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**Check your visa type**

To apply for a UK visa, the very first thing you need to do is to check the type of visa you are going to apply for. Use the UK Visas and Immigration website to check the kind of visa you would require. To complete the process, you need to have a list of documents. Each visa type requires a different kind of documentation, so be careful while checking your visa type. Also, you will have to get your documents translated if they are not in English.

**Apply for your visa through Gov.uk**

Once you are ready to apply, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. You need to ensure that you have a proper record of your travel history with documents to support each trip that you have taken. If you are applying for a visa for your family or other relatives, you need to share all their details along with the travel history.

**Book an appointment**

As a part of your visa application, you need to book an appointment in order to record your fingerprints and photo at a visa application center. This is known as “biometric information”. You may also need to go for a short interview if you are applying for a student visa (Tier 4).

**Pay your visa fees**

Once you have filed your application and booked your appointment, you need to pay for your visa application. This can be done online with your Gov.uk application.

**Choose your services**

Once you are done paying your visa fees, you will be given a reference number. This number will usually start with GWF. When you have that number, it would be easy for you to monitor your upcoming visits to the visa application center,

**Visit the application center**

Arrive 15 minutes early to attend the interview for your visa application. Remember to bring a printed copy of your visa application along with a valid passport or a travel document having at least one page that is blank on both sides. Remember to bring all the supporting documents along with you. At the center, you need to submit your fingerprints and photograph which is known as biometric information collection. Your visa won’t be processed without the biometric information.

**Track your application**

You can always track your visa application as you will receive email updates about the same. If you wish to get detailed tracking information, you can always opt for SMS updates.

**Receive your visa documents**

After your visa application is made, you can collect the documents from the visa application center. You have to collect the documents in person or take the help of courier. If you are going to collect the documents yourself, you need to bring the receipt issued by the visa application and also a form of Government identification.

How to apply for a UK visa?

For a Short-term student visa, the cost is:

- £97 for a 6-month visa
- £186 for an 11-month visa

For a #2#General student visa (Tier-4) the cost is:

£348 to apply for this type of visa from outside the UK. You must pay £348 per person for dependants.

You also need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application fees. You need to check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

How much is the UK visa fee?

For short-term study visa,

You can always apply for a visa up to three months before the date of your travel to the UK. Within 3 weeks you are expected to get a decision on your visa application.

Tier-4 general visa

For tier-4 general visa, the application type and the time for a decision is as follows-

Application type    Time for a decision

Standard            -    8 weeks

Priority                -    10 days

Premium               - Up to 24 hours

How long does the UK visa take?

For tier-4 general visa,

You can apply for the tier-4 general visa when you are in the UK and 16 years or more in age.

The other criteria include:

- You have been offered a place on a particular course with a licensed Tier-4 sponsor
- You can read, write and understand English fluently
- You have enough money to manage expenses and pay for your course
- You are from a country that’s not in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

Apart from the above-mentioned requirements, the documents required are:

- A current passport or other valid travel documents
- Proof that you can support yourself and also pay for your course
- Parental or legal guardian consent, if you are under 18
- Proof of your relationship with your parent or guardian if you are under 18
- Your tuberculosis test results if you are from the country where you have to take the test. For more information, you can visit the Government website. 

Additionally, for your visa, you need a page in your passport that’s blank on both sides. Depending on your requirements, you may need to provide additional documents for your visa.

For short-term study visa:

You can apply for a short-term study visa if,

- You are opting for a short course of study in the UK
- You are outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland
- You have received an admission offer to attend a program at an accepted university
- You have enough money to support yourself without working or taking help from public funds. Your friends or relatives may also support you during your course of stay
- You can pay for your return or onward journey

If you are under 18,

- You need to make your own arrangements for your travel and stay in the UK\
- You have permission from your parent or guardian to stay in the UK

What are the requirements for the UK student visa?

Checking For UK Visa Status Online

- Step 1: Visit the link https://iasservices.org.uk/track-uk-visa-status/.
- Step 2: You need proof like a passport number or visa reference number (GWF number). GWF is a unique application number which is given to the applicant at the time of submission of your application.
- Step 3: An applicant can enter and track the status of his or her application with the help of above-mentioned details

What is priority visa for the UK?
If you are in a hurry to get your visa, you can always use UK Visas and Immigration’s Priority Visa service for study or work purpose. This will always put your application in front of the queue at every stage of the decision-making process.

UK Visas and Immigration decides based on your Priority Visa Application and get in touch you when the passport is ready. This is usually done within 5 working days from the day you submit your biometric information. However, under certain circumstances, you may have to wait for some time for the decision making the process.

How can I track my UK visa application?

General student visa

The following documents are required for a tier-4 general visa,

- A current passport or other valid travel documents
- Substantial proof of the fact that you can support yourself and also pay for your course
- Parental or legal guardian consent, if you are under 18
- #6Proof of your relationship with your parent or guardian if you are under 18
- Your tuberculosis test results if you are from the country where you have to undergo the test. For more information, you can visit the Government website.

