Visa - the deciding stage

     What makes you scary? What is the most troubling aspect for a good student like you, who want to 'study abroad'?. More than 90% of aspirants seriously consider Visa processing and the Interview to be THE issue. And truly, so because, we have seen many sincere students with good academic backgrounds being rejected student visas because of simple documentation errors. From a third world country, admission into a developed country always will be viewed with wariness. Especially when the record of earlier 'students', who presumably went for education but settled down as premanent residents (both legally and illegally) has created the situation of careful review for issue of visas.

     Almost all the countries like U.S.A., U.K., Australia, Canada and New Zealand have stringent requirements for visa applicants. To meet them or 'overcome' these requirements is the wish of all applicants for International education.

     So, the IMPORTANT QUESTION is: What are the factors that the consulates/High commissions consider for issue/rejection of a student visa?

1) One 'unstated' fact is that any country wants only genuine applicants to visit them for the purpose desired and return back to their native lands. If the pplicant directly or indirectly indicates that he is a 'potential immigrant', that would be the single-most factor for visa rejection.

2) How 'serious' a student are you? Have you done the necessary home work to know what are the requirements of universities and the consulate - to prove that you are a serious student? How can you do that? By taking all the necessary stepts like getting good scores in pre-requisite tests (like TOEFL, GRE, GMAT etc.), having good academic background, applying for a relevant program etc. These factors establish your credentials and your seriousness. More often, students assume that if the university does not need GRE score for example, they need not take the same and still get admission and visa. Well, they may get admission into 'appropriate' school, but definitely not the visa!

3) Selection of the right university is another major consideration. An 'easy' admission or a wrong choice of program would spoil chances for the visa. Relevance, compatiblity and suitability are the key elements you must keep in mind before seeking admission into a program or university. Gather as much information as you can about the university, the program and importantly the faculty (on the web, through catalogs, alumni etc.). And be sure about the special features of the university chosen by you.

4) Financing your education forms perhaps the most  important element of your visa application. Irrespective of your being granted Aid, it is essential to prove that you are financially sound to take up education on your own. Only then could you convince the Consulate staff that you are capable of studying abroad. Incidentally, if you have Financial Aid, it would improve your chances for the visa, that establishes your merit and credentials.

One important decision the U.S Consulate in Chennai has taken recently was, that applicants who are granted 50% of total expenses as Financial Aid  need not attend an interview and can apply through Drop Box, for the visa. Chances of getting the visa (if all the other parameters are met properly) are much brighter!

Another important change made by the Australian High Commission recently was that, the students need to show 'total funds' in the Bank account for six months before applying for the visa.

5) Be clear about your career goals. The moment you decide on studying at an university abroad, after expending a lot of money and time, the Consulates would like to know how you would 'justify' your decision. With clear plans and practical focus, if you are able to convince the Consulate/High Commission, there will be no strong reason for them to reject an applicant for the visa.

6) Lastly, we cannot over-emphasise on the importance of Documentation! All your hard work, intentions and preparation would go waste if your documentation is not done properely, reflecting what you are.  Best laid plans go awry with un-professional documentation. Professional preparation and evaluation of each and every document that goes into your visa application would improve your chances tremendously.

For more details press this link: http://www.infozee.com/services/usa/visa.htm

Corrections and improvements are welcome.