In the previous episode of the Students Speak series, we learned about Karman Kaur’s preparation to seek university admission and her Statement of Purpose (SOP). In this episode, we will learn about the student visa for the US, her education loan partner and her advice to study abroad aspirants.
Key Highlights:
- Student visa for the US
- About her education loan partner
- Her advice to study abroad aspirants
Student visa for the US
Your educational institution should be Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved to apply for a US student visa. You need to get an I-20 form which includes all the expenses, such as tuition fees, living costs, etc., from your university. Once you share the proof of funds indicating you can finance your education, your university will issue you a Form I-20. After receiving the I-20, you must register with Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You can apply for a student visa at a US Embassy or Consulate after SEVIS registration.
- Student visa application process
- Visit the official website of the US Embassy or Consulate to apply online.
- Fill out the DS-160 online application form
- Print the application form confirmation page so you can carry it for the visa interview.
- Schedule a visa interview at US Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
- Carry all the necessary documents, including your academic transcripts, passport, visa application confirmation, visa application fee payment receipt, etc.
- Once you clear the visa interview, the visa will be issued.
About her education loan partner
When shortlisting the financial institution, she preferred lenders that offered unsecured loans (without collateral) as she did not want to offer security against the student loan. When looking for a financier that offered unsecured student loans, she came across Avanse Financial Services. She added that she had an amazing experience with the Avanse team after connecting with them. She was impressed with the quick paperwork. She was thoroughly educated about the turnaround time, terms & conditions, interest rate, etc. Not only did they set realistic expectations, but they also delivered their promises, as the loan was sanctioned swiftly.
Her advice to study abroad aspirants
- About IELTS exams: Karman Kaur cautioned the students who have completed their education in a college that uses English as the primary medium of instruction not to underestimate IELTS. She shared one interesting piece of information about IELTS. According to her, when you register for this test, you receive a book, and students should use this book to prepare for the exam. She completed this book in 2-3 weeks, further boosting her confidence.
- For a seamless visa application process: It is essential to apply for an education loan well in advance to enjoy a hassle-free visa application procedure. The I-20 form will be issued only after you submit proof of funds. Hence, applying for a student loan before opting for a student visa is crucial.
- Always try: Don’t give up if stiff competition exists at well-ranked universities. Go ahead and apply. If you don’t try, you will never know. Also, remember that international varsities look beyond your academic performance. They prefer taking a holistic approach to evaluating your overall personality. Also, there is no harm in applying to more than one university. This will surely increase your chances of securing a university spot.
So, this brings us to the end of Karman Kaur’s academic journey planning. We wish her all the best for her study abroad journey. Her insights will definitely enlighten your path so you can set out on your academic quest. If lack of finance bothers you, then you can opt for an education loan to finance your higher education independently. If you have any queries, please feel free to connect with us. We will be glad to partner with you on your academic journey.
