F1 Visa Process

The F1 Visa Interview Interview Questions can be broken down into 4 parts.

Part 1 : Questions on Colleges / Universities
Part 2 : Academics
Part 3 : Finance
Part 4 : Returning to India.

F1 Visa Questions and Answers on Universities/Colleges

Here the office is trying to see how confident you are and where you stand according to their system of education. Here the officer will ask you things like 

i) How many colleges you applied to - He is trying to see how eager you are to study in US.

ii) How many admits or rejects - This tells him where you stand according to their system. If you have a lot of admits compared to rejects and that too form good colleges, then he is pretty sure that you are capable to cope with their system. If you have a lot of reject from big schools, say so. This will show that you really care about your education and want nothing but the best for yourself.

iii) Which are the colleges you applied and what was the result - This will show what you think of yourself. If you had applied to all the big ones, then it shows that you really care about your education.

iv) Which college you are going to

v) why that college - Wants to see how much you know about the college. He is trying to see if you really searched for the colleges or had just applied following somebody's suggestions. He is also looking for how confident you are about yourself and are you able to take your own decision (after all you are going to live here all by yourself).

Be prepared with a good intro of the college. Know a few of your profs names, the labs, the research group, a little about the place where the college is.

F1 Visa Interview Questions and Answers on Academics

Here the officer is trying to see if you are academically strong enough to cope up with their system. The questions would be like 

i) What is your score (GRE, TOEFL, GPA/Percentage).

ii) how many backlogs.

If you have good scores then no need to worry. If your scores are not that good or you have backlogs, then take extra care. You will have to be prepared with answers like why you got those backlogs, why do you think you are suited for education in US. Stress the importance of research in graduate education in US and show that you are prepared by highlighting your projects, papers, research exp, internships etc. Also have good reasons why you got a specific backlog, say something like you had done a project and was too involved. Also show the proof by saying it got published later at this conference.

F1 Visa Questions and Answers on Finance:

The officer wants to make sure you have enough money to complete your education. They do not want you to come here and then drop out in between due to the lack of money. They also don't want you to work outside and put your life in jeopardy. 

Prepare a good CA statement. This has to be neat and should clearly show all your funds and their dollar equivalent. The officer has only a few minutes to evaluate your profile, so don't make him look for stuff. Having gone through the statement he will want to see a few things to verify if all the things mentioned in the statement are true. Have your papers organized and hand them over quickly. 

They usually look for the first year in liquid cash (i.e. saving or FD), since you will be paying that money as soon as you join the college. The second and third year can be asset or other things. They consider asset for second year coz, this can be used as collateral to get loan in case required. 
A few things to note here is if you have a few siblings (brother/sisters) and are showing all your parents money = college tuition. Then the office will natural ask "if your parents are willing to spend all their money on you" and "what will your sibling do."

In cases like this, having a loan helps. It shows that you are not putting a burden on your family and are willing to take responsibility. 

If you can show loan + savings = college tuition * number of years. Plus you bring in your assets and your parents tax forms. This shows that you have all the means to fund your education.

Your finances should be equal to College tuition * number of years mentioned in the I20. Mostly the number of years is 2 but not always. In my I20 it was mentioned as 3 and my visa got denied because of that. So make sure before you go.
As for evaluating your assets, the agricultural land can be evaluated by the Tahisldar and the house can be evaluated by the Municipal Corporation's Planning Engineers.

F1 Visa Interview Questions and Answers on plans to return to India

No American wants you to stay here and work (even though thats what we come for). So he wants to make sure that you will come back to India once your education is done. In order to show this, you can say that all your relatives are back there in India. How stable the Indian economy is. How the job market is improving everyday. Give some concrete examples. Don't pretend, mean it. It will show in your words.

In the end, be confident and yourself. If you have done your homework, nothing can go wrong. Best of luck!

