Studying abroad is a dream come true for many. But applying for a student visa can feel like the most stressful part of the study abroad experience. Between getting all documents in order and rechecking the fine print on government websites, all you want to do is pack your bags and board the plane. While it’s cumbersome, you must pay close attention to your specific immigration requirements and follow those even more diligently; otherwise, you might have trouble entering your host country in time for your study program. We have listed ten crucial points to remember before applying for a U.S. student visa to make it easier.
Ties to your home country
Ties to your home country are the things that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence: job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit. Under U.S. law, everyone applying for a non-immigrant visa is seen as an immigrant until they convince the consular officer that they are not. Therefore, you have to show valid reasons for returning to your home country.
If you are a prospective undergraduate, the interviewing officer may ask you about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-range plans, and career prospects in your home country.
Language test and relevant scores
TOEFL and IELTS are the two accepted tests, and the test score is valid for two years after you have completed the exams. While these exams are not exceptionally tough and can be cracked in less than two months of preparation, it is crucial to have a good grasp of English. The scores of these exams are essential in your visa form, and it is advisable to clear them a few months in advance.
Passport photos and documents
While this might be the obvious one, make sure you thoroughly go through the website for fine prints and have every document in order before you submit. If your documents don’t meet the requirements, your visa will not be granted, and you have to go through the process again.
Money matters
The visa application process requires you to pay an amount for the application fee. This payment can also be made in cash and the online payment option. It is either asked at the time of your interview or at the time of your interview.
Be an early bird
When applying for a student visa, it is crucial to do it during the early phase. These processes are time-consuming, and you never know what hurdle you may encounter. If you wait till the end to apply, and then your application gets rejected, you might not be able to go altogether.
Check translations
All your application documents need to be translated into English and should be signed by relevant authorities. While some consulates will provide translation services and sign the documents available, ideally, this should be done before your visa application. Mostly, you would like to make a separate appointment for a translation service, so you should check and organize this directly with your consulate or home university ahead of time.
Photocopies of your documents
Before applying for your visa, ensure that you make photocopies of all relevant documents and bring them to your visa interview. Do this even if the consulate says that they will send them back to you after your visa has been approved. Your passport and national ID card are some of the essential credentials you hold. Therefore, take photocopies always to have access to them.
Stay informed
When it comes to U.S. student visas, you will have to prepare for an interview as a part of your application process. Ensure that you are well-informed about your study program and host university for the interview preparation process. Be ready to explain why you want to complete the chosen course. If you cannot answer those basic questions, it will be challenging to convince immigration officials that you are traveling to their country to study rather than immigrate.
Stay calm
Applying for a student visa might feel stressful, but you have nothing to worry about if you have all your documents in place and have paid the fees. On the contrary, if you appear agitated, argumentative, and defensive, the immigration authorities might have a reason to scrutinize your application further, which may cause a delay during the processing procedure.