FOREIGN STUDENTS ARE WELCOME

“Foreign students have always been -- and still are -- welcome to study in the United States. The tragedy of 9/11 showed the importance of emphasizing national security, but that does not mean we want to discourage legitimate students from coming here to study. We value the diversity and richness they bring to American campuses and society. Although long-standing visa laws and regulations are followed rigorously, and new visa procedures have been introduced since 9/11, the impact on students is always carefully considered.

Students are subject to the same law as other temporary visitors, who must convince a consular officer they intend to return to their home country after they finish their course of study. They also must show they are able to pay for their education, either from family funds or from grants or other sources, and that they truly intend to pursue a course of study.

The number of student visa applicants dropped dramatically after 9/11, as did visa applications in all categories. Visa-issuing posts received 15 percent fewer student visa applications in fiscal year 2002 than they had the year before. The drop in the number of student applicants was typical of visa applicants across the board.

Since August 1, all embassies and consulates worldwide have followed a uniform policy about who may be excused from a visa interview. There are few exceptions, and this procedure applies to all non-immigrant visa applicants, not just to students. Although visa interviews are brief, they are an important step in ensuring security and integrity in visa issuance. At Congress's direction, as of October 26, 2004, all visa applicants will need to provide a biometric identifier that can be encrypted on the
Visas that are issued.

All of our visa-adjudicating posts were asked months ago to give special consideration to students in scheduling visa interviews, so they will not miss the opening of the school semester. Many embassies and consulates around the world have opened special windows for students and exchange visitors, which can reduce the wait for an interview considerably. Others, where possible, have not required students to have appointments at all.

Some visa applicants, fewer than two percent of the total applying, must wait for Washington to complete an interagency security advisory review, which includes checking all appropriate records. More than 90 percent of those reviews are completed in less than three weeks. Students who are studying or working in certain scientific fields might have to wait longer, but security reviews for transfer of technology are not new and were a visa-processing fixture long before 9/11. Checking U.S. Government records for information about students and visitors working in strategically sensitive fields is a serious responsibility. The fact that someone is working in one of these fields does not mean he or she will be denied a visa, but it does mean he or she should apply early enough to allow time for the needed background checks. Both the applicants and their U.S. hosts must be aware of the need for these additional checks and plan accordingly.

Visa policies are designed to maximize security of the United States while encouraging legitimate visitors, including students, to come to this country. The twin goals of secure borders/open door are nowhere more meaningful than in our desire to attract the best students worldwide to the United States. We hope they and their home countries will benefit from the knowledge and outstanding education America's
Universities can offer the world.”

By Maura Harty, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs

The US Educational Advisory Service (FTC London) receives a grant from the US Government to provide free, objective information on all aspects of US education. FTC London is the official source of information and advice in the UK for study in the US.