TUITION FEE at Various US Universities

TUITION FEE at various US Universities

Statistics Of Gre Scores for Us And Non-Us

Non-U.S. citizens outperform U.S. citizens on the quantitative reasoning section of the GRE, according to data released today by the Educational Testing Service. The non-U.S. quantitative mean is 155.6, compared to 149.5 for U.S. citizens.
The U.S. test takers outperform non-Americans on the verbal reasoning and analytic writing sections, according to the data. The new report on GRE data is the first to be released since ETS made a series of changes to the GRE, and is the first with country-by-country breakdowns. (The reportalso contains various other data on topics such as desired field of study, desired regionof study, etc.)
The data do not necessarily show an equal comparison of the potential graduate students around the world, since only top potential graduate students in some countries (typically those looking at American or other Western institutions) might take the GRE, while many Americans take the test while seeking admission to a wide range of graduate programs. ETS officials said that they were releasing the figures to allow colleges to better-understand the context in which they were examining scores of students from particular countries.
The figures, however, illustrate why foreign talent is so important to American graduate programs, especially in math, science and technology fields. And the verbal and writingscores of those from many other countries, while lagging their American counterparts, may be impressive when factoring in that English was not the first language of many test-takers.
Indeed, in countries such as Australia, Britainand Canada, where English would be the first language of most students (outside of Francophone Canada), averages in all categories exceeded those of American students.
The following table shows averages for U.S. citizens, test-takers from countries that are top providers of foreign graduate students to the United States (China, India and South Korea), and a sampling of other countries where those taking the test perform well.
GRE Averages by Country, 2011-2
Country Number of Test-Takers Verbal Quantitative Writing
U.S. 318,240 152.9 149.5 3.9
China 29,255 145.9 162.9 3.1
India 33,504 144.7 154.1 3.1
South Korea 2,933 147.5 158.2 3.2
Canada 4,924 156.0 153.6 4.3
Britain 1,341 157.1 152.9 4.4
Brazil 1,032 148.9 150.5 3.1
Germany 1,482 152.3 155.5 3.9
Hong Kong 643 147.7 159.5 3.5
Israel 442 151.4 156.7 3.5
Australia 491 158.4 155.7 4.5
Saudi Arabia 2,972 137.4 142.8 2.2
Turkey 2,764 144.1 158.7 3.0

What is the difference between liquid assets and fixed assets?

In this article, I have explained the basic difference between liquid and fixed assets. To obtain solvency certificate from banks, you can show all the assets including fixed assets. But for preparing financial proof for VISA interview, you have to provide the I-20 amount as liquid asset only.

What is a liquid asset? List of sample liquid assets
A liquid asset is any form of asset that can be readily converted to cash and used for immediate and urgent requirement. The conversion of the liquid asset into cash results in no or very little loss of value. Cash itself is a form of liquid asset. For obtaining the I-20 from the US Universities, you need to send the solvency certificate which provides proof your financial ability to fund your higher education in US. To obtain a solvency certificate, you can show liquid as well as fixed assets. Following is the list of liquid assets that can be used for US Universities applications.
Savings Account balance – Your account balance in the savings account serves as a liquid asset. You might have multiple savings accounts in various banks. Your parents, brother or sister also might be having many savings accounts in various banks. You can obtain the latest bank statements of all these accounts and calculate the net worth of cash available and use the documents as proof of liquid asset.
Fixed Deposit receipts – Fixed deposit receipts, preferably with maturity date not more than 1 year later is also considered as a fixed asset. The FD receipts named after any of your immediate family members can be used together as liquid asset.
Equity and mutual funds – Your DMAT account statement with proper latest market valuation also comes under liquid asset list. Whatever equity funds, mutual funds, shares or stocks you are holding against your name are considered liquid assets and you may use the DMAT account statement as proof of liquid asset.
Gold – Gold as an asset valued at latest market value can also be used as liquid asset proof. It is highly debated whether to use Gold as a proof of liquid asset. But, after consulting with various firms and banks, we have concluded that there is no harm to show your gold holdings as a liquid asset. The only requirement is to obtain a gold valuation certificate from local jeweler or valuator.
Provident Fund or Public Provident Fund – If your parents have a Provident Fund account in their companies, you can use the balance of the account as liquid asset. Even a PPF account is considered as liquid fund. For company provident fund, you need to take print out of the PF statement on official letterhead of company with stamp and signature. For PPF, bank passbook is sufficient proof.


What is a fixed asset? List of sample fixed assets
A fixed asset is any form of asset that cannot be readily converted to cash and used for immediate and urgent requirement. The fixed asset needs to be valued based on current market value. The conversion of the fixed asset into cash results in some loss of value. For obtaining the I-20 from the US Universities, you need to send the solvency certificate which provides proof your financial ability to fund your higher education in US. To obtain a solvency certificate, you can show liquid as well as fixed assets. Following is the list of fixed assets that can be used for US Universities applications.
Flat or apartment - If you have a flat or apartment, then the value of the flat at current market price acts as a fixed asset. The valuation must be done by local governing body official. The valuations can also be done by an agent or a bank. You need to obtain the valuation document.
Land or plot - If you are a land or plot owner, then the value of the flat at current market price acts as a fixed asset. The valuation must be done by local governing body official. The valuations can also be done by an agent or a bank. You need to obtain the valuation document.

