i know that it's ok to tell you . . .

. . . whenever it's in the paper.

From today's Hindu, 9 May, 2005

"When you have the I-20 in hand, ambitious plans in your head and an open road ahead, the U.S. education you have dreamt of for so long may seem close at hand. Before you start feeling misty-eyed and nostalgic about the home country, brace yourself for the visa interview. Much dreaded, despised and prepared for, the visa interview can make or break your plans.

The visa interview is among the few moments in life when your entire future is poised on a knife's edge, entirely dependent on someone who plays God: in this case, the visa counsellor.

If it is any comfort, U.S. visa counsellors don't take any pleasure in denying visas, at least according to Christopher C. Allison, Vice-Consul, United States Consulate General, Chennai. "From our side of the fence, we understand that our decision has significant consequences for your future. All we do is try and uphold the U.S. law," he told aspiring students at a meeting recently.

Contrary to common perception, there is no quota for student visas. There is no fixed number of students that can be given visas in one day by a single counsellor.

He admits that counsellors do occasionally make bad decisions, but they do their job the best they can he says.

To get the stamp of approval from the U.S. Government, aspiring students need to demonstrate that they are serious students with a good coherent plan. Coming back to India after completing your studies and applying your knowledge and skills in India should be a part of this plan.

Honesty pays. "Don't tell us just what you think we want to hear. Talk to us," says Mr. Allison. "Do your research and select your schools carefully. This is one way we determine whether a student is bonafide or not." Apart from being serious about the area of study, students need to convince the officer that they have the funds to pay for the first year of study and the means to acquire funds for the second year at least. They also need to make a convincing case that they have reason to come back.

"The single hardest thing is having to draw the line here," admits Mr. Allison. He recognises that thousands of students go to the United States for studies, get offered jobs at the end of the course legitimately and stay back. The visa counsellors have a duty to screen potential immigrants.

There is no `easier' or `harder' officer, according to Mr. Allison. The refusal and acceptance rates are about the same for each officer across the board. Also, while students with higher marks are not guaranteed visas, students with low marks are not surefire cases for rejection. "There is no blanket factor that will guarantee admissions. It all comes down to your credibility as an applicant."

Those interested in pursuing high-level research may have to supply additional details. "If we ask for additional details about your research, this usually means we have decided you are a serious candidate."

Questionnaires specifically for high-level research applicants are available online. It helps if candidates bring the answers to these questions in anticipation of such requests."

Is there room for all? Christopher Allison, Vice-Consul General, tells students what it takes to qualify for U.S. visas.
Photo: S.R. Raghunathan