Visa for Electives

Helllo umar bhai,

i appeared for VISA inteview today and my visa was rejected and the consulate stated the reason - you are not eligible for B-1/B-2 visitir visa as you are a student.

I tried to explain him that the university asks us to come on B-1 visitor visa only,but by that time it was rejected already.

He didn't ask for any document from me. He just asked-

(Exchanged greetings,he looked at my DS forms.)

VO:are you a student?

ME: yes i am , doing my internship right now.

VO:why do u want to go to USA?

ME:to do clinical electives,explained him what electives are.

VO:Why from USA only?

ME:to gain some clinical experience that can help me in my career ahead.

VO:typed something....(i guess reason for my rejection)

ME:looked at him ...

VO:sorry,i know its disappointing but your visa is not granted as you are not eligible for this category of VISA(B-1/B-2).

ME:i explained him about the university pre-requisite to come on B-1 visitor visa only.

VO:heard my point and then said some thing regarding my social and family ties as i am a student....blah blah (it was disgusting to see that he suddenly changed the reason for rejection).

ME:Thank you.(he didnt even ask for the acceptance letter,actually he didn't asked for a single document)

So this was my VISA experience, please guide was it lack of preparation or pure BAD LUCK?

When to reapply(after how much gap?)

What i will say when i will be asked next time"why your visa was rejected? How the situation has changed from last time?"

Please guide....its really heart breaking!

Thanks.

Thanks Umar Bhai, for getting back to me.

Actually i was totally disheartened by rejection , so could not concentrate what the VO said about the social and family ties after returning the passport to me. I just remember he said u r a student you have no resposibilities....something like that(thats why i wrote blah blah...in my post)

Will reapply , after purchasing the HDFC slip after 3 business days.

Should i show him the documents of acceptance from the university in USA and NOC from my parent medical college before he asks me to do so. I was waiting this time too but he didn't asked for anything and provided the rejection straight forward.

Also what should i write in the VISA application in the column-"PURPOSE OF VISIT". This time i wrote Clinical electives. Should i elaborate it in the application also?

Umar bhai please advise, Randy reserved spot for me at UCSF in oct and nov . Now he is saying that they are not accepting international students at this time. He also mentioned that i should check your website for similar programs elsewhere . He doesn't know that i got a spot reserved there just because of your guidance. Is there any way out?
Please reply as soon as possible, thanks.

If this question is not suited for here,plz scrap me back.

Thanks a lot umar bhai.

 SIR, CAN I GO ON F1 VISA IF THE UNIVERSITY ITSELF IS OFFERING THAT VISA? IS IT EASILY ISSUED THAN

VISITOR VISA?

 colleges lik MSSM &BAYLOR..require J1 &F1 visa respectively..

so,can we get B visa  on basis of some other  univ & then go for electives in the above mentioned colleges?pleas help..

 Hi Umar!

1)If I want to go for electives > 6 months, then how am I supposed to prove that in visa interview? Because I'll be having acceptance letters from univs of only first 2 months (I think so), and waiting for the others to accept, and what if one is planning for 7 months ( i dont think they will give a long visit visa to person with no travel history, and they give visa usually of 3 months and 6 months, I heard)

2)For how many months one should plan for electives, with no travel history

Thanks Umar, u are the guiding star for all of us

i have applied to baylor for january and to harvard for february.....baylor req j1 visa and harvard a visitor visa...what do i do....I m worried sick...please help

 Thnx Umar bhai for being so helpful… I’m currently a 4^th yr MBBS student, and m planning to apply for US electives ( probly in December 2010 )… I’ve never been to any country before…

First of all, I would like to extend my gratitude to Umar Tariq for setting up this site and all the members who are contributing.Not only has it been an invaluable resource for application procedures, but the very fact that there are others who have been accepted gives me hope.

I am currently in my final year of MB.BS and plan on doing some electives after my final year exams but before the results are annouced.That gives me approximately 3 months.

