Student Visa: Things to keep in mind while applying for student visa

As the student visa season approaches, applicants are likely to stress about getting a visa. The good news is that there is no need to panic because a 'genuine' student will have no problem in getting a visa.

Another area of concern is the availability of appointments. While the US Consulate has confirmed that they will have ample slots open for students, students applying to countries such as Australia and Canada may not even need an appointment.

Instead, they will have to first submit all their papers through the visa facilitation centres. For the UK visa, you may not need an interview but you would still need an appointment to visit the visa centre to provide biometrics.

A common misconception is that getting student visas for particular universities or majors is impossible. This is not true as consulates are not concerned with the colleges you have chosen but are instead interested to know why you have chosen a particular college or programme.

Students sometimes tell consular officers what they think they want to hear rather than the truth. Confidants or internet friends may advice you to memorise answers and write 'standard' responses in your application.

This is not a good idea and can lead to refusal of your visa. You must be honest, clear and concise in your reasons to have chosen a particular school as well as have your funding plan clearly explained.

The interview

Students applying for a US visa need to go for an interview. Also, some students may be selected for an interview while applying for a visa to the UK, Canada or Australia.

The most important thing that you can carry with you for an interview is your self-confidence. Applicants who are well-prepared and are confident in their answers are almost always successful in getting a student visa.

Know what your reasons to study abroad are and why you have chosen a particular university and what your career goals are.

An answer such as, "I chose The University of Texas at Austin because it is a well-ranked school" is not convincing and can create doubts in the officer's mind that you don't know why you have chosen this university.

However, an answer such as, "The University of Texas at Austin has a strong business programme with electives in international finance, international marketing and entrepreneurship. The university has a trading room and I will get practical experience while I am studying" shows that you have done your homework.

Similarly, saying, "My career goals are to set up my own company" is not enough.

"My career goals are to return to my country and set up my own business dealing in plastics. My business will cater to the needs of Southeast Asian countries and will be global in nature" sounds like a more well-thought business plan.

Top 5 visa interview questions:

1) Why have you chosen this university?

2) What do you plan to do after you graduate?

3) Who is paying for your education and what is his/ her income?

4) How do I know you will come back after your education?

5) Why don't you do this course in India?

General documents:

1) Admission letter or I-20

2) Original passport, photographs and fees

3) SEVIS fee receipt (US only)

4) Visa application forms duly filled out

5) Proof of funding including income tax papers