Happy Schools Blog » F1 Visa

UK Student Loan Interest 0%; Should US Follow UK?

HSB — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:44:04 +0000

UK made all student loan interest to 0% from September 2009. Watch the discussion in the following video about Should U.S. Adopt U.K. Student Loan Program?. Interesting video and lots of ideas can be derived from this video.

So, what do you think after watching the above video? Most likely 0% interest rate will Citizens of UK (don’t have much details on loan eligibility in UK). If International Students are eligible to get Student Loan for 0%, then most of the students thinking about attending Graduate School in US will seriously consider UK for Masters and PhD program.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

UK Student Loan Interest 0%; Should US Follow UK?

Can I Say – F1 Visa Was Never Denied in DS Forms?

HSB — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:29:04 +0000

Interesting comment/question about US Student F-1 Visa, surprisingly this question was posted on the article – F1 Visa Canceled Due to Fake Bank Statements

I have a unique case:
A friend of mine, was denied f1 visa twice in 2006 under 214 (b)
Fortunately, that passport has expired now (the passport in which there are two “application received” stamps.
Now, he has a new passport, and is planning to go for visa next month. Can he say that he was never denied a visa in the DS forms?
As the visa denial was in old passport, you think there is no chance of VO knowing?
Also from 2007, they have stopped using “application recieved” stamp. They are entering denial and approval data into their CCD (Consular Consolidated Database) So is it possible that before 2007 they dint have database and that is why they used stamps.
Please let me know.

False information in DS Forms

Lets ask the readers to comment to above questions.

Will you hide information in DS forms?
Do you think US Consulate will not have information about previous Visa interview?

Leave your comments, suggestions, thoughts and solution to above questions.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

Can I Say – F1 Visa Was Never Denied in DS Forms?

Graduate Student Loan by the Numbers

HSB — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 12:15:34 +0000

Interesting Student Loan numbers from collegescholarships.org. Following image speaks for itself. Students coming from India for Masters Degree in worst case scenario will have $30,000 to $70,000 in student loan. But checkout debt amount for an American student.

Points to Note about Graduate Student Loan

Public Tuition – $14, 000
Law Degree – $93,000
Medical School – $127,000

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

Graduate Student Loan by the Numbers

How to Use Student Loan from India

HSB — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:56:32 +0000

Debjyoti [Premium Membership Club Member] @ Save Money on Student Loan

Banks in India if approved student loans draw the dollar draft required for tuition fees in favor of the university name. So how can one deposit the sum in his own checking account??
Secondly do bank approve loans for living expenses too????Or they simply approve the loan mentioned in the I-20 as tuition fees and a cost of buying a laptop may be included??If anybody get full scholarship do he/she can apply for a student loan????Please let me know…

Cashing Out Student Loan

Banks in India don’t have standard rules, procedures and formats. Each branch of the same bank will follow different set of standards. For example State Bank of India will approve student loan to a student going to US based on value in I-20, but

Some SBI branch will issue only one Demand Draft (or cashiers check) in the name of the University
Some branches will give 2 Drafts (Tuition fee and Living expense in your name)

If the bank gives only single check in the name of the University, don’t argue with them and waste your time and energy. It is very hard to convince the managers who thinks, they have all the power in the world, while issuing that single draft. Get enough money to cover first semester expenses ( Tuition fee, Living Expenses, …) and get 300 to 500 US Dollars to take with you for travel.

After reaching the University, pay the first semester fee with the DD. Additional fees will be will be refunded to you in 2 to 4 weeks. University will issue a Check in your name. You can deposit that check in your bank account.

Student Loan for Living Expenses

Yes, bank will approve a maximum amount ( upto 20 Lakhs Indian Rupees ~ 40,000 USD) which can include tuition fees and living expenses. If bank can give you 2 demand draft ( or cashiers check) it will be better, but as you said, some bank’s just don’t get the reality. They think students will use that money for other purpose.

There are few Universities in America that will approve Student Loan without co-signer for International Students. Check with the University for more details.

Student Loan and Scholarship

Depending on type of scholarship awarded, you may need to get student loan. But, it’s always better to get student loan approval, if you need to later, you can use it. It’s really pain in the A** to get student loan after you go to US.

In some universities, scholarship will get you in-state tuition fees, you will have to pay for the rest of the fees. Some types of scholarship will pay you $10,000 to $20,000, in which case you don’t need student loan. If you get RA/TA, that will pay you monthly $300 to $1500. So, based on type of Scholarship/Fellowship you may want to get student loan approval in India.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

How to Use Student Loan from India

Education Loan for International Students without Co-Signer

HSB — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:08:08 +0000

International students appearing for Student F1 Visa interview will usually have Higher Education loan approved from the bank. In India students usually get loan from banks like SBI, ICICI, HDFC, Canara Bank and so on. Student loan APR much higher compared to student loans in US.

In order to attract more International Student’s, Business schools in last few months begin the process of creating student loan programs for International students without co-signer.

To get student loan in US, there should be a co-signer. But, for international students, it’s hard to get a co-signer, unless student has relatives who can co-sign on the loan. If the student’ doesn’t pay the loan, then bank will come after the co-signer to pay back the loan amount.