Short-term study visa

When you apply for a short-term study visa, you need to submit the following documents,

- A current passport or other valid travel documentation
- Evidence to support that you can support yourself for the trip (You need to provide payslips or bank statements for the last 6 months as proof)
- Details of your travel plans and where you intend to stay. You should not pay for accommodation or travel until you get your visa
- Your tuberculosis results if you are coming from the country where you have to take the test or you are visiting the UK for more than 6 months. For more information, you can visit the Government website. 
- If you are under 18 years of age, you need to provide contact details for at least one parent or guardian

What documents are required for the UK visa?

The earliest you can apply is three months before you travel. It is expected that you should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

How early can you apply for a UK Visa?

It is advised not to book any airfare/hotel until your UK visa is approved. But, the visa application process demands you to submit a proper travel plan as a part of the required document list.

Do I need to book my flight before applying for a UK visa?

You do not need separate travel insurance for your visa application.

Is travel insurance mandatory for the UK?

Non-EU students who plan to stay in the UK after they have graduated should apply for a work visa from UK Visa and Immigration. There are several visas that you can apply for, the most common one being Tier-2 General Visa. This is considered to be the primary visa in the UK after you have completed your studies. This is applicable to recent graduates with a Bachelor’s, Masters or Ph.D. from a recognized UK university.

If you are a student pursuing a Ph.D. at a university, you can apply to stay in the UK for a further period of 12 months after completing your course. You will be sponsored by your university and you will have no restrictions when it comes to working rights except for a few professions like doctors or dentists.

If you are thinking of working part-time while you are on a UK student visa, there are certain restrictions which are as follows,

- Work for a maximum of 20 hours per week of paid or unpaid work during the course term for degree students
- Work for a maximum of 10 hours per week of paid/unpaid work during the course term for language center students
- Full-time work is permitted only during vacations
- You can’t work full time until you have received a work permit (Tier 2)
- Self-employment like any freelance or consultancy work is not permitted

Can I work in the UK with a student visa?

With a minimum wage(7.20 pounds per hour), you should be able to earn 432 pounds per month. Even after taxes, if at all they take it, you should be able to get at least 400 pounds. It is not a very good amount but is sufficient to pay your rent, bills, and food, considering you live frugally.

How much does a student earn in the UK?

There are many options available for international students who wish to work in the UK after their studies. It is required for you to apply for a visa extension if you wish to stay in the UK for work. Some of the common options are:

**Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme**

This is for students who have nearly completed their Ph.D. and wish to remain in the UK for a further period of 12 months to work, or look for work or set up a business can stay up to 12 months from the course completion date. The sponsorship is provided by the university during this duration.

**Tier 2 (General)**

This is considered to be the main immigration route to work in the UK. The visa is usually linked to a specific job and the employer. You can stay up to 5 years with your Tier 2 visa and the sponsorship will be provided by the Tier 2 licensed employer.

Can I get a work permit after study in the UK?

Yes, it is required. If you are applying for a Tier 4 Student Visa to enroll directly for a bachelor or postgraduate degree course at a Tier 4 Sponsor university, you must meet the English language level set by the institution. All British universities and colleges accept IELTS results. Tier 4 Student Visa applicants can directly apply to UK universities with an IELTS result from more than 1,200 IELTS test locations that are present worldwide.

Is IELTS required for a student visa for the UK?

The rules for international students wishing to remain in the UK after their studies depending on the course type you are applying for. So, for example, if you have got a Tier 4 student visa, you get to stay for four more months after your course. If the course is 6-12 months long, you can stay up to 2 months after your course is over.

How long can you stay in the UK after the study?

You can apply for a student visa if you wish to study a full-time course in the UK. Usually, student visas are not issued for part-time courses. A student’s eligibility is calculated using a points-based rules system called a Tier 4 Student Visa. Usually, a student needs 40 points to apply for a student visa. This can be achieved by-

- Course confirmation: A student must receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a university approved by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI). All universities are either given or they have applied for Highly Trusted Status (HTS) on the UKVI Tier 4 Sponsor list (30 points).

- Funding: You need to provide evidence of funding to pay for both your course tuition fees and your monthly living costs (10 points).

Students who wish to apply for this particular type of visa for their higher studies in the UK are the Tier 4 students. You need to submit your Tier 4 visa application in the UK Visa & Immigration website to complete the online application process.

What are Tier 4 students?

You cannot travel around Europe with a UK student visa. If you wish to travel to Europe during your stay, you need to apply for a Schengen visa. The Schengen visa permits a visitor to obtain one visa to visit a number of designated countries within the EEA. In order to find out if you require a Schengen visa, you need to visit the UK embassy website of the country that you wish to visit. There are 26 member countries in the Schengen visa scheme:

- Austria
- Belgium
- The Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland

Can I travel around Europe with a UK student visa?

