3. What is
the general procedure for obtaining a student visa? |
Students
are able to apply for a visa only after they have been
accepted to study at a specific institution. If more than
one university or college or English language program
accepts you, you must choose which school you will attend
before you apply for a visa. (To begin exploring U.S.
academic opportunities, please visit
http://www.usjournal.com/_programs/show.en.html
) |
4. What
happens after the U.S. campus accepts the student? |
The
U.S. campus will send the student a special form, called
an I-20 or "Certificate of Eligibility for
Non-Immigrant Student Status." This is not a visa.
The I-20 is a visa application and will be used together
with your visa (if one is granted to you), passport and
other documentation to enter the United States. The I-20
provides information about the student's course of study,
and his means of financial support. |
5. After
the student receives the I-20 Form, what should he do? |
Schedule
an appointment with the educational division your local
U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You will need to complete the
consular application forms, and provide proof of financial
support, past academic records, letters of recommendation
from teachers, as well as the Form I-20. Also, prepare
yourself for the consular interview. |
6. What
kinds of questions are asked in the consular interview? |
The
interview is an opportunity for the student to prove his
credibility. The consuls and the U.S. Immigration and
Naturalization Service (INS) need to make sure the student
intends to study, and not just use the Student Visa to
disappear in the U.S. Unfortunately, many non-U.S.
students never attend classes, or work illegally in the
United States. |
7. How can
a student prove his credibility? |
First,
provide documents that prove adequate funding for your
studies in the U.S. Secondly, show how your academic work
in the U.S. will help you pursue a career in your home
country. Finally, demonstrate that you fully intend to
return home after studying in the USA. Show the consular
representative that you have a strong network of
relatives, friends and / or job prospects. |
8. Why is
the rate of visa denials so high in some Asian countries? |
That's
a complicated question, and one that the U.S. Congress is
addressing. Earlier this year, U.S. senators and
representatives proposed resolutions on a U.S.
International Education Policy. The proposal included
objectives that would support visa and employment policies
to promote increased numbers of international students
here in the United States. There is also some discussion
about the re-organization of the INS. |
9. The
student visa application process seems complicated; will
the new proposals simplify that process? |
That
is certainly one of the objectives, which will further
open the U.S. door to more overseas students. Though the
process may seem complicated, it is certainly worth all of
the student's effort. Remember that the professionals at
U.S. campuses -- and the officials representing the United
States in your country -- help thousands of students
complete the visa process each year. |
10. What
other advice do you have for Singaporean students? |
Know
the law about your student visa. Obey all the rules which
apply to your particular visa status. The immigration
rules in the United States are very strict and specific;
it is your responsibility to know and follow them. Consult
legal experts if necessary. |
If
you have any questions about studying in the USA, please
visit
www.usjournal.com
or contact Cheryl Darrup Boychuck directly at
cheryl@usjournal.com |