VISA_QUESTIONNAIRE
VISA_QUESTIONNAIRE
VISA_QUESTIONNAIRE
Congratulations!!! On the successful completion of your first stage in your educational voyage
to United States of America [Application Process]. We understand that it’s a very important and
extremely delicate phase of your educational career. The reason why I want to convey this
message is because the information about visa procedure is wrongly perceived and is
surrounded by lot of myths and unverified, unsubstantiated information. This has led many
students to go for unsolicited advice and procedures which in turn reduce their chances for visa
and in some cases even harsher results. I have mentioned few myths & facts about visa
procedure below for your kind reference:
Myths:
1. Visa is all About Luck: It’s a very wrong notion which is prevalent among the students.
Since the time duration for the interview is very short, the visa officers don’t dwell into every
aspect of the applicant. However, they are extremely well trained and can judge the candidate in
that short duration. Of course, there are few aberrations but are very few and far between. They
are looking for smart, ambitious, well qualified students who can be an asset to their economy.
2. Chances of Visa are enhanced by: a. Going to Expensive Schools: There is no data to proof
this myth, in fact it would tougher for the student to show more funds.
b. Going to state Universities: The US Consulate doesn’t differentiate between State or
Private Universities. Infact most of the top ranked universities are private universities now.
Rather, it’s a combination of Students overall profile along with the university he is applying for
which affects his visa chances.
c. More no of I-20’s: At the visa Interview, you apply using only 1 university. So, rather than no
of I-20’s visa officer is more keen to know the reason why you have chosen a particular
university.
d. Showing More Funds: The visa officer is satisfied if you have funds or potential resources to
cover your expenditure [Tuition + Living] during your stay at USA. More funds won’t influence
his decisions in any way.
e. Letter from a Higher Authority/Minister: Visa officers don’t allow any outside influence to
affect their decisions. Most of the time this would bring negative results.
3. Hiding Information about relatives in USA: Many students tend to hide about Brothers/
Sisters or other relatives in USA. Please note that it’s not a negative factor in visa decision.
Infact, it is a plus as the same visa office have granted them visa and you have someone to fall
back upon in USA. Ex. 2 sisters who got visa in same intake [Spring’13]. Additionally they have
one more sister who is studying over there.
4. You need to Speak with an accent: The visa officers are aware about influence of our
mother tounge and don’t expect us to speak with American accent. Few students have it by
virtue of their education or job experience. This isn’t a factor in determining the visa chances.
Rather, focus on speaking clearly and to the point.
5. Less TOEFL/IELTS leads to Rejection: Visa officer would grant visa if they are convinced
about all other aspects and visa applicant has less scores in IELTS/TOEFL [going for ESL
classes].
6. Visa Officers Don’t give enough time to speak: We need to understand that Visa Officer
has to handle hundreds of applicants every day. We have to keep our answers short, crisp to
the point. They stop applicants only when they are speaking irrelevant or speaking answers
prepared by others. As an adult they expect you to know what is best for you and why you want
to go for a particular course.
7. Students with 3 Year Degrees Don’t get Visas: If any university is giving you an I-20, you
have equal chances of visa. You may need to explain the circumstances in details.
8. You Can’t Change your Stream of Education: Again, it can’t be a factor for visa rejection
provided you can justify your choice. Both, through reasoning and documentary evidence.
9. Loan Reduces chances of Visa: Banks will approve you a loan only if your sponsor’s are
financially stable. So, it’s a big plus point as it provides sufficient proof to the visa officer about
your financial status.
10. Blacklisted Universities: There are no universities which are blacklisted. It’s the kind of
profiles they attract which results in rejection for students.
Work Experience
Finance