Interviews generally take place when you attend a visa application center to provide your biometric information. Usually, a Home Office member of staff will ask you about your course, where you wish to study, the reasons for studying in the UK, and how you will finance your study. Interviews are conducted in English and usually via video link.

Your answers will be typed and later used to evaluate if you are a genuine student when the decision process is on your Tier 4 student visa application. The Entry Clearance Officer needs to be satisfied with the fact that you are a genuine student and your ability to speak, read and understand English is at the correct level. Otherwise, you might be called for a further interview and your entry clearance application may be refused.

So, you might receive an email asking you to attend an interview as part of the application process. Remember to check your email regularly as your application can be refused if you are asked to attend an interview and you do not do so without providing a valid explanation.

Is there an interview for UK student visa?

Not many opportunities are available when it comes to jobs in the UK after your higher studies. But the brighter side lies in the fact that if you opt for an internship program, and work hard, there are higher chances of getting jobs. Some of the tips that you need to follow while looking for a job in the UK are as follows:

- Try to apply for jobs early when you are in your final year
- Think about what sets you apart and utilize those skills to find a job
- Be flexible and resilient even when you are rejected
- Networking is very important to find a job. Utilize your university careers service, visit international student-focused careers fairs and introduce yourself to alumni networks who are working in the UK.

Do Indian students get jobs in the UK?

Worried about how to apply for a UK visa? From the required documents to the visa application process and visa fees, our experts have all the answers. Learn more about the chances of Indian students getting a UK visa and the requirements in this complete guide on how to apply for a UK visa. 

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Guide to Getting a UK Visa [2020]

The student visa application process for Canada begins with receiving an admission offer from a Canadian university, you will need a study permit to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada and a student visa to live in Canada.

If you are an Indian student applying for your study permit or temporary resident visa, you do not need to submit your biometrics along with your visa application and you are eligible for the Student Direct Stream

The Student Direct Stream or SDS is a streamlined application process for the study permit, which guarantees faster processing times of around 20 days. SDS is aimed at students with strong English or French language skills, who wish to study a program at a DLI.

According to the Government of Canada website, you will have to meet the following requirements for you to qualify for the SDS:

You will need a letter of admission from a DLI
You will have to demonstrate the necessary knowledge level in French or English
You will need to demonstrate that you have adequate finances to cover your entire education and living expenses while in Canada
You will have to provide the results of your medical examination

To apply for your study permit, you will need to provide:

- a copy of your acceptance letter from a DLI
- a copy of the confirmation of your medical examination
- proof of your Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000
- proof of tuition fee payment for at least the first year
- proof that you have taken a language test with a minimum score of 6 for English (International English Language Testing System), or a minimum score of 7 for French in the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (Test d’évaluation de français).

Once your documents are ready, you can either apply online or on paper. The visa application fee is CAD 150.

Get your Documents Ready

To apply for a study permit, you should:

- Be enrolled at a DLI
- Have sufficient finances to cover your tuition, living expenses and a return trip to your country after completing your program at the DLI
- Not have a criminal record or be a threat to the security of Canada
- Complete a medical exam to prove you are in good health
- Convince the immigration officer that you will return to your home country after completing your education program in Canada

In addition to these documents, you can also provide a letter of explanation to support your visa application. This letter should inform the committee of your career goals, the reason why you have selected a particular program, how you are prepared to cope with this program, and why you have decided to pursue the program in Canada.

Check Your Eligibility

To apply online, you will need to create an account on the Government of Canada website. You will also need electronic copies of all your documents and a credit card to pay the application fee.

Here are the steps you will have to follow if you decide to apply for your visa online:

1. The first step is to create an account. This account will help you prepare your application and submit it online, and later you can check the status of your visa application.
2. After providing details about your background and program that you have been admitted into, you will receive an email with details about your login and password.
3. Once you login to your account with the details provided in the email, you can upload all the necessary documents that have been listed.
4. After uploading your documents, you can pay your visa fee of CAD150 (~Rs 7,800).
5. You can then submit and track your visa application.

Two Options to Apply, Apply Online

If you decide to apply on paper, you should read the instruction guide provided on the Government of Canada’s website. Once your visa application is ready, you can send it to a visa application center that covers your area. If your application is incomplete, it will not be processed and will be returned to you.

To apply on paper, you will have to follow these steps:

1. Get your documents ready. You will need certified copies of each document. Additionally, you will have to translate any, if required. Your documents must either be in English or French. Once you get the documents translated, you will need an affidavit from the person who completed the translation. You will also be required to provide a certified copy of the original as well.
2. You will have to fill out all the forms in the application.
3. After you have gathered your documents and filled out your application, you will have to pay the application fee and the biometrics fee.
4. After paying your biometrics fee, you will have to get your biometrics ready.
5. You can now submit your application.

