Student visas are a priority for US embassies and consulates

Q&A

15.11.2021 Times Education 

Student visas are a priority for US embassies and consulates

The US embassy has cleared 62,000 visas this summer, showing American universities’ demand among Indian students, says USIEF Educational Advisor Bhavna Jolly

Priyanka.Srivastava@timesgroup.com

As per National Student Clearinghouse Research Centre (NSCRC), there is a dip in number of international students in the US due to Covid. What are the strategies introduced by the US to bring back the lost students?

This past summer, the United States embassies and consulates globally prioritised student visas. International students were exempted from the US Presidential Proclamation that restricted entry of people who had been in India in the 14 days before going to the US. Thus, Indian students could apply for visas and travel to the US. We issued over 62,000 student visas this summer, showing that the US is a top choice for Indian students.

What are basic concerns of students? How will the US address them?

Students and families in India are concerned about physical health and safety. They seek information about the measures in place at university campuses for Covid-19 prevention and testing, as well as the support that students get in case they test positive for Covid-19. Universities have collated resources and established various systems to keep students safe. Also, new Covid-19 helplines are available at many universities to support students.

The UK government has loosened their restrictive visa policies of the past several years, which has benefitted them. Is the US considering making more relaxed post-work visa policies for international students?

The US includes an opportunity for practical training options as part of the student visa process to ensure international students gain valuable work experience in their field of study during and after their degree programmes. Students can pursue internships during the degree programme called Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for up to one year. Students can gain work experience for up to one year after graduating through Optional Practical Training (OPT). STEM graduates can participate in OPT for up to three years.

International students contributed $44 billion to the US economy and India is the second-largest contributor to this. How is the US planning to hike this further?

Last year, the US mission launched a second EducationUSA student advising centre in Hyderabad at the Y-Axis Foundation. This brings the network of EducationUSA centres in India to eight, in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. These centres offer accurate, comprehensive and current information about opportunities to study at accredited post secondary institutions in the US. Our free mobile app, ‘EducationUSA India’ offers the most recent updates on studying in the US.

Any initiatives in the form of scholarships or discounts on tuition fees?

There are more than 4,500 accredited higher education institutions (HEIs) in the US and each has its own admissions policies. HEIs recognise the challenges the pandemic has posed for international students and many have updated their admissions policies. Many universities are offering application fee waivers and announced that they would keep tuition, housing, and fees flat. Some universities have extended their application deadlines to allow students more time to apply and accept admission offers. Whatever your requirement, EducationUSA will help you look for substantive information about scholarships and finances.