While I do believe that applying to as many universities as possible is the best way to go, I can't help but worry about the various visa requirements.Mainly with regards to F1 visas.Is is necessary for me to get two different F1's for two different electives?Say one for Baylor and then for Mt.Sinai ?

Or can I just get one for Baylor and use that for the Sinai elective.

And then there's harvard and yale,among others, which insist on B2.

What I mean to ask is, how many visas can I apply for at a time? Does any one have any experiences with regard to this?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

VISA for electives
 
Well, once we get acceptance for electives, the next major issue that haunts us is the VISA. Same was the case with me and as I personally knew very few people who had gone on a tourist VISA, I was bit worried about how to proceed. But Medisid’s blog and few others’ guidance helped me long way. So, thank you all for the same!
 
Well, here are few tips and my experiences, to help people like me who have to start from the scratch.
 
 Getting started-
 
After getting  approval for electives, log on to https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/USIndia/Index.html and read the relevant pages thoroughly. This will introduce you to the basics of VISA. Next, as Medisid has already mentioned, log on to http://www.immihelp.com/visas/ for even more detailed information. I got all the relevant pages printed and then read them carefully. This makes you feel confident and comfortable about the VISA process.
 
 For scheduling the interview-
 
Now that you are aware about the VISA process, you need to start the actual process. (Though all info has been given on immihelp, I will mention the steps I actually went through.)
1) Go to your nearest designated branch of HDFC Bank taking along a good quality Xerox of first and last page of your passport and approximately Rs. 7000/- application fee. You will get 3 receipts, white one, blue and a pink one. The white one will be kept by the Bank and they will hand you over the blue and pink receipts.
 
2) Filling up the DS 160 form
 
Check out all instructions at https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/USIndia/applicationformDS160.html
 
While filling the form, you need to upload a ‘proper’ photo. Instructions regarding the photo are available on the VFS site. Or else, as I did, go to any reputed studio in your town and just tell them you need a photo for US Visa. They usually know it well and will also give you the photo in your pen-drive.
 
After filling up the form, you can print your application confirmation letter.
 
3)Scheduling your IV appointment-
 
Now, you can check the available dates of interviews at https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/ApplnForms/EarliestDate.aspx
 
For scheduling the interview, you have to go to https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/ApplnForms/RegularUser.aspx
 
 
 
4) For people like me who will be appearing for IV at Mumbai-
You have to submit these documents http://www.immihelp.com/visas/usa-visa-mumbai-consulate-documents-advan… at the Mumbai Consulate 3-4 days before your IV. But best is, submit as soon as you schedule your appointment. Remember that someone has to personally go and submit these documents there.
 
 
Documents-
 
Now first part is finished and its time to start gathering your documents.
I classified my documents as follows-
 
1) Actual VISA documents-
My pink slip, Appointment confirmation letter, Application confirmation letter and printout of my application for records
 
2) Proof of why I need the VISA-
Printout from Cornell’s website which mentions that students are required to come on tourist visa and not student visa, my approval letter for electives, CS Visa letter, all Cs related documents..
 
3) Documents from my college-
Dean’s NOC letter to attend electives which also stated that I need to come back for completing my internship and a copy of my complete application packet to Cornell which consists of right from my application form to my transcript to my dean’s LOR, my expected date of graduation etc etc
 
4) Proof that my Dad will be paying for my trip-
Printed an undertaking on behalf of my dad and got his sign it. Its of if you don’t make the formal affidavit.
 
5) Proof of my dad’s paying capacity-
Certificate from the bank stating that my dad has Rs xxx in his account and is capable to pay for my trip, his past 3 years income tax returns statements in original, documents of our property, his bank passbooks.
 
6) Miscellaneous documents-
Like my birth certificate, 10th 12th marksheets, MBBS marksheets, final mbbs passing certificate, provisional registration certificate
 
 
 
Now you are ready for interview!
 