Apply On Paper

According to the Canadian government’s website, the time taken to process a visa application can vary depending on a range of factors. At present, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, processing times may be slower than usual. You can check for updates on the processing time for your student visa on their website.

Wait for your visa application to be processed

The GIC or the Guaranteed Investment Certificate is one of the documents you will be required to submit to get your study permit. You can obtain your GIC of $10,000 from a participating financial institution.

As Scotiabank and ICICI Bank Canada are the only participating Canadian financial institutions in India at present, you can open a GIC account with either of these banks. You will receive a guaranteed rate of interest for 12 months. These funds can help ease your expenses during your study program. After 12 months, you will get back your original investment along with the accrued interest.

In addition to the GIC, you will also need sufficient funds to cover your expenses while studying in Canada.

Get your GIC

The Government of Canada expects you to have your health checked before you apply for a student visa. Your medical test will have to be conducted by one of the physicians listed on their website. This generally happens around a month after you have submitted your application. However, you also have the option to get the medical examination done before you submit your student visa application.

While going for your medical examination, carry the following:

- proper ID in the form of your passport, driver’s license or national identity card
- Spectacles or contact lenses, if you wear either
- Test results or medical records of previous or existing medical conditions
- The Medical Report Form (IMM 1017E), sent by the Visa office

Once the physician has completed your test, your results will be sent directly to the embassy.

Medical Examination

The IELTS is required to obtain a study permit, which will allow you to study at a Canadian institution and get a temporary residence visa for the duration of your course.

Frequently Asked Questions, Is IELTS required for a Canada student visa?

You require a minimum of 6 bands in order to study in Canada.

How many bands are required to study in Canada?

According to our expert on Canada visas, once you have been accepted by a designated learning institution in Canada, your backlogs will not be a concern for the visa officer.

How many backlogs are allowed for Canada student visa?

There is no age limit specified to get a Canadian student visa.

What is the age limit for a student visa in Canada?

Your study permit or a stamp on your visa will indicate how long your student visa is valid for and how long you can stay in the country. The validity usually depends on the length of your program. If your program is over two years, you have the option to stay back for 3 years. However, if your program is less than two years, you will be able to stay back for the same number of months as the duration of your program.

How many years is the Canadian student visa valid for?

While working in Canada, either on campus or off, is an option for most students with study permits, there are certain criteria you may have to meet in order to do this. Additionally, if you have opted to pursue a co-op program or a program with an internship, you will require a work permit.

Can I work with a student visa in Canada?

In order to stay in Canada after you graduate, you will need a work permit. Your study permit will expire 90 days after you complete your study program.

How long can I stay in Canada after graduation?

As an international student, you need a work permit to work in Canada after you graduate. You can do this, by applying for a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. This program provides you with a work permit that is valid for the duration of the study program. The maximum validity period for this permit is three years.

Can international students work in Canada after graduation?

As an international student in Canada, you are required to work for two years before applying for permanent residency. It can take anywhere between one and three years to get your PR.

How long does it take to get PR in Canada?

SPP or Student Partner’s Program has been discontinued.

What is SPP Canada visa?

Get your Canada student visa with step-by-step guidance on the application process, documents, processing time, study, and work permit. Apply today with experts.

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6 Easy Steps to Get a Canadian Student Visa (2020)

Among the popular study destinations, the US is undoubtedly one of the toughest in terms of their visa policies. Nevertheless, if you’ve been admitted to a US university, your chances of obtaining a student visa are a lot higher. As a student in the US, you typically require an F1 visa, however, if you’re applying for a vocational or non-academic program, you need an M1 visa.

The visa application process can take as many as 2 to 3 months. In some cases, it can take longer as well. The ideal time to start working on your visa application would be as soon as you receive admission into a university. This way, you will have sufficient time to prepare all the documents necessary for the application as well as pay the visa fee.

As specifications listed by each city’s US embassy or consulate may slightly vary, checking with the embassy website that applies to you is a good idea.

To give you an idea of how to go about the process, we’ve listed some of the main steps you will have to take to get your student visa.

Only once you’ve been accepted into a university, can you apply for a visa. This is because your visa application will require the I-20 form provided by your university.

You will have to do a background check on the US schools and programs that interest you. Only schools that are accredited by the US Government’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) can provide you with the documents required for your visa application. To find out if the universities on your shortlist are accredited, all you have to do is visit the US Government Agency’s website.

Once a US school accepts you, you will be enrolled in the SEVIS system and receive a document called the I-20 Form. This form is what you require to be eligible for an F or M visa.

However, in cases like a student exchange program, you will get a DS-209 Form, which is necessary for a J visa. In this article, we will focus on the steps that need to be taken for an F visa.

Get admitted to your target school

Proof of adequate financial means to pay your tuition fee as well as living expenses is required. You can do this by applying for and getting an education loan.

