The new student visa procedure requires that all students first apply through the Drop-Box. While many will be issued Visas without an interview, some students will still be required to appear at the Consulate for a personal interview. If a student is requested to appear for an interview, the main benefit of the drop-box procedure is that an officer will have already reviewed the case, and the interviewing officer will be better prepared to make an informed decision at the Visa interview.

The Visa interview has long been a source of mystery, confusion, and nervousness (and myths) for students. What questions will they ask? Why did my friend get the Visa and I did not? Why didn’t the officer review all of my documents? When conducting interviews, the Visa officers are merely trying to determine if the applicant meets the eligibility requirements for a student visa. They  have very little time to conduct the interview and must assess quickly whether the documents and answers establish the visa applicant’s eligibility. The questions consular officers ask are based upon these criteria and are designed to help the officer quickly determine a student’s eligibility. Any documents submitted by a student, especially financial documents, are only useful if they can be rapidly examined for the relevant information.

So, how does one apply by drop-box?

Good news — it’s easy! First, assemble the following documents:

• A valid passport.
• The fully completed and signed visa application form (OF-156).
• One front-facing photograph, size 37 mm x 37 mm, and less than six months old.
• Demand drafts for the appropriate fees.
• Original I-20 from the University.
• Original TOEFL scores and SAT/GRE/GMAT scores (as applicable).
• For prospective Master’s degree students, original Undergraduate degree.
• Certificate and mark sheets (if the original degree or mark sheets are unavailable, please submit provisional certificates and/or photocopies); Bachelor’s degree students may show their most recent mark sheets or graduation certificate, as applicable.
• Proof of funds.
• Preferred documentation includes 6 months of bank records, employment letter(s) of sponsor and/or chartered account statements. Students who have obtained bank loans may also provide a letter from the bank stating the same. Additionally, students who have pre-paid any fees may provide a receipt and or a letter from the university stating the same. Students receiving aid from their prospective University, that is not indicated on the I-20 should provide a letter from the University stating the nature and amount of aid to be provided.
• Optional cover letter: Students with any special circumstances may also wish to explain the form of a cover letter. Once the documents are in order, simply proceed to the nearest Drop-Box location. TT Services, the Consulate’s authorized courier agent, maintains offices in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
• Processing time takes approximately 8-10 business days, so it is important to allow enough time before the prospective university’s reporting date. We wish to remind all students that they may not apply earlier than 90 days before the reporting date.