Bridging Visa Gaps: INTO’s PASS Programme Paves the Way for International Students

In its ongoing mission to facilitate access to US education for international students, INTO University Partnerships has launched the Pre-Arrival Success Services (PASS) programme. This initiative is particularly crucial for students in areas where navigating the visa process is notoriously difficult.

Developed by INTO University Partnerships, the PASS programme is at the forefront of providing targeted visa guidance and support for international students looking to pursue their academic dreams in the US. This indispensable, complimentary service has already proven successful for over 2000 students from countries such as India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Turkey, Kenya, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan, assisting them in obtaining their F-1 visas.

The programme distinguishes itself through its proactive, immersive approach to interview preparation, facilitated by an experienced team of advisors. This comprehensive support package includes personalised mock interviews, engaging workshops, and detailed webinars, thoroughly covering the visa application process from start to finish.

Jacquie Serr, Vice President of Enrolment at INTO University Partnerships, highlighted the importance of customised support: “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, reaffirmed the programme’s central goal: “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 initiation in 2020, the PASS programme has become an indispensable asset, significantly improving the visa approval rates for its participants.

The programme’s webinars address a wide array of critical topics, from the specifics of the F1 visa application process to detailed document reviews, culminating in a Q&A session where students can engage directly and seek clarifications.

Delving into the programme’s comprehensive nature, Laura Nye explained: “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.”

Included in the PASS programme are one-on-one mock interview sessions with INTO’s visa experts, meticulously preparing students for their visa interviews by enhancing their confidence and ability to succinctly articulate their academic objectives.

The positive feedback from students like Emmanuel, Muhammed, and Pablo underscores the programme’s effectiveness in boosting interview readiness and confidence, leading to favourable visa interview outcomes.

The success of the PASS programme has also been acknowledged by INTO’s partner institutions in the US, contributing to an enriched campus diversity with the inclusion of talented international scholars.

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 contribution in readying students for the visa interview process, highlighting its critical support.

Since its establishment, INTO University Partnerships has been a key player in bridging the gap between over 150,000 students from 180 countries and premier universities in the US, UK, and Australia, supporting them in fulfilling their educational aspirations.