In India, you can apply for an education loan from several financial institutions. Some popular options among our students have been HDFC bank, Incred, and other nationalized banks.

Get your education loan

You will have to turn to a qualified chartered accountant for a certified valuation report of all your assets from a qualified CA, which you submit to your visa officer.

In India, a qualified CA should charge you around Rs 5,000 for this report.

Get your financial reports in order

You will need to download, fill and submit a DS 160 form online. To fill up this form, you will require the following documents and information:

- Personal details
- Passport details
- Details of travel plans, and travel companions
- Details of previous US travel
- Your point of contact in the US
- Family, education and employment details
- Background, security and medical health documents
- SEVIS ID and the address of the US school you intend to enroll in (as printed on I-20 or DS-2019 form)

After selecting the location from where you wish to apply from and answering a security question, you will be directed to the form. At the top of the page, you will find your application ID. This ID is essential to retrieve your form in case you need to exit the application and return to it later on.

As per the format specified, you will have to upload a recent photograph of yourself.

To avoid rescheduling your visa interview and to reduce the likelihood that it will be rejected, ensure you answer all the questions carefully and accurately. If you have trouble filling the form, you can always turn to the website of the US government for answers. After you finish filling your form, you have to electronically sign it by clicking the “Sign Application” tab at the end.

After uploading your application, you will be directed to a confirmation page with a barcode, barcode number, and your application ID number. Take a print-out of this page and carry it with you to your visa interview.

Complete your DS 160 form

After you’ve submitted your DS 160, you will have to pay the Visa fee of $160. Our counselors recommend paying this fee in cash at Axis or CITI Bank.

For those of you who do not reside in India, have a look at the instructions provided on your embassy or consulate website regarding fee payment.

Pay VISA fee

Finally, you will have to schedule and attend your visa interview.

Ensure that your visa appointment is at least 120 days before classes begin

Schedule your visa interview

The SEVIS fee will have to be paid at least 72 hours before the visa interview. It will cost around $350.

Pay the SEVIS fee

The documents you will have to carry along with you to your visa interview are as follows:

1. A passport with a validity period that extends at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US. You will mostly have to carry previous passports as well.
2. Signed SEVIS Form I-20
3. SEVIS fee receipt
4. A printout of the DS-160 application confirmation page, which will contain the barcode and application ID number
5. Visa fee payment confirmation receipt
6. A printed copy of your visa interview appointment letter
7. At least two photographs in the specified format
8. Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions
9. Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution. Examples of these are the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, and GMAT.
10. Financial proof that you or your sponsor has adequate funds to cover your living expenses in the US. These financial documents could be in the form of a bank loan letter, bank statement of 1-year transactions, DEMAT Account statement, fixed deposit statement, provident fund statement, passbook, payslips, and your parents’ income tax papers, among others.
11. You should also carry a separate written list of all your previous employers, as well as your offer and relieving letters.
12. CA and Valuation Reports
 
While this is the latest list, please always check again with the embassy or consulate about the documents required for your interview.

Keep your documents ready

To avoid those interview jitters, always schedule a mock visa interview. Whether you turn to a friend, relative, or acquaintance who has attended a visa interview, these interviews can help you feel more confident at the real visa interview.

Visa Interview Tips

We’ve turned to our counselors to help you with this one. Here are some of the most common tips they have to offer.

Visa Interview Dos.

- Smile: Remember to relax and smile. A smile is a sign of optimism and openness after all.
- Posture: The right posture can signal confidence. Avoid slouching.
- Dress for Success: Dressing well supports your image. It reflects that you have a positive outlook. Looking professional tells the interviewer that you are taking the interview seriously. Avoid heavy or flashy makeup. Jewelry should be minimal. Avoid strong-smelling perfume. Wear your spectacles if it is in your photographs.
- Speak in English: Being able to communicate in English is one of the primary requirements for your program in the US, so you must talk to your visa officer in English.
- Communicate Clearly: Avoid using filler words such as ‘Like’, ‘Um’, or ‘I guess’ in sentences. Pay careful attention to the questions posed by the officer and make sure you answer these questions directly and thoughtfully. Practice in front of a mirror before the interview – it actually helps!
- Look at the Interviewer: Not being able to make eye contact is considered a sign of dishonesty. Practice at home and do look at the interviewer when answering the questions.
- Carry your Documents: Always make sure the file you carry is complete with all the necessary documents and is well cataloged, which would ensure you do not waste time searching for a document if you are asked for one.

Visa Interview Dont’s.

