INTO University Partnerships’ PASS program helps more than 2000 US-bound international students successfully obtain visas
Centered around expanding educational opportunities of international students, the unique service is helping students worldwide arrive on campuses of US universities
(WASHINGTON DC): As the demand for US universities remains high among international students, INTO University Partnerships is offering tailored support for those navigating the US visa process, especially in regions where visa success is challenging.
The Pre-Arrival Success Services (PASS) program was developed by INTO University Partnerships to provide an enhanced level of visa support and guidance for international students hoping to pursue higher education in the United States. The program is free of charge, with a central goal of ensuring higher education in the US is more accessible to international students. It has helped more than 2000 students so far from India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Turkey, Kenya, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Kazakhstan - among many others - successfully obtain their F-1 visas.
Unlike conventional light-touch visa guidance, INTO University Partnerships’ PASS program upholds a practical and interactive approach, creating a simulated interview experience for students and led by a team of experienced advisors. The comprehensive initiative includes one-on-one mock interviews, workshops and activities for students to practice and apply their new skills, accompanied by virtual webinars that address each step of the visa application process.
“When it comes to a students’ enrolment journey, it is essential 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,” said Jacquie Serr, INTO University Partnerships’ Vice President of Enrolment.
“The US international student visa application and interview is a complicated and difficult 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,” said Laura Nye, PASS Program Manager at INTO University Partnerships.
Launched in 2020 to support international students from countries with low US visa success rates, INTO University Partnerships’ PASS program has accelerated to become a fully-fledged service, supporting thousands of students. Students have, on average, a 50% greater likelihood of getting a visa if they prepare with the PASS program.
The PASS digital webinars cover an array of topics from applying for the F1 visa to document and application review, and students then have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A forum.
“Our program is designed to cover all aspects of the US visa process for students. We provide students with comprehensive information, resources, and the opportunity to address any concerns or queries 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,” said Ms Nye.
During the process, INTO’s PASS team helps students understand the steps they need to take in order to obtain their visa and offers a safe space to practice and build their confidence as they explain their own unique academic goals.
The one-to-one mock interview sessions with INTO University Partnerships’ US visa specialists equip students for their visa interviews. This engaging experience helps students build their confidence and effectively communicate their academic plans and goals during their visa interviews.
Emmanuel, a graduate pathway student from Nigeria, studying at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, said: “I booked the mock interview with INTO’s PASS team, and I am glad I did it. It helped me gain insights on the best approach to answering visa interview questions and prepared me for any turn of events. Naturally, I can be timid and reserved, so it’s normal for me to hold out on my answers but the PASS team helped me change my mentality to be more confident and explain my answers in a concise manner. Hopefully, more students can use this program because it is immensely beneficial.”
Muhammed, a graduate student from Pakistan, preparing to study for a master's at Saint Louis University (SLU), said: “I was delighted to find out that I was granted a visa to the United States. I was initially concerned about my Visa interview, but then I discovered the PASS Event Department. Miss Laura Nye, the PASS manager personally prepared me for the interview. She cleared up all my inquiries and prepared me for it by performing mock interviews with me. For students who want to practice for the interview, I would highly recommend utilizing INTO PASS.”
Pablo, an undergraduate pathway student from Colombia, enrolled at Oregon State University, said: “Through INTO’s PASS program, I had many mock interviews which helped me understand how to approach the interview in a different way. The team gave me tips on what I should practice and helped me learn how to explain my strengths. I was still nervous on the day of my interview, but practicing with PASS gave me more confidence, and I was so pleased to be approved for my visa. I think all students should speak with the PASS team before their first interview appointment, it is incredibly helpful."
The innovative program has received positive feedback from INTO’s university partners in the United States as it has supported them to increase diversity on campus with talented students from across the world.
The University of Alabama’s Director of Marketing and Recruitment, Vince Milam, said: “We truly appreciate all the work that the INTO PASS team does to help our international students be more confident and successful in their visa interviews. We have a large confirmation pool from South Asia and other markets, and they truly respond well with the support delivered by the PASS team. We have even had students get refused twice and the PASS team has helped them be successful on their third attempt. They provide such a valuable service.”
Oscar Del Rio, Director of Marketing and Recruitment at INTO Hofstra University, said: “The PASS team has been a great support for our students. They are readily available for advice and provide students with valuable information and insight on the visa interview process. Their high-quality work is evident when speaking to students who have met with a PASS team member, as they usually express their appreciation for the guidance they received.”
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