As summer has set in across the U.S., international students abroad are planning their arrival to attend U.S. colleges to start classes in the fall.  In anticipation of the surge of international students that will be coming to the U.S. in the next few months, the U.S. Dept. of State (DOS) has issued some tips on how to successfully apply for a student visa.

•  Apply Early - In order to ensure your visa will be approved in time to attend your first day of class, the DOS encourages all students to schedule their appointments as early as possible.  First-time students are allowed to enter the U.S. only 30 days before classes begin, however a student visa can be issued up to 120 days (4 months) before.
• Organize All Your Documents - Along with your visa application, you will need to present certain documents during your interview including: your passport,  I-20 form, your SEVIS receipt, financial evidencing showing your ability to pay for your education,  DS-160 confirmation page, and one 2x2 passport-like photograph. 
• Stay Informed - Depending on where you will be applying, some embassies and consulates have different procedures on how to expedite appointments for student visa application.  Be sure to check your specific embassy's website at: http://www.usembassy.gov/ for valuable information that can help make your application process go as smoothly as possible.

In 2011 alone, DOS issued 780,000 student, exchange, and vocational visas at an approval rate of 86%.  The U.S. warmly welcomes international students, believing they bring valuable skills and knowledge to American classrooms.  

If you have any questions on the  application process or what to expect at the interview please do not hesitate to contact us at 804-360-8482 in Richmond or 919-380-4044 in NC and ask your attending paralegal/attorney or email them directly or send an email to our office at info@challalaw.com and someone will be able to help you.

CLO is proud to share with you the article published by Henrico Now honoring Lakshmi Challa for being named the Community Leader of the Year by the Greater Richmond Chamber.  Click here to view the entire article, and in case you missed Henrico Now's profile of Challa Law Offices, it can be seen here.  

Cite as "AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12071935 (posted Jul. 19, 2012)"

AILA has received reports of a new scam potentially victimizing aliens. According to one report, the individual will receive a call purporting to be from a USCIS officer, who will have certain correct information on the individual, including the individual's name and address. The caller will state that there is some discrepancy in USCIS records, and ask for confirmation of data, such as an I-94 number, an "A" number, or a visa control number. The caller will then tell the individual that there is a penalty for not clearing up the discrepancy, and that the individual is to send a sum of money via Western Union, to an address the caller provides. Be on alert that your clients may be receiving such calls, and if they do, report them to appropriate law enforcement authorities, which may include the FBI, and to the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection, whose Consumer Sentinel database is accessed by criminal and civil law enforcement authorities worldwide.