Total cost incurred for US University applications before going to USA and tips to save all pre-departure expenses

This article provides the complete US University cost including the application cost, exams cost, consulting cost, VISA cost and other expenditures that you will have to be prepared for when you make a decision about higher education in USA.

The following table provides you with all the information about the different costs that you are most likely to encounter during your entire process from taking the GRE till you finally get the US VISA approved

Sr. No
Expenditure details
Approximate expense (INR)
1
GRE tuition fees (if joined)
16,000*
2
TOEFL/IELTS tuition fees (if joined)
3,000*
3
GRE registration fees
10,000
4
TOEFL registration fees
10,000
5
University applications consulting (if joined)
18,000*
6
US University applications - 10 Universities
90,000
7
Education loan sanction expenditure
20,000**
8
VISA process consulting (if joined)
4,000*
9
US VISA application fees
9,000
10
SEVIS fees
11,000
11
Air tickets - one way to US
50,000
12
Shopping
40,000
13
Other expenses
20,000

Total
3,01,000

* might vary based on consultants
** depends on the principal loan amount and bank charges

If you observe the above table, you will need approximately Rs. 3 lakhs for your entire application process before going to USA, if you wish to pursue higher education in USA. This cost includes all the expenses incurred including the GRE and TOEFL registration fees, VISA fees, consulting fees, loan fees and also the one way flight ticket expenditure. The entire expenses including the tuition fees, housing fees, food, travel, transportation and other expenses for the duration of two years might exceed well over Rs. 20 lakhs even from a very economical University. Hence, if you wish to pursue higher education in USA, you need to be prepared to invest in all this and the total investment will be over Rs. 20 lakhs minimum.

For detailed cost split up of each US University application expenses, visit this article: Cost of application to each US University

5 simple tips to save the cost incurred for US Universities application and other pre-departure expenses
Both GRE and TOEFL are relatively easy for Indian students. With the revised format of GRE, it has become even simpler. If you follow simple techniques and study regularly following a rigorous routine, there is no reason why you won’t score highly in these exams. You can get all the study material and exam preparation tips online through various sites. For helpful GRE tips and GRE study material, you can visit this website: www.revisedgrecracked.com
The consulting charges for US University applications are very high. Although your entire US University applications are helped by your consulting firm, at the end of the day, you might feel that you might have saved on this expenditure as you are the one who has to do the final applications. Consulting firms can only give you a direction. You can make use of various online forums like edulix to get a lot of information about shortlisting and applying to US Universities. Also, your friends, seniors and relatives already studying in US can help you guide through your application process. You can save your consulting charges if you are willing to do everything yourself. If you need help regarding SOP, recommendations, etc visit this section: Application to US Universities
Shortlist at least 4 US Universities before GRE and TOEFL which you will apply for sure. ETS directly sends official revised GRE scores and TOEFL scores to these Universities free of cost.
Your friend/relative must be sending money to his family in India. For every such transaction, he will have to pay the currency conversion for USD to rupees. Instead tell him to make your payments in USD and you make an equivalent payment calculated by current exchange rate in Indian rupees directly to his family in India. This way, it will be mutually beneficial to both of you and both of you will be saving currency conversion charges.
Apply to only those Universities which you are sure to go. Do not apply to a lot of Universities only because they are safe and you are sure to get admit. If you apply to only 4-5 Universities, you will save a lot of US University application costs.

GRE and TOEFL Score Reporting Problems

Alot of issues regarding GRE and TOEFL score reporting to US Universities . Many US Universities are not receiving official score reports from ETS even after many days of putting an order.  
Read about the problem of GRE and TOEFL test score reporting and steps that you can take to resolve the issue.

How long does ETS take to send the GRE and TOEFL scores to the US Universities?
ETS clearly says it requires a minimum of 5 business days to deliver official GRE and TOEFL test scores to the US Universities by mail.
On the official website, it is mentioned 7 to 10 days time for delivery of scores to the Universities after putting your order.
It is safe to assume that if your University has not received scores even after 15 days, there is some problem.