Actual Interview-
 
I will narrate my experience now. My timing of IV was 11.30 am. I was staying at Borivali in Mumbai from where, it takes around 45 mins by local train to reach the American Consulate at Mahalakshmi. I left from my home at 8:45 am. Trust me people; never underestimate traveling time in Mumbai. It took me 15 min to get auto to station, about 15 minutes to find my correct local train. Overall, more tha 90 mins to reach my destination. I had planned to wear a suit without tie. But being afraid that my suit might get damaged in the maddening local train rush, I kept it in a polythene hand bag and carried my documents in another bag. As I was standing close to the track on the platform, a strange fear gripped me when I saw a huge crowd behind me. Even before the train completely stopped, there was a huge force which pushed me on the train’s window. Though I had First Class ticket, the rush was simply maddening! Ignoring bruises, I pushed my way into the train and almost lost a shoe in the process!! But finally got in… So one advice guys, leave very early, never in the peak traveling hours. After reaching Mahalakshmi, I first went to the VFS’s Stars and Stripes Lounge. I will suggest everybody to do the same too. By the time I reached the lounge, it was 10:30 already. (They charge nominal Rs 250/- and give you a proper locker to keep your valuables and mobile… And you can visit the washroom to freshen up and make yourself comfortable. They also offer you free sandwich and Coffee and a AC waiting lounge.)
At around 11:15, they announced that people who are having IV at 11:30 should get into the bus provided by the lounge. The bus dropped me right at the security counter.
Now, after my security check, I was given a pink token and my finger printing was done. Then came the big moment!! I was asked to wait for my IV. As soon as my token number was announced, I moved to my counter. Another guy’s IV was going on, which continued for more than 20 min. The VO, about 30 yr old white lady, didn’t look very happy. I got very nervous. After the guy in front of me left, the VO signalled me to come in.
She greeted me with a pleasant smile which eased my anxiety a bit.
Me(with feigned confident smile)- Good Afternoon Mam! How are you doing?
VO- (smiling too!) Im fine. How are you?
(As soon as she asked about my well being, I felt very comfortable and all my anxiety was relieved)
Me- I am fine too! Thank you!
VO- So, why do you want to go to US?
Me- (With smile and enthusiasm) I have been selected by Weill Cornell Medical College at New York for a clinical elective!
VO- Good! So your rotations are at which hospital?
Me- Lincoln Medical
VO- In which part of NY?
Me- Bronx!
VO- (Laughing) So you will be seeing lot of victims of gunshot, stabbing etc!!
Me- (Laughing) Yeah that’s for sure! Coz you know, my electives are in Emergency Medicine!!!
VO( Laughed out really hard!) Are you kidding me? Ha ha
Me-(laughing again)No Mam, seriously!!
VO- Ok! Your Visa has been approved and you’ll get your passport in 3 days
Me- Thank you mam! Have a nice day!!
VO- U too!!
 
That’s it! She didn’t ask for any single document, not even my electives approval letter.
When I got my passport, I saw that I had been granted 10 year Multiple Entry Visa!!
 
Well I was sure very lucky here. But I had prepared myself well for any other question I would have faced. Like, few sample responses I had prepared-
 
Q- Why do u wana go to the US?
A- I have been selected by … for a clinical elective!! Would you like to see my approval letter?
 
Q- What are clinical electives?
A- They are a short period of clinical training in the United States
 
Q- It’s a training? SO shouldn’t it be on a student VISA?
A- No, WCMC does not provide i-20 documents for F1 visa. They require students to come on a tourist VISA. Would you like to see the printouts of VISA requirements from their website?
 
Q- What exactly will you be doing there?
A- My job will be like that of a final year American Medical Student. I will be attending rounds, presenting cases, observing various procedures etc
 
Q- Will you be coming back after your electives?
A- Yes, definitely! I have not yet graduated yet! I will be completing my graduation after I come back. Would you like to see my Dean’s NOC which states the same?
 
