In an effort to demystify the US visa process for international students, INTO University Partnerships has unveiled its Pre-Arrival Success Services (PASS) programme. This initiative is especially valuable in regions known for their challenging visa processes.
The PASS programme, an innovation of INTO University Partnerships, aims to provide in-depth visa assistance and counsel to international students seeking education in the US. This free-of-charge service has been instrumental in aiding more than 2000 students from a variety of countries, including India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Turkey, Kenya, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan, in securing their F-1 visas.
What sets the PASS programme apart is its dynamic, interactive approach to interview preparation, guided by seasoned advisors. This advanced level of support encompasses personalised mock interviews, comprehensive workshops, and detailed webinars that cover all aspects of the visa application process.
Jacquie Serr, Vice President of Enrolment at INTO University Partnerships, stressed the customised support offered: “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 Programme, underscored the programme’s goal: “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 launch in 2020, the PASS programme has quickly become a cornerstone of support, significantly improving visa approval rates for its participants.
The webinars offered by the programme tackle a range of critical topics, from F1 visa application strategies to thorough document reviews, followed by a Q&A session to engage students and address their queries.
Laura Nye elaborated on the extensive nature of the programme: “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.”
Through the PASS programme, students engage in one-on-one mock interviews with visa experts from INTO, enhancing their interview skills and boosting their confidence in articulating their academic aspirations.
The programme’s success is reflected in the positive outcomes and feedback from students like Emmanuel, Muhammed, and Pablo, who credit the PASS programme with significantly enhancing their visa interview performance.
The impact of the PASS programme is also recognised by INTO’s partner institutions in the US, which have noted an increase in diversity and the inclusion of talented international students on their campuses.
Officials from The University of Alabama and INTO Hofstra University, Vince Milam and Oscar Del Rio respectively, have commended the PASS programme for its vital support in preparing students for their visa interviews, highlighting its crucial role.
INTO University Partnerships has been a pivotal force in bridging the gap between over 150,000 students from 180 countries and premier educational institutions in the US, UK, and Australia since its inception, facilitating their pursuit of higher education.