Evidence
that the applicant has sufficient scholastic preparation and knowledge of the English
language, if required by the school to undertake a full course of study in the accepting
institution. Proof of the required scholastic preparation is usually established by the
I-20 from the institution involved and the entries on the form. To establish their
knowledge of English, applicants are encouraged to take the Test of English as a
Foreign Language" (TOEFL), available in many countries
around the world. For more details, check
our Tests to be taken section.
3) Proof of Financial Resources
This
involves proof that the applicant has sufficient funds to cover the total cost of
education and stay in the U.S. This implies evidence of readily available funds to meet
all expenses for the first year, and of the availability of funds for the following years
from reliable financial resources. To satisfy this requirement applicants may show that
funds are available from the educational institution, from their personal resources or
from sponsors, (normally a very close relative) who have agreed to pay for their
education.
If the
support is from the educational institution, in the form of a scholarship, assistantship,
on-campus employment, etc.,it is usually noted on the I-20.
If the
support is from your home country, the applicant must produce bank books and statements or other
documents showing a total amount in your currency equal to the dollar cost of the first year, and
evidence regarding sources of funds for subsequent years. If the student is not paying his
own expenses, an affidavit of support executed by the sponsor and sworn before a
registered authority (a first
class magistrate in India) must also be presented, along with financial evidence
indicating the ability to carry out the undertaking.
If the
support is from outside your country, the sponsor must provide a letter from his/her bank
indicating that the sponsor has sufficient funds to cover the costs involved, together
with a current notarized Affidavit of support stating willingness to finance the
applicants educational expenses. The sponsor should also provide evidence of current
employment and income.
With
regard to sponsorship, particular weight is given to promises of support from immediate
family members. Affidavits from less than immediate relatives and family friends do not
carry the same degree of commitment as do affidavits from immediate family members and
should be accompanied by a statement explaining in detail what compelling reasons the
person has to carry out the promises made on the affidavit.
The
Embassy emphasizes that the commitment contained in an affidavit of support is not a mere
formality. The U.S. Government regards Affidavits of support to be binding, legal
documents that oblige the sponsor to be financially responsible for the student during
his/her time in U.S.
4) Proof of
Non-Immigrant Intent (Existence of permanent residence)
It is
difficult to prove that you intend to return to home country after your studies are complete even
though you sincerely intend to. This is because by law, all non-immigrants are viewed as
"intending immigrants." This means that the visa officer is under the assumption
that you will be coming to the US and will remain in the US permanently.
You
should carry with you documents that demonstrate ties to your
home country and would help convince the
consul of your intent to return. Such documents may include:
1. Proof of land ownership
2. Economic and Social
ties are very important: An applicant's future role in a family business, academic
institution, government agency, professional organization are all possibilities. Bring
letters from appropriate parties to demonstrate such facts.
3. If other family members have
studied in the U.S. and returned it should be mentioned.
4. Letters from prospective employers
recognizing the need for specialized training offered in the U.S. can also serve to aid an
application in the applicants home country.
5. Providing an explanation of why
equivalent educational training is not available in your home country, if applicable.
Most
importantly, Consular Officials want to hear from the applicant. At no time, is it
recommended that the applicants bring family members with them to the interview.
If you
prove to the Consular Officials satisfaction that you intend to come to the U.S.
solely for the purpose of study and will return to your home
country upon completion of the program, a
visa stamp will be affixed to a page in your passport. You should apply for a multiple
entry F-1 student visa. With a multiple entry visa you can travel between US and
your home country
during the duration of your stay in the Unites States.