US Student Visa Numbers Reach a Record High as of 2007

According to sources, one of the best ways by which to understand and know what the United States is all about, is to study there. As of 2007, there were over 600,000 student visas for foreign exchange students which were issued by the United States Department of State. This number is said to be the result of over 10% of growth as compared to the previous year.

One of the greatest concerns of the nation after the 2001 terrorist attacks, termed as 9/11, was the sudden decrease in the number of student visa and other visa applications. However, with these new 2007 student visa statistics, it has proven the success of the efforts of the US government to attract foreign students, according to Maura Harty, US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs.

How important is the influx of foreign students to the United States? The benefits are not only reflected on the US, but on the home countries of these students as well, said Harty. The exposure of these foreign students to American culture not only promotes awareness and understanding, but it can also help form international alliances as well. As a matter of fact, as presented by the State Department, there are over 200 alumni foreign exchange students who have studied in the US that are now leaders in their respective countries. Examples of which are: United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, and the presidents of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, to name a few.

What is needed by a foreign student who wishes to study in the United States and apply for a student visa? Maura Harty explains that there are three minimum requirements which the Department of State asks. First, the foreign student should present evidence that they have been accepted and are enrolled in any college or university in the United States.

Second, the foreign student must possess enough funds to show that he or she has the capacity to pay for their first year in the said college or university. And finally, it is required of the student to express the intent of returning to their home country after completing their United States educations. Why is this so? Harty says that they wish for these students to be able to apply what they learned so they can help improve their way of life at home. Along with the privilege to study, students with visas are eligible for work, as well as filing for application for scholarships.