My online application status says 'Official Test Scores Not Received'. I have already placed order for GRE and TOEFL score reporting. What should I do?
If it has been more than 15 days since you have placed your order and your application status says 'Test scores not received' then you should not waste any time. You will be having an online receipt of the score report which was sent to you by email by ETS when you placed an order. If you have deleted this email, you can always log in to your official account and take a screenshot of the order placed for that University. It is fine if you have ordered score reporting for multiple Universities. Also take screenshot of your TOEFL and/or GRE scores. Send an email attaching both these files to the Graduate Admissions official email address of the University. Your email should mention your application ID or any other ID that is associated to your application and the date when you placed an order for score reporting.

I have mailed the graduate office attaching the screenshots of the test scores and test scores order receipt. But there is no response. What should I do?
As there are hundreds of applications and emails, it is natural that you might not hear back from your University immediately. But if your email is not responded within a week, you must call the University Graduate Office. Make sure you are calling between 9am to 5pm in the timezone of the University and on a weekday. Your call will not be answered if you call any other time. You must be ready with your application ID as it will help the person attending your call to address your issue in a better way.

My online application status page says 'Official Transcripts Not Received'. I have already scanned and uploaded the copy of my transcripts. What should I do?
Most of the US Universities require you to scan and upload the copies of your transcripts during the application. You may not send the official sealed hard copies of your transcripts during this stage. Your admission decision will be taken based on the scanned copies of your transcripts. But every US University requires the official sealed transcript copies which you must send them after getting an admit. As long as this copy is not received, your transcript section will continue to reflect the message 'Official Transcripts Not Received'. Do not be worried about this. Your overall application status will reflect 'Application is complete and is under review' in spite of the official transcript not received.

When will I start receiving admit?
Your application file will not be forwarded to the review committee unless all your supporting documents are received. You must make sure your US University application status is 'Your application is complete and is under review'. Once your application is under review, it will get into the queue and will be deliberated upon by the review committee. It might take 1-2 months before you get an admission decision after your application is complete and submitted for review. For more about this process read this article: When can you expect admission decision from US University?

When can you expect admission decision from your applied US Universities for FALL and SPRING?

This article will provide information regarding the admission decision from the applied US Universities. The important details like time taken by US Universities to provide an admission decision, details about the admission decision, assistantship or fellowship grants in the admission decision and others are covered in this article.

US University admission decision process in detail

When you submit your application and make the necessary US University application fee payment, your application is recorded by the University officials. When all the supporting documents such as the recommendation letters, transcripts, SOP, resume and any other relevant documents are received by the University admissions department, your file is prepared and sent to the appropriate department for review. The review committee consists of professors and officials of the respective department of the University that you have applied to. Based on discussions and deliberations, the US University review committee makes a decision regarding your admission. There are four possible outcomes – admission with aid, admission without aid, decision pending and admission reject.

1. Admission with aid – You have been admitted with some form of financial aid. The aid can be fee waiver, fellowship, scholarship or assistantship – RA or TA. The details of the amount of fee waiver are included in the I-20 as well as the admission decision letter sent by e-mail.
2. Admission without aid – You have been admitted without any form of financial aid. The details of the program and other formalities are included in the admission decision letter sent by e-mail.
3. Decision pending – Your decision might be kept in pending status. Many times, the admission review committee keeps your file aside and visits it after all the decisions are taken. This is done if there is some indecision about giving admission. Your file is revisited after completion of other waiting candidates. Also, there might be some discussion regarding granting financial aid and hence your decision can be postponed by the review committee and you will get a status as pending in your online admission portal.
4. Admission Reject – Your admission application is rejected and you will be given the reasons for rejection in detail in the admission decision e-mail sent by the University.

Time required for US Universities to inform admission decision

There are a large number of applicants every year for both terms FALL and SPRING for all the US Universities. Applicants from every country in the world apply to US Universities for admission every year. The admission process is completely manual and it takes a long time for your file to come before the review committee. It might take several months before you get some admission decision response from the University. The review of your application is made by the review committee in sequential order. Hence, if you have applied early, naturally your decision will be made early. Irrespective of the time when you have applied to the US Universities, the general timeline of your admission decision is as follows:

For FALL applicants – Admission decisions by March

For SPRING applicants – Admission decisions by October