INTO University Partnerships is spearheading efforts to simplify the US visa application landscape for international students through its cutting-edge Pre-Arrival Success Services (PASS) programme. This initiative is particularly aimed at those in regions where visa approval rates are low.
Crafted with precision, the PASS programme by INTO University Partnerships is dedicated to offering comprehensive visa guidance and support to international scholars aspiring to join US educational institutions. This service, offered at no cost, has proven to be a linchpin for over 2000 students from diverse countries such as India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Turkey, Kenya, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan, facilitating their acquisition of F-1 visas.
The PASS programme distinguishes itself by providing a unique, hands-on interview preparation experience, steered by a group of expert advisors, elevating it above standard visa advice. It includes tailored mock interviews, engaging workshops, and extensive webinars that encapsulate the entirety of the visa application journey.
Jacquie Serr, Vice President of Enrolment at INTO University Partnerships, emphasised the programme’s bespoke nature: “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, highlighted the initiative’s critical mission: “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 inauguration in 2020, the PASS programme has swiftly evolved into an indispensable resource, markedly increasing the odds of visa approval for its users.
The programme’s webinars delve into a variety of topics, ranging from the nuances of the F1 visa application to document verification, culminating in an interactive Q&A segment for student participation.
Expounding on the programme’s comprehensive scope, Laura Nye added: “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.”
The PASS programme incorporates one-on-one mock interview sessions with INTO’s US visa specialists, thoroughly preparing students for their visa interviews by boosting confidence and clarifying their academic goals.
The effectiveness of the programme is echoed in the experiences of students like Emmanuel, Muhammed, and Pablo, who attribute their successful visa interviews to the rigorous preparation and confidence-building facilitated by the PASS programme.
The initiative’s success is also celebrated by INTO’s partner universities in the US, which have experienced enriched campus diversity through the admission of skilled international students.
Representatives from The University of Alabama and INTO Hofstra University, Vince Milam and Oscar Del Rio respectively, have praised the PASS programme for its essential role in equipping students for the visa interview process, underscoring its invaluable contribution.
Since its foundation, INTO University Partnerships has been instrumental in connecting over 150,000 students from 180 countries with leading universities in the US, UK, and Australia, aiding them in realising their educational ambitions.
