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Ever since Donald Trump once again assumed power in the United States, discussions around the world regarding international politics, trade and immigration policies have become heated. At this time, only one big question is arising in the minds of Indian students and their families who dream of pursuing higher education in America, is the ‘American Dream’ now fading? In view of recent administrative changes and possible changes in immigration rules, obtaining a student visa (F-1 Visa) in the US has become more difficult and challenging than ever before. Due to the strictness during the visa interview, strict scrutiny of documents and rules related to quota, the difficulties for the students are increasing continuously. Expressing their views on this serious situation, leading immigration experts from India and abroad have shared four very important things which every Indian student should know before planning to go to America.
It has long been a common belief in Indian society that after obtaining a degree from a prestigious university in America, it becomes easier to scale career heights. Every year lakhs of students work hard to go to America, pass exams like GRE and TOEFL and arrange for their tuition fees by taking huge loans. But the Trump administration’s visa policies, increase in visa fees, and strict attitude towards foreign students have brought this entire process into a period of uncertainty. Experts believe that even though the doors of America have not been completely closed, the path to reach there is no longer as easy as before, for which students need to make major changes in their strategy.
Why has the student visa process in America become complicated and what are the main reasons for this?
The main focus of Donald Trump’s policies has always been ‘America First’, which has a direct impact on the employment and immigration policies of local citizens. The administration believes that international students and foreign workers impact the jobs of American citizens, which is why a strict stance is being taken regarding the visa approval rate. In recent times, American Embassies and Consulates are asking more incisive and in-depth questions to students during visa interviews. In many cases, the visa is immediately rejected due to minor paperwork deficiencies or even a slight lack of confidence during the interview. Due to this stringency, a feeling of despair is beginning to arise in the minds of even the deserving students, because despite all their preparation, they are seeing their dreams shattered just because of one decision of the visa officer.
Apart from this, there is uncertainty regarding the rules for Optical Practical Training (OPT) and H-1B visa. Students often go to America thinking that after completing their studies, they will be able to work there for a few years, repay their education loans and then move towards permanent residency (Green Card). But when work visa rules are tightened, it becomes a big challenge for students to stay in America after studies. Experts say that students should not be satisfied with just getting admission, but they should also take their steps forward keeping in mind the long-term immigration policies, otherwise they may face disappointment midway.
First advice from experts: Choose your course and university very carefully before applying.
The first and foremost advice from immigration and study abroad experts is that students should avoid blindly taking admission in any average university. Under the Trump regime, visa officers keep a special eye on students from those universities whose credentials are dubious or which offer only nominal courses. Students should prefer only US News ranking or prestigious institutions (Ivy League and top-tier universities). Additionally, there should be a strong relevance between your academic record and your chosen course. If the visa officer feels that you are going to any course just to get admission in America, it will not take even a second for your visa application to be rejected.
Along with the selection of the university, financial planning i.e. financial preparation should also be equally strong. Showing only the first year’s fees is no longer considered sufficient, rather you must have a solid and transparent system in place to cover your expenses throughout the duration of the course. Any discrepancy or ambiguity in documents like bank balance, sponsorship papers and tax returns can directly lead to visa rejection. Experts advise that students should go for the interview only after getting their financial documents completely verified by a professional CA (Chartered Accountant) so that no legal clue is left.
Second and third advice: Give full emphasis on solid academic profile and visa interview rehearsal.
Experts believe that in today’s era, just getting good marks is not enough, but your entire profile should be strong. You must have strong evidence of internships, research work, projects and extracurricular activities that prove that you are a bright student. During the visa interview, you get only 2 to 3 minutes in which you have to explain to the interviewer why you are going to America, why you are choosing that course and what are your intentions of returning to India after completing your studies. US law requires that every student visa applicant must prove that he or she has strong roots in his or her home country and will return after completing his or her studies.
During the visa interview, students often get nervous and start speaking rote words, which the American officials immediately detect. Experts suggest that students should practice mock interviews a lot. You should be completely clear about your future career goals. If you answer the questions accurately without any hesitation in the interview, your chances of getting the visa increase manifold. Never make the mistake of providing false documents or any kind of wrong information, because once the record is spoiled, it becomes almost impossible to get a US visa in the future.
Fourth advice: Always keep Plan-B ready, also consider Europe and other options
The fourth and most practical advice from experts is to never put all your eggs in one basket. If your dream of going to America is not being fulfilled due to administrative hurdles or financial reasons, it does not mean that all avenues of your higher education are closed. Today, countries like Germany, France, UK, Ireland, Canada and Australia are also providing high level education and excellent career opportunities to international students. The visa and post-study work permit rules in these countries are in many ways more straightforward and student-friendly than those in the US. A wise student is the one who always keeps a strong ‘Plan-B’ ready so that his entire future does not get at stake due to change in the rules of any one country.
In the end, it can be said that even though it has become more difficult to get a student visa in America during the Trump administration, it does not mean that Indian students should completely forget their ‘American Dream’. What is needed is that instead of taking decisions under the influence of emotions, students should move forward by doing thorough research, keeping their financial position strong and meeting all the legal parameters. Even today, with the help of proper guidance, strong preparation and strong educational background, the pinnacle of success can be reached in America, provided you are fully prepared mentally and on paper to face every challenge.