VISA QUERIES

In addition to the documents identified for all non immigrant visa applicants, prospective students must present a form I-20A-B "Certificate of eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student status for Academic and Language Students," properly completed and signed by the prospective student and the designated school official. Vocational students must present a Form I-20M-N "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status - For Vocational Students," properly completed and signed by the prospective student and the designated school official.  Prospective students must also present documentary evidence that sufficient funds are, or will be, available from a specifically identified and reliable financial source to defray all living and school expenses during the entire period of anticipated study in the U.S. Specifically, the applicant must present credible evidence of enough readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study and that, barring unforeseen circumstances, adequate funds will be available for each subsequent year of study. M-1 student visa applicants must present evidence that sufficient funds are immediately available to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of intended study.

Visa officers hear many student visa applicants say they want to study in the U.S. because the particular university to which they have been accepted is prestigious or has good programs that will prepare them for a bright future in India.  This can make it difficult for the applicant who is applying for a visa to attend a school with a "lesser" reputation.  Again, the key to getting a visa is to convince the officer that the applicant has the intention of returning here. If the student can explain how proposed studies at a lesser-known school are consistent with that intention, we will issue the visa.

Student visas cannot be extended in the U.S. They can only be issued abroad. Permission to stay in the U.S., however, can be extended by an INS office. If a student does not leave the U.S., the visa does not have to be valid, so long as the period of stay authorized by INS is still valid.

Test scores are not a specific requirement for getting a student visa -- unless the student is required to know English and will not be getting English instruction at that school. In such a case, the student should have a good TOEFL score or should be able to easily communicate during the visa interview. Officers may ask for other test scores or transcripts from a student's previous studies as a way of determining if the student is serious about his proposed studies in the U.S. or is simply using the student visa as a means of immigrating. Experience has shown that, in general, applicants who have higher scores are more likely to be intending to  go to the U.S. for the purpose of studying. At the same time, we realize that students with more modest scores may be very motivated and have the same intention to study hard as the "topper." Student visa applicants who have performed poorly in their studies in India or on standardized tests may be questioned, however, on their intentions and should be prepared to explain why they will return to India.

We can't really answer that question for all cases. Good students often apply to many schools and then accept admittance to the one with the better reputation or the one that offers the most attractive financial arrangements. We often reissue visas to students who already have a visa, but then get an acceptance to a "better" school and then want a new visa for that school. There is no magic number of schools to which one should apply. There are few programs which are offered only at a couple places. If that is the case, the applicant should be prepared to explain, if asked.

If the applicant cannot show us at the time of application that he can pay for his studies, we cannot give the visa. Otherwise, we are taking a risk that the student will drop out of school and go to work to support himself.

If the funds can be made available in time to actually pay for the studies. A long-term certificate or other assets which cannot be cashed in would not be helpful. A shorter term certificate which would pay for later years of study, in combination with more liquid assets for the near future would be OK.

Not necessarily, unless there is some question about the sponsor's status in the U.S. If in doubt, better to have copies.

Can I apply for visa at Consulate other than Mumbai ? 

A person having a permanent residence in the Western Region of India has to apply at American Consulate in Mumbai.

What is a multiple entry visa? 

Multiple entry visa means that one can enter and exit the US any number of times during the validity of the visa period whereas if you have a single entry visa, you can visit US only once during the validity of the visa period.

After getting the visa, which is the latest date by which the student should fly to the US ? 

The I 20 issued by the University mentions the date of reporting. This is the latest date by which you should report to the University.

Is it possible for the US Consul to cancel a visa given earlier? Is this allowed under law ? 

Such a situation does not arise frequently. Cases have, however, come to light when an applicant has gone for an interview for a student visa while holding a valid visitors visa. If he is found, in the judgment of the US Consul, to be ineligible for a student visa, then not only is he denied the visa for studies but also his presumption that the applicant may travel any way under this visa and try to get adjusted to student status having reached the US. There is nothing in the laws to prevent such cancellation.

For a student visa with sponsorship, is it for or against one's case if the sponsor is (a) a US Citizen, (b) an Indian Citizen ? 

There is no regulation for or against the nature of citizenship of the sponsor for US Visa.

Is there a specific number or quota annually for student visas ? 

There is no ceiling on student visas according to US Immigration law.

If sufficient funds are not available, can a loan from banks or other institutions help in getting a student visa ? 

The US consul will have to be convinced about the mode of repayment of the loan by the applicant.

Source: http://usembassy.state.gov/mumbai/wwwhfaqs.htm