US Consulate dispels myth on US student visa

Mumbai, June 1 (UNI) In an attempt to dispel myths regarding the US student visa, US Consul General Michael Owen has said that they are planning to raise the number of Indian students going on US visa to a lakh.

''We are looking at raising the number of Indian students to a lakh. We are very happy with the number of students going there and in order to see they do not miss their academic term we will see they get their visas on time,'' Mr Owen told reporters here yesterday ''More than 81,000 Indian students are studying in the United States. India has the largest number of students being sent abroad as compared to any other country in the world They have maintained this status for the past four years. Even China comes second to India,'' he said.

Meanwhile, US Consulate's Consular Section Chief Joseph Pomper has asked the students to make use of the facilities available at USEFI (United States Education Foundation in India).

He dispeled myths by saying, ''There is no sealing for student visas. We want to cross the one lakh mark. This is an urban myth that it is very difficult to get a US visa.'' ''This is a myth that there are limited number of student visas.

If you are accepted in a college and have the ability to pay for it and can demonstrate ties that will bring you back to India at the end of your studies you will qualify for the student visa,'' Mr Owen added.

He further said, ''Low scores will not necessarily affect your application if a university has accepted you. You must have sufficient liquid funds for the first year tution fees and living expenses and the access to funds sufficient for subsequent years.

Each applicant is evaluated individually and no single issue leads to rejection of the applicant.'' UNI LS MJ MSJ VC1022