INTO University Partnerships is providing targeted support to international students through the US visa application process, particularly valuable in regions with lower visa approval rates.
The Pre-Arrival Success Services (PASS) scheme, crafted by INTO University Partnerships, aims to bolster visa support and advice for international students desiring to study in the US. This complimentary service strives to ensure that international students can more readily access US educational institutions. To date, it has successfully aided over 2000 students from a wide array of countries including India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Turkey, Kenya, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan in obtaining their F-1 visas.
The PASS scheme distinguishes itself from standard visa advisory services by offering an interactive simulated interview experience led by seasoned advisors. The extensive support includes individual mock interviews, practical workshops, and detailed webinars, addressing every facet of the visa application process.
Jacquie Serr, Vice President of Enrolment at INTO University Partnerships, stressed the personalised nature of the support: “When it comes to a students’ enrolment journey, it is vital that we meet them where they are, offering support and services in areas of high stress. The US visa process and how decisions are made on an F-1 visa can be confusing for students and their families to navigate. What makes PASS different is that we take the time to work individually with students – each student, their goals and background are unique, and so is each 1:1 session our advisors have with students. Human interaction is important here, not just for visa success but for student success.”
Laura Nye, Manager of the PASS Scheme, underlined the scheme’s primary aim: “The US international student visa application and interview is a complicated and challenging process for many students. Our primary goal with the PASS program is to build students’ confidence throughout the visa process as they prepare to embark on their academic journey in the US.”
Since its inception in 2020 to assist students from regions with historically low US visa approval rates, the PASS scheme has expanded to offer full-scale support to numerous students, significantly enhancing their chances of visa approval.
The PASS webinars comprehensively tackle various topics, from the F1 visa application process to reviewing documents, culminating in an interactive Q&A segment.
Laura Nye further explained: “Our program is designed to cover every aspect of the US visa process for students. We provide students with comprehensive information and the opportunity to address any concerns or questions they may have. We also facilitate connections with student experience teams at our partner universities and provide insights into campus resources. This ensures a smooth transition into university life, where students can leverage the available support.”
INTO’s PASS scheme includes tailored mock interview sessions, enabling students to hone their communication skills and present their academic aspirations confidently during visa interviews.
Students like Emmanuel from Nigeria, Muhammed from Pakistan, and Pablo from Colombia have shared positive feedback on how the PASS scheme has significantly improved their interview preparedness and overall confidence, leading to successful visa applications.
The scheme has been lauded by INTO’s US university partners for its role in bolstering student confidence and increasing campus diversity with international talent.
Directors Vince Milam from The University of Alabama and Oscar Del Rio from INTO Hofstra University have both commended the positive influence of the PASS scheme on international student visa interview outcomes.
INTO University Partnerships has been instrumental in connecting over 150,000 students from 180 nations with premier universities in the US, UK, and Australia since 2005, furthering their educational dreams.
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