- Be Nervous: Remember, thousands of students from across the world go through this process to study in a US university, so don’t be nervous. While a little nervousness is natural, sweating or hyperventilating is not a good sign, and don’t fidget. Try some breathing exercises to calm yourself before the visa interview.
- Speak English with a Forced Accent: The Visa Officer will have no trouble understand Indian Accents, so do not adopt an American accent or any other accent for that matter. Use your own accent, while focusing on answering clearly and crisply.
- Stare: While eye contact is good, continuous staring can make the person uncomfortable – remember to blink.
- Offer your document unless asked: The Visa Officer, in all probability, will not ask for any documents. Please do not offer to show it to them (until and unless they specifically ask to see something)

Mock VISA interview

Applied to a US university for your master's program? Anxious about how to get your visa for the US, adhering to all the aspects of US visa policies? Be it filling the DS-160 form, getting your education loan or collecting the list of required documents for your visa, the steps to obtain a US visa is pretty challenging to many. Here, we bring you a step-by-step comprehensive guide on how to get your US visa.

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How to Get a US Visa: 9 Easy Steps (2020)

Over the past two years, there has been a decline in the number of international students at US universities. Now, with the Novel Coronavirus pandemic, this number, in all likelihood, will drop even further.

Following the COVID-19 Outbreak, Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation on March 13, declaring a national emergency and suspended the limited entry of people from the Republic of China, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and those from the Schengen regions. On May 24, he included the people of Brazil to this list. 

While India doesn’t feature on the list as yet, visas aren’t being processed at the moment. However, It is worth noting that Alice Wells, the outgoing Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, mentioned that the US wants Indian students to come to the country to study. 

The US government is yet to provide information regarding OPT and CPT at the moment.

Earlier update on September 2, 2018

Ever since Trump made clear his intentions regarding the visa policy for immigrants, the number of international students, especially those that follow Islam, have been understandably dropping. These unfriendly policies have definitely impacted Indian students as well. Irrespective of what religion they follow, the number of Indian students wanting to study in the US has been adversely affected.

However, it isn’t all doom and gloom for students still interested in receiving a high-quality education from the US. While the premium processing of H1B visas was suspended in April, this year, the processing was resumed last month. It is also worth noting that there is no cap on the number of H1B visas issued to people in research and academic institutes. For those of you wondering about your chances of securing an H1B visa after graduating from a US university, you should know that as many as 20,000 H1B visas are allotted to graduates from the STEM fields.

Despite the decline in the number of students who wish to pursue their higher education in the US, Indians received far more visas than people of any other nationality in the fiscal year of 2016. While the Chinese received 21,600 visas, Indians received 127,000. These numbers are encouraging, however, Trump has made it clear that he wants to keep the promises he made while campaigning.

Earlier update on February 9, 2017

The new policies by the US president bring good and bad news for Indian students. The bad news revolves around the plans to curtail the OPT (optional practical training) extension period. At present, OPT allows graduate students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to stay in the US for as long as three years after their graduation. Around 165,918 Indian students will have their plans affected if the OPT training period is curtailed. Around three-fourths of these students pursue STEM programs.

However, students who stand to face the most difficulties as a result of these visa policies are those who plan to attend lower-tier universities, those applying for non-STEM programs, those who ultimately hope to immigrate to the US, and those relying on an education loan and hope to pay back the loan by getting a job in the US post-graduation.

The good news is that things could possibly change. A federal court rejected Trump’s visa and travel ban on February 5, 2017. Several companies such as Facebook, Google and Microsoft have petitioned against Trump’s proposal, while several universities such as Yale, Northwestern and the University of Virginia have made public appeals against the proposal and declared their support for international students.

If these policies are realized, Indian students will not suffer as much as students from several other countries. Several of Trump’s policies are targeted at China as the US has a large trade deficit against China. Indians, in general, will indirectly benefit from this as several opportunities would shift from the Chinese to Indians. His strict visa policy may result in more IT jobs being off-shored to India as a result of increased costs and talent crunch that would ensue in the US. MNCs like Google, Amazon and Microsoft are already in India, and other large companies may decide to follow.

Indian students have always opted to follow the legal route to enter the US. As a result, Trump’s ban on illegal immigrants would not affect them. The deportation of the illegal immigrants would open up several low-end jobs, which would, in turn, provide Indian students with more part-time job opportunities.

While Trump has tightened the process of acquiring an H1B visa for employees working at low-end IT companies, who hope to gain on-site exposure, he has expressed his interest in attracting brilliant minds to the country. In support of this, he hopes to fast-track the process of acquiring permanent residency for highly qualified foreign workers. As Trump is looking to implement tax concessions for small businesses in order to promote employment in the US, Indian students pursuing their MS in the US will have a greater chance of finding a part-time job.

So, for students who want to know whether they should go ahead with their original plan to study in the US, we say, “Go for it!” While eventual immigration to the US may have been on your agenda, and this may not seem as likely as before, there are other reasons why studying in the US is a great idea. World-class learning, state-of-the-art facilities, avant-garde research and global exposure are just a few really good reasons you should consider the US as an option to study further. The education you receive in the US will help you build your long-term career.

Another option for students who are still interested in immigrating to the US, but are wary to go there, is Canada. Not only is Canada a great place to call home, but students can closely monitor the situation in the US. When the situation in the US normalizes, finding a job and moving to the US will be a much simpler process from Canada.

