Last Updated on: 11th April 2024, 07:14 pm
INTO University Partnerships is actively facilitating the journey of international students to US universities through its bespoke Pre-Arrival Success Services (PASS) initiative, particularly targeting regions where securing a US visa proves most challenging.
Developed by INTO University Partnerships, the PASS initiative aims to extend comprehensive visa guidance and support to international students aspiring to study in the US. This complimentary programme has been instrumental in aiding over 2000 students from countries including India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Turkey, Kenya, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan in achieving their F-1 visa approvals.
The PASS initiative stands out by providing a detailed simulated interview experience, led by a cadre of experienced advisors, going beyond the basics of visa guidance. It encompasses personalised mock interviews, a series of practical workshops, and detailed webinars, addressing the intricacies of the visa application process.
Jacquie Serr, INTO University Partnerships’ Vice President of Enrolment, highlighted the tailored approach of the service: “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, PASS Programme Manager, emphasised the confidence-building goal of the initiative: “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.”
Launched in 2020 to bolster students from countries with historically low visa success rates, the PASS initiative has quickly become an indispensable resource, significantly enhancing students’ chances of visa approval.
The initiative’s digital webinars tackle a broad spectrum of topics, from the F1 visa application to a thorough review of documents and applications, followed by an interactive Q&A session.
Laura Nye further detailed the comprehensive 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.”
Students benefit from bespoke mock interview sessions, preparing them for their visa interviews by fostering confidence and clarity in communicating their academic objectives.
Testimonials from students like Emmanuel from Nigeria, Muhammed from Pakistan, and Pablo from Colombia underscore the efficacy of the PASS initiative in enhancing interview readiness and overall confidence, leading to successful visa outcomes.
The positive impact of the PASS initiative is also recognised by INTO’s partner universities in the US, contributing to the enrichment of campus diversity with skilled international students.
University representatives such as Vince Milam from The University of Alabama and Oscar Del Rio from INTO Hofstra University have commended the initiative for its pivotal role in boosting student confidence and success in visa interviews.
Since 2005, INTO University Partnerships has connected over 150,000 students from 180 countries with top-tier universities in the US, UK, and Australia, aiding them in realising their educational aspirations.
