Now that you know the basics of the visa process, all you have to do is apply. Abby Rupp, former representative of the U.S. Department of State's Visa Office, shares inside information on making the visa process as easy as possible.

Hobsons: How long can students expect the visa process to take?
Rupp: The visa process begins when a student is accepted into a school or exchange visitor program. The student's school or sponsor must register them in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Then, they will receive an I-20 or DS-2019 form. These forms are issued by the U.S. government and are required of any nonimmigrant student wishing to obtain an F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa. See www.ice.gov/sevis for more information.

Next comes scheduling a visa interview. It generally takes less than two weeks to get an appointment at a consulate. View wait times for each office here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html. Applicants renewing their visas may be exempt from the interview; visit www.usembassy.gov for more details.

On the day of the interview, you will provide ten electronic fingerprints and pay an application fee. The interview itself averages three–five minutes. If you are approved, you should receive your visa within 48 hours.

Hobsons: What tips would you give students to make the visa process easier?
Rupp: Many students have not thought much about the application process or their reasons for wanting to study in the U.S. Sometimes students also do not realize that the interview is meant to be a conversation, not just a document review. We are often more focused on the person than the paper..

Hobsons: What is a common mistake students make when applying?
Rupp: Many students have not thought much about the application process or their reasons for wanting to study in the U.S. Sometimes students also do not realize that the interview is meant to be a conversation, not just a document review. We are often more focused on the person than the paper.

Hobsons: What is the most common reason for a visa application being rejected?
Rupp: The most common reason for rejecting an application is that the applicant does not meet the legal requirements set forth by various sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). During the visa interview, officers look at each application individually and consider professional, social, cultural, and other factors. For younger applicants such as students—who may not feel as compelled to leave the United States after graduation—consular officers may look at specific intentions, family situations, long-range plans, and prospects to determine eligibility.

Hobsons: Has the visa application/interview changed in accordance with increased global security measures?
Rupp: Additional safety measures have been put in place since September 11, 2001, including mandatory interviews and fingerprinting. However, many requirements have not changed significantly. The U.S. State Department works hard to continually improve the process, making it paperless, consistent, and transparent worldwide.

Hobsons: Who oversees updates and changes to the visa application and interview format?
Rupp: While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the overall authority over the immigration process, the State Department manages the visa process. We work closely with DHS, Congress, the White House, and interested parties such as universities and research institutions to find ways to make the process safer and more efficient.

Hobsons: What is the most common misconception students have about the visa process?
Rupp: Students think that there is a certain "right answer" to all of our questions. In fact, we look at each case individually. Each applicant must convince the consular officer that they do not intend to immigrate to the U.S. and that they have the resources and tools to succeed in their program in the U.S. There are close to 6,000 post-secondary schools in the U.S., so each applicant's program and goals can be different.

Hobsons: How long must students wait to reapply if their visa application is rejected?
Rupp: There is no mandatory waiting period after a visa is refused; however, it is recommended that students do not reapply right away unless they have undergone significant changes or found new information that was not presented in the initial interview. In general, if an applicant does not qualify under the law the first time, they will likely be rejected the second time unless their situation has changed.