No Co-signer Loan – MBA

Recently following Business Schools have introduced No Co-Signer student loan for International students

University of Chicago
Harvard University
Pennsylvania’s Wharton School
Yale School of Management

According to Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) about 40 business schools in the United States and Europe, beginning with the 2009-10 academic year.

Interest Rates – Student Loans

Interest rates for student loan vary between countries, but getting student loan in US seems to be much better option than from India.

Student Loan Interest Rates – India – 12% and above
Student Loan APR – USA – 5%+

There is a huge difference between interest rates, which could save lot of money. Due to recession, there will be decrease in number of International Students planning to attend US Universities, even though more students applied for admission.

Another major reason students are hesitant is due to difficulty on getting H1B Visa, due to strict H-1B Visa rules and regulations, followed by USCIS. If they get loan to study in US, if if they cannot find job, it will be hard to pay back the loan amount.

Universities with Engineering and science programs should start offering student loans without co-signer for International Students, it can definitely attract many students. But, will universities come forward?

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

Education Loan for International Students without Co-Signer

F1 Student Visa Approved, but Delayed!

HSB — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:41:48 +0000

It’s always helpful when someone posts their US Visa interview experience. Here is full version of the comment posted by TSE at F1 US Student Visa Interview . Thanks for posting detailed interview experience.

Hey!!

I was asked the same question on 15th of July and I had gone all prepared for my interview. My true reason for having chosen University of Houston was that my sister was there but since I was asked by one and all not to mention that as my reason, at that point, I did hesitate a little. I told her that it was because of their research facilities and some of the professors have the same research interests as mine.

Now, this lead to the 2nd question which was “what are your research interests?” and that was another thing that I was uncertain of answering as I had moved from Metallurgical Engineering to Software Engineering during my professional life and then I wished to get back to Materials Engineering. I faltered with the answer but did mention a few areas as my interests.

At this point I noticed her writing my name on some green-form. Along with that she started asking me other straightforward questions as “Who will be funding?”, “What does your father/sister do?”, “Where does your father/sister work?”, “How long has your father been with the company?”. I was confident about these answers but the green-form was already on its way.

At the end of the interview she asked me to wait saying that some more information would be required for the processing of my visa. I thanked her and waited till my name was called from the first counter that had verified my visa forms earlier. Here, I was told that my ‘visa was APPROVED but was DELAYED’ and it can take a MAXIMUM period of 2 months for its processing. They needed details regarding my research/work experience, my areas of interests, my past projects and publication details, plan of research I wish to pursue in US.

I submitted the documents over email on that every evening. I have my classes beginning on 24th of August and if I do not get my visa by 21st of August, I would have to get my admission deferred. I have no clue as to how to expedite the process(as there is no option for that). Only thing that I can do is to check my visa’s status online. I had inquired at the visa collection center the following day and one of them informed me that it can take a week or 15 days but the exact time cannot be said. When I mentioned about the maximum period of 2 months that was told to me, he said that generally for student’s visa it happens faster. Things are so very uncertain right now for me and I feel more and more anxious everyday.

I just wished to share this experience with Happy Schools Blog so, that other students can learn from it and avoid making the same mistake. If any of you have had a similar situation, kindly tell me how long had the visa processing taken in your case.

H1B Delayed at US Consulates

Listen to the interview on where H1B stamping is delayed due to security clearance based on research work. Some are delayed over 2 months.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

F1 Student Visa Approved, but Delayed!

F1 Student Visa Interview – “Why This University”

HSB — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:56:56 +0000

Number of students visiting Happy Schools Blog in recent days who are appearing for US Visa Interview (Student F1 Visa) for Fall 2009 semester is increasing. There are over 50 articles that are specific to US F1 Student Visa interview and Bank Statements for Visa Interview.

Most of you preparing for F1 Visa interview will have some amount of tension. Some amount of tension is good, but too much tension will affect your performance during Visa Interview at US Consulate. There was an interesting comment from Akshay

Akshay @ F1 Student Visa Interview Tips

hi friends,
This is akshay n my visa date is 29th july. I’ve got i20 from Fairleigh Dickinson University only. I’ve applied for MS in Biology. So what should i do if VO asks me why only this university? Pls reply quick i m really tensed…

Note – While writing a letter or question introduction should be like Hi Friends, not hi friends. If you happen to write an email to Professor or during job search to HR, they are not going to consider replying to you. Hope you take this suggestion in nice tone.

VO – “Why this University”

It not just you, every student in your situation will have to to find answers to this question. But I know exactly why it is so hard to answer that question.

You didn’t do much research while selecting the university. Mostly a consultant could have picked up Farleigh Dickinson University along with few other universities. If you have applied to US Universities for Grad School admission by yourself, then your friend could have had admission from FDU for similar score. So, you applied and got admission.

Now you are finding it tough to answer the question “Why you selected Farleigh Dickinson University”. If you have done your proper research about the University before applying for grad school, it will be much easier to answer this question. By now, you will know the name of the few Professors, their research areas, student contacts and should have exchanged few email with Professors with University.