And few things I would like to add-
 
I did feel overdressed with the suit on, but I don’t regret it. Infact, I would recommend guys to wear one. It surely creates a good impression. I need not explain the importance of a clean shave and well grooming.
 
Try to be confident! As Akshay already said, you are not a thief. On the contrary, you are going to pay them for electives. So their country is generating revenue from you!
 
Try to flash a smile and show enthusiasm. Going for electives is going to be an awesome experience for you. So, think about that fact and be truly enthusiastic! They like such people.
 
Be loud and clear, and try not talking too fast. And if you don’t understand what the VO said, don’t hesitate to ask- sorry, can you repeat again? Be calm throughout. Coz if you hesitate and mumble, he might become suspicious of your intentions.
 
Don’t forget to wish them Good morning. It should be you who initiates the conversation.
 
And last but not the least; every person’s interview is unique. So never feel nervous after listening to others’ experience. Just be honest and answer with all wit. You will surely succeed! Best of luck people!
 

Dear Umair,

  It would also be very helpful if you throw some light on obtaining US visa in Pakistan. Moreover how to get the 5 year multiple visa? Thanks in anticipation.

HI,,

 I VE HEARD THAT NOW A DAYS VISITOR VISAS ARE NOT GIVEN GENERALLY.. IS THIS TURE? AND DO PEOPLE GET EASILY VISTOR VISA ON THE BASIS OF ELECTIVES? 

Salam all

I have a question regarding getting a Visa for Electives.

I have not been able to get an acceptance from a hospital so far and I am beginning to worry that by the time I get an acceptance it might be too late to get a Visa

I have a cousin whose a gastroenterologist and he says that he can give me a personal letter (not an official hospital letter) saying that I am going to work under him for an elective.

I would like to know if its a good idea to apply for the B1 Visa using that letter cos then I can apply now immediately but on the other hand its not an official electives program acceptance so theres a slightly greater chance that it will be rejected.

Please Umar bhai and other friends can you advise me what to do as I am already running out of time.

Thank you all.

Damsel in Distress

1-Can I go to electives in the period between: After my finals, and before the result appear( Upon which I'll receive my degree!)? and what if the results appear during my elective?
2- I have a valid B1/B2 visa which i plan to use to go for an elective at Cornell, but i also want to take 2 months at Louisville which needs a J-1 visa!
If i can get both visas on my passport, which elective should i do first, and how do i change my status( If i have both visas!)

Thank you :D

Thanks in advance

Dear Umar,

Frst of all..its an awesum site..thank u..:))

Is an email for Weill Cornell University enuf for my visitors visa interview..? or do I need a lettr mailed by them..actually i hav my electives strting frm da end of jan n i dint sent the university the required documention yet..i m planning to do dat asap n in da mean while finish off iwth my visa interview also..do i hav to wait fr da lettr to b mailed by the university ppl..? im afraid if i do dat i ll nt hav suffient time fr my visa process as dat mite tak ateat 20 days frm nw..so shud i go ahead with my email copy..?

plzz reply asap..

agn thanx a lot fr da help...:)))

plus links for the entire visa procedure??

plz help me out!!

I have applied for electives program in St.John's Mercy Medical Centre,St.louis.Is the confirmation mail sent by them sufficient for acquiring a visa and which type of visa is needed for such electives?

Thank You.

I have a query regarding visa. I have a 10 years multiple entry B1/B2 visa. I am scheduled for an elective in Jefferson in march 2011. I want to get a 6 month stamp on my visa on the port of entry. But the problem is I have been asked to come on B1 By jefferson university and I have heard that we cannot stay on b1 for more than 3 months. Please help.

hai uamar bhai,

I am one of the img's who got benefitted from ur website.I am very much thankful to you.