Donald Trump’s unfriendly visa policies have scared many students. However, it is not all doom and gloom as students are still keen on the high quality of education in the US.

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Trump's Visa Policies for Indian Students | COVID-19

The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for traveling to the United States. You need to submit Form DS-160 to the Department of State website via the internet. The Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, along with a personal interview, they will assess your eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.

What is DS160?

The DS-160 form is required to get your non-immigrant visa for travelling to the United States of America. Each applicant including children must fill their own Form DS-160 visa application. The Form DS-160 needs to be completed and submitted online before your interview at the Embassy or Consulate. The barcode number on the Form DS-160 confirmation page is required to book your interview for visa application.

Why is DS 160 required?

Form DS-160 needs to be submitted to the Department of State website via the Internet. The Consular Officers generally use the information provided on the DS-160 form to process an applicant’s visa application, combined with a personal interview, to determine an applicant’s eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.

What is the DS 160 form used for?

Each applicant must submit their own Form DS-160 to apply for a non-immigrant visa to the United States. You need to complete the Form DS-160 and submit it prior to your interview at the Embassy or Consulate. The barcode number on the Form DS-160 confirmation page is required to book your interview for visa application.

What is the DS 160 number?

There are 185 different types of visas, the two main categories of US visas are as follows:

- Nonimmigrant visa – This is generally applied for temporary visits such as for tourism, work, business, visiting family, or studying.
- Immigrant visa – This visa is usually applied for people to immigrate to the United States. The immigrant visa holder is processed for a permanent resident card (I-551, also known as a ‘green card’). When endorsed (CBP admission stamp) this serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year. A child with an IR-3 or IH-3 visa will automatically become a United States citizen upon admission to the United States and be processed for a certificate of citizenship (N-560).

What kind of visas are there for the USA?

- An applicant should have the following documents available while filling the DS-160 form:
- Passport
- Travel itinerary, if you have made travel arrangements.
- Details of the last five visits to the United States, If the applicant has traveled to the United States. One may also be asked to provide the details of their international travel history for the last five years.
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae – The applicant can be asked to provide information about their current and previous education and work history.

Depending on the intended purpose of travel, an applicant can be asked to provide additional information when completing the DS-160 form.

- Students and Exchange Visitors (F, J, and M): You may be asked to provide your SEVIS ID, which is printed on the I-20 or DS-2019 form, so ensure you have both of these forms available while you are completing your DS-160. You might also be asked to provide the address of the school/program that you intend to study. This information should also be on your I-20 or DS-2019 form.
- Petition-based Temporary Workers (H-1B, H-2, H-3, CW1, L, O, P, R, E2C): You should have a copy of your I-129 available when completing your DS-160.
- Other Temporary Workers: You might also be asked for information about your employer, including the employer’s address while completing your DS-160.

What are the documents required for the visa interview?

You can get access to the DS 160 form by clicking https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

How can I get the DS 160 form?

The applicant can submit Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application and then proceed to follow the usual steps of fees payment, scheduling the interview, submitting supporting documents, and then finally attending the interview. The cost of non-petition based visas is 160.00 USD.

How much does the DS 160 cost?

The most convenient way of paying for your nonimmigrant visa application (NIV) fee is online with a debit card. Once you log into your profile and while you are on the payment screen, you can choose to pay using a debit card. After you pay the visa application fee, you need to print your receipt for your records.

How can I pay the US visa fee?

Yes, you can pay the DS 160 fee online with the help of a debit card.

Can I pay the DS160 fee online?

First, you should pay the visa application fee. You will have to complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. After completing the form, you need to schedule your appointment on this web page. In order to schedule your appointment you need-

- Your passport number
- Your MRV fee payment receipt number
- The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page

Visit the U.S. Embassy/Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview. You need to bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, DS-160 confirmation page, one recent photograph, current passport, and all the old passports. Applications without these documents will not be accepted.

As an applicant for a U.S. visa, you are required to be present in person for an appointment at the Visa Application Center (VAC) and also the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is advised to schedule the VAC appointment at least one day before the interview appointment date.

How do I schedule an appointment for a US visa?

Usually, the visa processing time takes seven to ten working days, but in some cases, the processing time may differ owing to individual circumstances and other special requirements.

What is the processing time for a US visa?

It is always recommended that the application process should start about 3 months in advance from the intended date of travel since appointments are always 2-3 months in advance. Also, visa applications these days undergo a lot of scrutinies compared to the process followed in the past.

Often, applicants are informed to go through an additional screening process when they submit their applications and thus are advised to expect delays in the entire process. It is difficult to assume the time needed for individual cases, so we recommend to apply ample time before the intended travel date.

How long in advance of my intended date of travel should I apply for a US visa?

