A
Step-by-Step account
of the proceedings at the US Consulate.
Before leaving for the consulate....
Keep
<1> Your Passport
<2> Signed I-20
<3> DD with your name and address written in ink on the back side.
<4> Visa Fees in DD.
<5> Completed Visa Application Form with your signature and photograph.
in one folder.
These things will have to be produced at the consulate. Note that you can
collect and complete the Visa Application Form on the same day at the consulate
as well.
You can keep all other material in separate folders. Carry these folders only in a plastic bag. Handbags etc will not be allowed. Also, do not carry any electronic gadget like a cellphone, pager etc.
Come prepared for an interview, with answers for the standard set of questions. You may have to go through an interview.
Reach the consulate anytime between 6:00am and 10:0am..
At the consulate...
At the entrance, a security guard will ask you to show your I-20 and DD. If you have not got the Visa Application Form along, collect if first from the counter nearby and complete it. After the security guard checks these documents, you will be asked to enter the premises. Anybody accompanying you (parents, relatives etc) will not be allowed to enter, so its better you go with your friend(s) who are seeking a visa too.
Inside, another security guard will examine the contents of your bag and ask you if you have any electronic gadget like a cellphone, pager etc. If you have any unallowed item, like a handbag or cellphone, you will simply not be allowed to carry it inside, so make sure you don't bring them at all.
Next you be asked to enter the consulate office.
When you enter, the office will most probably be buzzing with activity. There will be several counters in front of you.
I'll mention counter numbers from now on. I don't know if the same counter is always put to the same use as it was, when I went there.
[1] Collect a Token
First, you will have to collect a token from counter 3
or 4. Usually, the queues for counters extend beyond the counter window, so ask
the security guards, which queue you should stand in. You may even be asked to
sit and wait for your turn to stand in the queue; just do as the guards tell
you. The guards are very helpful, you can approach them for any clarifications.
When you reach the counter window, you will have to submit your Visa Application Form, Passport and I-20. Note that your I-20 has a student copy attached to it, which the person at the counter will detach and return to you. Keep this with you, its of no use during the rest of the proceedings. You will also be given a token which will have a number on it. This token will be used at all stages during the rest of the proceedings, so keep it carefully.
[2] Submit your DD
Next, you will have to submit your DD at counter 1 or
2. Stand in the corresponding queue. At the counter window, you will have to
submit your DD and show your token. In return, you will be given a receipt (and
its copy).
[3] The long wait...(there are fewer atheists at the
end of it)
Now, the waiting period. You will have to wait till
your token number is called. Take a seat close to one of the speakers in the
room as it gets quite noisy at times. Your token number will be called only once
and in an American accent, so pay attention when the numbers are being called.
Typically, the waiting period is between 30-60 minutes.
[4] The BIG moment
[a] If you have full financial aid, you will probably not have to go through an interview. Token numbers (or even names) of such applicants are called at counter 3. When called at the counter window, you will have to submit your token and the copy of the receipt you were given earlier. In return, the officer will scribble the type of visa and the expiry date of the visa that you will be given (ie something like 'f1 200x'), on the token itself and return it to you. No questions asked...your visa application has been accepted! In addition, you will be given a USEFI feedback form. Keep the token very carefully. You will need to submit it later to collect your visa-stamped passport.
[b] If you do not have full financial aid, you will have to go through an interview. You will be sent to the main building .Some applicants with full financial aid may also have to go through an interview, so its always better to come prepared for it. Your token number will be called at either counter 6,7 or 8. These counters are manned by American officers who will ask you a few questions. If you're really lucky, you may not be asked any questions at all. But if you are, then answer the questions slowly and confidently. Mainly, the officer is interested in two things. Firstly, that you have sufficient funds to finance your tuition fees and living expenses in the US. So its always better to show financial ability in excess of the amount required on your I-20. Secondly, they want to ensure that you do not misuse the F1 visa issued to you. Misuse would imply using the visa to work or for business activities etc. So convince the officer that you will use the F1 visa only to study.
Keep all relevant documents handy, as each application is typically processed in 3-5 minutes only.
If the officer is convinced that your visa application can be accepted, you will have to submit your token and submit the copy of the receipt you were given earlier. In return, the officer will scribble the type of visa and the expiry date of the visa that you will be given (ie something like 'f1 200x'), on the token itself and return it to you. In addition, you will be given a USEFI feedback form. Keep the token very carefully. You will need to submit it later to collect your visa-stamped passport.
If your visa application is rejected (though I sincerely hope you don't have to face this situation), you will be given a reason why it was rejected and told to come after atleast 3 days. Don't argue or plead with the officer, s/he will simply call security and ask them to clear you out, so its better you leave the counter and the premises on your own. Don't get overly depressed, you still have another chance.
[5] Paying the visa fees
Now, coming back to those fortunate ones whose visa has
been approved. You will have to pay the visa fee cash amount at counter 1, so
stand in the appropriate queue. You can complete the USEFI feedback form while
standing in the queue. When you reach the counter window, you will have to
submit the cash /DD, the USEFI feedback form and show your token. In
return, you will be given a receipt (and its copy).
[6] The
last queue of the day
U need to get into this queue to pay the courier fee to
T.T services so that your passport be couriered to you.
You can now go home (or anywhere else you plan to go) rest assured that
the final step in your effort to go for further studies to the US has been
completed.