Without all the above, its hard to give the true answer to the question during US student visa interview. [ Sample US Student Visa Interview Questions ]

Visa Interview Question and Answers

You can answer this question in multiple ways, but any answer you provide will not be true answer right? Because you are going to come up with made up answer.

But, if you lie during US Visa interview, they can find out from the way you answer the question. So, never try to make up an answer while attending US Visa interview. If you were caught lying, your entry to US can be banned for lifetime.

Since you don’t have much time, try to find more information about FDU from their website and try to answer the question. If you have other admits, try to compare both the schools and say FDU is better than other admission. In this way you will not give false answers.

I’m Really Tensed for US Visa Interview

There has to be certain level of tension, else there will be overconfidence. So, some amount of tension is good.

Prepare to face all possible scenarios
Answer with smile
Be confident and look confident.
Read the visa experiences posted by other students. If you read 5 to 10 Student Visa interview experiences, you can see a pattern of what kind of questions VO asks and why do that ask. So, understand the pattern and expect to face the questions.
Remember – Always smile and answer the questions with confidence.
If you don’t understand their question, ask them to repeat it again.

Image Credit – Stephen Poff

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

F1 Student Visa Interview – “Why This University”

F-1 Student Visa Tips For Fall 2009 Students

HSB — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:45:13 +0000

It july and if you are preparing to attend Fall 2009 Semester, you will be doing one of the following things

Waiting for I-20 from your dream university
Deciding between admission between few universities
Preparing for Student Visa interview Documents
Got your student visa stamped and getting ready for the travel to US

F1 Student Interview Tips

It’s typical for students to appear for student visa interview during months of June, July and August to attend Fall Semester. To help you with F1 Visa interview preperation, here is an recap of previously published posts about F1 Student Visa Interview

F1 Student Visa Interview Tips ( not tricks) – (67 Comments)
F1 Student Visa Canceled – Fake Bank Statement – (11 Comments)
Bank Balance and Bank Statement for F1 Visa - Part 1 (46 Comments)
Bank Balance F1 Student Visa – Part 2 (8 Comments)
Sample I-20 and Tuition Fees (24 Comments)
Mock Interview H1B Visa ( helpful for F1 Visa too)
F1 Visa Interview Documents (11 Comments)
F1 Student Visa Interview Questions (27 comments)

If you have more questions, add comment to the above articles. We will try our best to answer your questions.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

F-1 Student Visa Tips For Fall 2009 Students

Education Loan Approval for Low GRE Score (850)?

HSB — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:10:29 +0000

Question on Low GRE Score

I have GRE Score 850, Can I get student education loan approval to study in US?

GRE Score and loan approval are not related. GRE Score is required by Universities to determine if you are competent enough to study in the University you plan to apply for admission. This is what happens

Write GRE & TOEFL
Apply for Admission to Graduate School in US
Send all required admission documents and forward GRE and TOEFL Score
If university decides on you eligibility
If you are admitted, they will send admission acceptance letter and form I-20
Use I-20 and admission letter to get Student Education Loan
Use the loan approval to get student Visa ( F-1 Visa)

So, GRE Score is not related to getting education loan. Good GRE Score will help you get into good university/college. Admission from University will help you get student loan. With Admission from good university and education loan approval, you can get student visa. So, you get the connection.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

Education Loan Approval for Low GRE Score (850)?

GRE Score 880; PhD Admit $20,000 Financial Aid; F1 Visa Chances?

HSB — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:05:11 +0000

This question was asked by Shreya through email about her chances of getting f1 Visa with Low GRE Score and admission with Financial Aid.

Shreya Asks

I have secured 880 in my GRE and 85 in Toefl exam. I have applied for PhD in US universities. I have received I-20 letter from University of xxxxx . They have also offered me Graduate Assistantship of $20,000. Still can my visa be denied because of low GRE score?Please reply asap.

F1 Student Visa

Student Visa stamping depends on many factors, not just the GRE Score. Since University in US have recognized your academic performance by giving Admission with $20,000 Graduate Assistantship , Visa officer will give consideration for that.

If University believed that your GRE Score 880 is less, then they shouldn’t given admission in first place. They looked at your credentials ( Letter of Recommendation, Statement of Purpose, Resume, Projects, GRE and TOEFL Score,….) before giving admission.

Visa officer will look at 3 things

Are you competent enough to study in US
Do you have enough financial background to pay for education expenses while in US
Will you return to your home country after completing the education

Since you got admission in PhD with Graduate Assistanship, factor 1 and 2 is satisfied. So, you have to prove that you will come back after completing the education in US.You have bright chances ti get Visa stamping. Be positive and attend the interview with a bright smile on your face. Confidence is the key.

F1 Visa Interview Tips

Here are some article that was published previously that is a MUST read before appearing for F1 Visa interview stamping

F1 Student Visa Interview Questions
H-1B Mock Interview Video ( Applies to F1 Visa Stamping to0)
Sample F1 Visa interview Documents
F1 Visa canceled due to Fake Bank Statement
F1 Visa Interview Tips, Not Tricks

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

GRE Score 880; PhD Admit $20,000 Financial Aid; F1 Visa Chances?