'Good communication skills necessary to get US visa'

USA News

'Good communication skills necessary to get US visa'

New Delhi, July 5 (IANS) Thousands of Indians every year try their luck for a US visa but most are rejected as they do not arrange their documents properly or lack good communication skills, says a noted Indian economist and immigration consultant.

According to A.C. Vakil, who has authored 'Gateway to America' explaining the intricacies of US visa regulations and immigration laws, around half a million plan to travel to the US every year. But only 150,000 'actually realise their cherished dream', says Vakil.

'Over 500,000 people in India seek US visas every year but over 60 percent of them are denied an entry owing to their poor communication skills,' Vakil told IANS in an interview.

'They do not arrange their documents properly and even exhibit some negative body language while talking to immigration authorities. They must practise what to talk and what not to before entering the embassy or a consulate office,' he said.

Currently there are over two million Indians residing in the US, he estimated. Besides immigration laws, Vakil specialises in various aspects of American life - lifestyle, education, history and political system.

He said that nearly 60 percent of the visa seekers are from south Indian states.

'Compared to north India, south Indians are seeking more US visas. The American Consulate in Chennai is the busiest consulate in the country.

'While south Indians seek visa for a job in IT and IT-enabled services firms, most Punjabis visit the US to meet friends and families. In the last couple of years thousands of nurses from southern India have sought H-1B visa (work visa).

'While in Maharashtra most of the visa seekers are students, in Gujarat the demand is for business visas. Currently around 80,000 Indian students are pursuing their education there and thus helping the US to earn around $2.8 billion per annum,' said Vakil, who recently came up with the fifth edition of his book.

'Here the problem is a lack of resourcefulness. Students without qualifying for an offshore university start applying for visa. Some professionals apply for H-1B visas without having bagged an offer from a company. This is utter foolishness and finally leads to visa denial.

'People seeking US visa must first prepare a proper presentation on themselves and on their intention for visiting the US. They must give direct answers on their motive to visit the country. Post Sep 11, 2001, they do not want to take any chances.'

'Gateway to America', the first edition of which came out in 1983, gives a comprehensive list of requirements that a visa seeker would love to know before venturing into the US.

It gives necessary details ranging from steps to be taken in applying for immigrant visas, problems of illegal aliens, adjustment problems faced by first timers, tips on student life, financial aid and on what to take on board an aircraft.

The book, divided into seven chapters, has included the more frequently asked questions and answers and tips on the behaviour patterns to be followed in US.

'The book is not only a one-stop shop on visa and immigrations rules but also a guide of immense value and a resourceful reference in every NRI home in the US.'

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'Good communication skills necessary to get US visa'