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Since we receive a large number of queries from individuals wishing to obtain a US visa, many of the FAQ's cater to queries regarding a US visa. These answer's are of a general nature and does not take into account any specific problems, or circumstances faced by a candidate.
1. What is a visa?
The visa is a document that grants you permission to travel to other countries, and also defines your status in that country. For example, all students going to the US get an F-1 status, which defines that you are a student primarily in the country for studying.
2. Where do I obtain my visa?
You can obtain a visa only from the respective countries Consulate office. You must approach the Consulate office that is designated for your region or the place where you have resided for the last six months or more.
3. What is the F1 visa?
The F 1 Visa is a student visa. The F 1 visa is issued only to persons for the explicit purpose of studying for a degree program in the United States. This is a non-immigrant visa and is temporary.
4. What is the I -20 form?
The I -20 is the document that you will receive from Universities in the USA that you have been accepted into. The I -20 will have the following details - your name and surname, date of birth, citizenship status and country of birth. It will also mention your degree, the major, the estimated length of your program and the financial expenses that you will incur.
5. How do you get a visa?
Most Consulates have a system where you visit them on any working day and then present your case. Or send the relevant documents to them by post and they stamp your passport and send it back. However at the US Consulate where the numbers applying for a visa are very large, a prior appointment has to be taken, and then a fixed date and time is issued to a candidate. After the interview the visa is issued.
6. How long will the visa be valid for ?
Your visa will cover the duration of your degree program.
7. What should I wear for my interview?
As you are applying for a student visa, dress in a manner that indicates that you are a student. Jeans and T-shirts are preferable. You can avoid wearing formal clothes or salwar kameez in the case of girls.
8. What is the balance that I need to have in my savings account?
You need to have a minimum balance of your first year's fees that you will require to pay for your educational expenses in the bank account.
9. Do I need to carry original documents?
Yes, you must carry all your documents in original. Photocopies are not acceptable, unless the Consulate asks for an additional set of your documents in the form of a photocopy. The visa officer will not keep or make any copy of the documents that you show him and they will be returned to you as soon as they have read through this.
10. What is the maximum assets that I need to prove?
There is no maximum or minimum figure. Remember that a visa officer wants to know whether you are able to afford this degree and secondly whether you have anything to return to, in India. The more you show the easier it is for the visa officer to comprehend your ability to pay and your ties to India.
12 Is the visa fee refundable if I do not get the visa?
No. The visa fee is not refundable.
11. Can I work while on an F 1 visa?
Yes. You can work while on an F 1 visa. But your jobs are limited to on-campus jobs for a maximum of 20 hours per week. You can work as an assistant, at the cafeteria, the library or any departmental office in the college. You are not allowed to work off-campus. Violation of the US law will result in deportation.
12. How soon can I transfer or change my university?
Once you have obtained a visa to attend a particular university in the US, you can transfer or change your University only after a minimum of one semester.
13. Can my parents accompany me for the visa interview ?
No, Parents are not allowed to attend the interview with you.
14. What is the F2 visa?
The F2 visa is a status given to the dependents of a student pursuing his academics in the United States. If you are married, your spouse and children become your dependents and are eligible to apply for the F2 visa. Your parents are not your dependents and cannot apply for an F2 visa.
15. Can I take my wife and children with me?
Yes, you can take your wife and children with you. They will need to first apply for the F2 visa which is a dependent visa.
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