Since September 11, 2001, the US student visa process has proven difficult for many Indian students. As the US increased security measures, the time and requirements necessary for obtaining a visa grew exponentially. Ever since, myths and rumours have clouded the truth on this often misunderstood issue.
Arun Vakil, visa expert, chatted with Rediff users on April 18 in order to clear up some of these questions.
For those who missed the chat, here's the second part of the transcript!
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Dr. Arun Vakil answers, J visa is an exchange visitor visa in which an institution or Government sponsors you for a specific programme of study for a definite period of time. It could be research and training as well. After completition of your objective, you have to get back to India and you cannot go to the US for 2 years with few rare exceptions.
andy asked, Hello Mr. Vakil , Do you know what current Status of H1b , I mean is random selection is done and they started giving recipt number or not?
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, Random selection is done but details are unavailable.
Rachana asked, on what basis students visa can be rejected?
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, This could be due to language (English) deficiency, inadequate funds or misrepresentation of facts such as fake documents.
Gaurav asked, Although I've entered the address of my previous employer on the page 2 of the online DS 158 form, it doesnot appear on the pdf. This is in addition to the fact that I get a pop-up saying "expecting a dict object" when I open the pdfs.Should the information be added to the hard copy only in front of the consular officer ?
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, You can add on hard copy. Also there is a helpline number to contact for clarification on the Visa Facilitation Services web site.
fash asked, I have applied to b schools in the u.s and am waitlisted..i might only get my i -20 by mid may will i have enough time to get my student visa?Thanks!
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, You can. In time crunch situation, you can use emergency quota option details of which are given on VFS web site.
sameer asked, One of my friend has got his I-20 and attended the interview in Delhi, the embassy officer said everything is fine and as your name(Noor Mohammed) is common we need clearance from Washington.Till date they have not given reply. When marked a mail to embassy, they clear say we cannot do anything unless we get clearance from Washington. He was supposed to report to university in April, now he has send back his I-20 for August Intake, hoping they will respond atleast before August intake. Can you help/suggest us what we can do in this case.Thanks Sameer
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, This is an unfortunate situation faced by a few people whose names resemble those of terrorists in the database at Washington DC. Once it goes for name check, one cannot tell how much time it will take as Washington office sees similar cases from around the world. You will have to hope your best for August intake.
abhishek asked, how badly does a loan effect ur chances of getting a visa?how badly does having a blood relative in US effect the chances of me getting a visa.
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, If you can prove how you will repay the loan, you can apply. Nonetheless, the entire study should not be financed by loan. Some family funds should be used to justify your commitment. The visa status of blood relative could be reviewed to decide on visa issuance. If you have majority of your blood relatives in the US, then you may face a problem.
one asked, hello sir, my parents live in usa and have greencard while my sister is us citizen. my sister and brother in law are sponcering me. how much chance do i stand to get student visa? thanks.
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, If you show family funds and home in India to which you will return even though you have several family members in the US, you may stand a justifiable chance.
Manjeet asked, How i can get Post Doc Fellowship in Farm Power and Machinery Discpline
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, Doctoral scholarships are available in US universities offering these programmes. You have to approach such universities through the Internet and explore.
abhishek asked, hi, i have got a na dmit for fall 2007 semester i am still in 8th sem engg can i get a visa without a provisional degree certificate my exams will be ending in june and i wont be gettin the result before july first week and then i have to go for visa in mid jily. my session starts there on 20th aug plan to go there by 10th aug. wwill mid july be too late
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, You have to have a provisional certificate.
phenthok asked, i was denied visa to us twice, can u help in rectifying my mistakes
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, The visa officer may have thought that you will not return due to inadequate finance and family ties in India. You have to rectify this. If necessary, consult a professional for help.
Nidhin asked, I would lik to pursue studies in US... how much fund i should show in my bank... if am trying for MS with first year fees of $10000. if am showing my dads PF of 5 lakh... will that account be locked and furthur he cant act on it or what??
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, There is no question of account getting locked. You have to show that you have funds for the first year of studies and accessibility of future funds in the subsequent years
rach asked, My fiance is also on student visa,If asked about relatives should I mention it.
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, If you are engaged, you should mention the fact.
pankaj4malik asked, hi sir i dont wanna 2 live my whole life abroad. So pls tell me dat aftre doing P.G. & getting 2-3 years experience.Will i get standard job in India??
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, Indian economy is growing. If you do well in studies, you will get a job in India.
US-bound asked, Hello Dr., I am going to the US and have been accepted to a top 20 b-school for MBA this fall. I have a query wrt the finance statement. My dad is paying for my education. My Dad's total liquid, semi-liquid and illiquid assets are approx 1.5 million USD. Can I show my MATERNAL grandmom's Malabar Hill property (valued at approx. 2 million USD) as part of my sponsor's (Dad's) finances, given that my mother is a full nominee in the will? Thank You.
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, Take a letter from grandmom indicating her will in favour of your mom. This may be considered as source of funds.
Sumant asked, Hello Sir! I've been denied visa for Ireland once becuase I overstayed for few days. Will that cause any problem for the issuance of F1?
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, If you are able to explain the reason for your overstay in Ireland to the satisfaction of US visa officer, you may be considered favourably .
sweety asked, I am Practicing advocate and want to get educational visa to get settle in USA
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, Educational visa is non-immigrant visa. You cannot settle on such visa permanently.
Shweta asked, Pls answer my marriage is dependent on the same... Sir, I have one very serious concern. In my last trip to Singapore, I had been fined $500 for shop lifting. Will that effect my Visa for other countries, specially US and Singapore? Please suggest
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, You have to explain your case to Visa officer. He has the final powers.
qwe asked, Hi Dr. Vakil How much loan can be shown to the VO? Can 50% be shown as a loan amount for the total course duration? This is becuse the course is generally 1.5 years long but we need to show funds for 2 years..
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, From what you state, looks fine.
gm asked, Sir, I have a concern. i dont have a family name..only the first name... my visa form will have my name as ABC is that a concern while getting visa??
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, No problem. Explain to visa officer in the interview.
Rakesh1 asked, everyone knows that no one is coming back once they go for usa working visa... they just select the best...
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, This is not a true statement.
chanakya asked, Hello, I have secured admission into PhD Microbiology with full funding at University of Missouri at Columbia. What are my chances of getting a visa?
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, Excellent.
nilu asked, My university expense for ONE year is 14 lakhs. I can show liquid assets of 18 lakhs. Additionally I can show property valuation of 13 lakhs + gold of 2 lakhs. With this financial status what are chances of getting visa? If officer asks how will u manage funds for 2nd year what should I answer?
Dr. Arun Vakil answers, Looks ok. You have to show funds through sponsors/loan in second year.
-- Dr Arun Vakil has an MBA from the University of California, USA, and a PhD, partly from the University of Wyoming USA and University of Mumbai. He is an expert on US visa regulations. He conducts orientation courses for students going to the US; these courses are organised by various organisations in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Vadodara and North Gujarat. He also delivers lectures on US visas and immigration laws and has authored the book Gateway to America, in 1984 and subsequently four editions were brought out, the last in 2006.
