visa do not return. Therefore, consulates in India are very cautious in granting student visas.
It should be kept in mind that the issuance of an I-20 is not a guarantee for the fact that your visa will be issued. The visa consulates have to make sure the fact that the student applying is not an intending immigrant seeking entry into the US with the help of a student visa.
The major step towards getting your US visa in your hands is the Interview. The interview usually is short, crisp and up-to-the-mark; still the interviewer is able to get the main objectives out of you. Therefore it is important to prepare for the interview beforehand as to answer why and how you have been selected for the school/university you wish to attend. One has to give a clear idea of how their degree would benefit them back in their homeland. The best suggestion is to stay cool and genuine throughout the interview!