Now i have got a problem.I got i20 from kaplan coaching centre,houston for 10 months.I have to pay 3laks for them.I have to study for minimum 22hrs for week at their centre.we can do it even on weekends.

Now the problem is can I do clerkships at different medical colleges,which usually require b1/b2 visiting visa during that 10 months.

Hello Bhai,

 It is great to have your guidance. The site is really helpful.

I ve been able to secure an elective at university of louisville for 4 weeks which starts from april 25. I ve applied for the months of june and july and i am yet to receive a reply from them. Keeping this as back up im trying to secure an elective through my aunt who is a cardiologist in US. In this regard i wanted to know the following..

1) Univ of louisville wants me to come on j1 visa..will the home country rule apply to me?

2) Will i be able to change my status from j1 to visitors visa if i get admission into other college. Im sure that i can atleast get an observership if not elective..will change of status be possible to do the observership? Do i need to come back to India for the change of status??

3) In case if i dont get any clerkship or observership, should i be returning back immedietly or will i have time to give step 2 cs??

hi doctors..

i got accepted for the electives at mount sinai which asks for an F1 visa..i got the visa but they retained the form I-20 & sevis fee receipt..we are required to carry these with us when we go for the electives..can any one please tell me what to do next??

This website is wonderful...definitely the best of all the various blogs and forums related to electives.

I have a small doubt. I have a 10 year multiple entry B1/B2 visa for U.S. I had applied last year as my family was supposed to go on a cruise trip over there...but for some reason we did not go

Now I need to apply for Northwestern for February 2012 and they require a medical clerkship B1 visa. So I am presuming its different than the visa that I already have.

Will it be a problem that I did not go US after I took the visa last time when I go for my interview again later this year. Will they get skeptical as to why did I apply for the visa if I did not go there?

Thank you so much.

Awaiting your reply. 

I have a chance of getting 1 month of observesrhip in Texas University pathology department.I am wondering which kinda visa I need to pply?J1?and is it possible to get that?

Thanks

im naresh , final year mbbs student in lumhs..going to appear in interview for us visa for electives..i was previously rejected....i just wanna know that what should i write in my marital status as im neither engaged nor married but just in relationship so if i select other in marital colum then will they ask any certificate or how i will justify that im commited with someone n i will return to marry her and also to complete my graduatio...

i m doing internship. and filling applications for electives.. 

 2 years back while i was in 1st and 2nd mbbs, i applied for visitor visa as my sister is green card holder lives in chicago.and i was rejected three times for visitor visa for so and so reason like your sponsor is not in yr blood relation (he was my dad s distant relative uncle)...when i ws rejected for 1st time.. and for 2nd and 3 rd time after my sis went to usa.. the reason for my rejection was.. I HAVE GOT VERY STRONG RELATIONS IN US ...SO THEY THINK THAT I WONT COME BACK..  

but now its all diff thing. i want to apply for elective. soo 

1..what precautions should i take for applying for electives?

2  which universities should i select especially?? 

3  what r the chances of getting B1B2 visa..r there less chances??

4  should i apply for cs with electives.. is it advisable ?? or elective with cs will jeopardize my chances of getting visa,specially in my case??

 pls help me .i m egarly waiting ..plssss

I wanted to know that when we go for our residency,its generally on J-1 visa.For F-1 we have to show enough funds,Is it also the case for j-1..in residency we get paid ,so how much money we need to show in our account for J-1 visa?

is it difficult to get j-1 if you dont have 10 -15 thousand dollrs.??

 Hello... i m a 4th yr medical undergraduate from pakistan. i just want to get the details of the acceptance letters by the universities to the medical students. any sample of it could help me out.. i ll be greatly thankful to u.

 hey umar bhai,

i have applied for electives in harvard for the months april and may. curently i dont have a visa. they require a B1 visa. and they tell u if u are accepted only 2-3 weeks before. so when should i apply for that? and should i tell the immigration ppl that i need the visa for going to harvard??

thank u so much :)