While applying for the US visa, there are 3 different timelines that you need to consider-

1. Appointment – you need to take an appointment to appear for an interview and to provide your biometric information. This depends on the availability of the dates, you can’t control it.
2. Application preparation – this is the stage when you have taken your appointment already and are collecting the required documents that validate/strengthens your case. You fill up the application form and prepare all other required documents, how much time you take depends completely on you.
3. Consular interview & biometric – this can be divided into two steps- You need to provide your biometric information before you appear for the consular interview. It takes about 15 minutes to provide biometric information. The waiting time could vary though as at times there are long queues for the biometric appointment.
The consular interview usually takes less than 10 minutes. You need to reach the center at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled interview time.

How long does it take for the US visa interview?

The State Department did not provide a way to go back and change a DS-160 form that is already submitted. But you can always go back online to submit a new, corrected DS-160 form, print the new confirmation page, and bring it to your interview at the consulate or embassy.

Can I submit DS 160 twice?

Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center website and select the Embassy or Consulate where you are applying. Click “Option C-Retrieve Application” option on the Getting Started page and then enter your application ID number. You will be able to view and print your confirmation page from there.

Each visa applicant including children must have their own Form DS-160 visa application. The Form DS-160 must be completed and submitted online before your interview at the Embassy or Consulate. The barcode number on the Form DS-160 confirmation page is required in order to book your interview.

How can I get my DS 160 confirmation page?

You cannot change the answers of a DS-160 form or cancel the submission of the form that is already submitted but you can always go back and reprint the confirmation page. You can also retrieve the information from a previously submitted DS-160 to populate some fields on a new form and submit a new DS-160 form with a different application number.

Can I see my DS 160 after submitting?

You need to visit the Consular Electronic Application Center website and select the Embassy or Consulate at which you are applying. Hit “Option C-Retrieve Application” on the Getting Started page and enter your application ID number. From there you will be able to view and print your confirmation page.

Can I print the DS 160 after submitting?

The information present in the Form DS-160 cannot be usually changed or revised after you submit the form electronically. If you want to make a correction, you can retrieve the information included in the submitted forms in one of the two ways mentioned below-

- If you have submitted the application within less than 30 days prior to the date of access, the applicant can log into the Consular Electronic Application Center system, then enter the application identification number, and finally select the option that says “Retrieve an Application.”
- After prompted by the system, the applicant needs to create a new application. Some of the data from the old application will be populated to the new form, while you need to add the others manually. Edit the information required and re-submit the application.

Can we edit DS 160 after submission?

You cannot update your DS-160 form if it is submitted already. However, you can create a new application with a new DS-160 number.

- Visit the Nonimmigrant Visa – Instructions Page to retrieve your existing application. The cash that has been already paid will not be refunded so you can edit using the same application number.
- Once you visit the page, you will get the following information on the screen-
- The DS-160 application you are attempting to retrieve has been submitted. Select an option below and click the “Continue” button.
*View Confirmation Page
*Create a New Application
- You need to select the option: “Create a New Application” and then click “Continue”
- You will be getting a new DS 160 application number which will be your new number for attending the interview.
- Make the necessary changes that you wish to make. While most of the details from the old form will be retrieved, you need to fill the other details manually, especially the security questions that you have at the end.
- Once you have corrected the errors, you need to submit the new DS 160 form.
- You will receive new U.S. DoS – CEAC Confirmation. Take a print out copy of the confirmation page.
- The next step involves logging in to the website where you have taken an appointment for the biometrics and interview.
- You need to update your profile there with the new DS 160 application number.
- Submit

How can I update my DS 160 form?

Information required to retrieve Your DS-160 form:

- Application ID: When you are filling a DS-160 form, you will be given an Application ID. Please record your Application ID.
- First five letters of your surname
- Year of birth
- The answers to the security question that you chose: When you are filling a DS-160 form, you need to select and answer a security question from a dropdown list. You cannot reset your security question. So, you must choose your security question responsibly and remember the answer. For your records, you can keep a record of the security question and answer that you choose.

Steps to retrieve:

- Visit the link https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. Choose the location where you are applying for this visa, and enter the “Captcha” code given. Next, click on “Retrieve an Application.”
- After providing the four important pieces of information, you need to click on the “Retrieve Application” button

If you did not submit your application then-

Once you retrieve your application, it will start from the last page you completed. The information that you had entered previously will all be saved. If required you can also be able to edit the previous pages.

If your application has already been submitted then-

You can either create a new application or view the confirmation page. If you choose to view the confirmation page, the confirmation page of your previously submitted DS-160 form will be shown. You can reprint the confirmation page.
If you are choosing to create a new application, the information that you have already entered in the previous DS-160 form can populate the new form. Before submitting the new form

How can I retrieve my DS 160 application?

Confused about how to fill DS 160 form? Here is a comprehensive guide regarding DS-160 form that would ease all your worries and get your US visa at the earliest!

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Comprehensive Guide to the US Visa & DS 160