MS Advice - VISA Processing

Hello there!! Securing a VISA is a must for all of us, if we want to go to USA!!!

Getting a Visa is hyped too much without reason - there is absolutely no need to break sweat over it. Just be yourself and have the correct documentation, and you most probably will have a VISA in your hands before you know it. Here are the steps you need to take for a VISA application:

1.
You need to wait till your university sends you your I-20. I-20 is the
official documentation that proves you to be a student of that
university. It will mention the duration of the course, the campus
address, your department, your estimated expenses etc. You MUST
preserve this for the entire duration of your course. If you lose it,
your university can issue a duplicate in most cases, but be careful!!!
If you are in a hurry or running out of time, usually univ can send it
by courier for some extra cost. But this is a MUST for VISA.

2.
Pay your SEVIS fee. SEVIS refers to Student and Exchange Information
System, and is a US goverment initiative. As of today, you need to pay
$100 towards this. An additional $30 is charged if you request them to
send it by fast courier, instead of regular mail (which is free).

3.
Apply on-line for VISA. You need to go to http://www.vfs-usa.co.in and
apply. Usually the VISA consulate offices are really busy during the
months prior to Fall semester, because of the large number of students
going to USA. So book your slot at the earliest. If you do not find a
slot, book an emergency slot. Students are allowed to request emergency
interviews if they do not find a free slot before the date of
commencement of courses. You need to fill out the following forms:

- DS156

- DS157

- DS158

4.
Collect all the information required for VISA interview. This may vary
according to your circumstances, so refer to the consulate website for
details. Usually, you need (this list may change):

- Completed forms DS156, DS157, DS158

- Appointment confirmation letter from the consulate

- HDFC Chellan proving you have paid the VISA fee

- Passport

- Passport size photographs, refer to the consulate website for
specific requirements. Best place to get this done at Bangalore is
G.K.Vale.

- I-20

- University letter giving you admissions

- Any aid/scholarship certificate

- Previous education certificates/degree certificates/marks cards

- GRE and TOEFL marks cards

- If you are going without aid, go with required financial documents
proving liquid assets for the first year and documents for proving that
you can generate money for the 2nd year. Education loans, shares etc
can be shown for 1st year and propery evaluation done by a CA can be
shown for the 2nd year, among other means. There are literally a
gazillion ways to prove finance support, so just plan out your own
methods. Do not be scared by other people's experiences. if you are
truthful, you will most probably convince the Visa Officer about the
support. Be frank and truthful about finance. If any fraud is
discovered, you may be permanently ousted from US!!!

5. Your VISA
will be delivered to you by courier. Once you get it, you are almost
there !!! Happy Studies. You almost made it :-))))

University in focus today:
New York University (NYU), New York

Pros: New York life and exposure. Selective programs are good
Cons: High cost. Stiff competition from Columbia University.
Rankings: Film, Finance - tier 1. Computer Science - tier 4.