Assam: Students chase visa to fulfil higher education dreams

GUWAHATI: Diverse visa norms for different countries has turned out to be a hurdle for students and researchers planning to go abroad during the Covid crisis.
Despite difficulties in obtaining visa, some were lucky enough to step on foreign soil just when the deadly second wave of the pandemic took the worst turn in India. But there are others whose future is hanging in balance.
The uncertainty is obviously nerve-wrecking for students, as well as fresh graduates. Dr Dipjyoti Das of Barpeta got an offer letter from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta. The institute has applied for his J1 visa clearance, mainly issued for post-doctoral researchers, but he is still waiting for approval. “Once they receive the visa clearance, they will send me one DS2019 form. Then only I can book visa appointment at the US consulate in India,” said Dipjyoti. “Although the consulate is closed, I was told by another friend that on June 14, some student visa appointments were given. Let's hope for the best,” he added.
Another student from IIT Guwahati, said on condition of anonymity that he tried to apply for US visa several times but the next available date for interview is in February 2022. “My professor in the US has told me to join on July 1. I don’t know how this will be possible and I am very much worried. I have asked for his help but till now nothing has happened because of pandemic,” he said.
Pankaj Das, an educationist from Kahilipara knocked the door of Colombia University last year but he got a clear message in 2020 itself that his nephew’s dream to study in the leading university won't become a reality soon. “They gave in writing in website that MA/PhD programmme in English for 2021-22 session will remain suspended. Now we are hoping that the visa rules will be relaxed soon, as we are going to apply again in October,” he said.
British deputy high commissioner to Kolkata, Nick Low said, "I am delighted that so many students from India’s Northeast choose to apply for higher education in the UK. Our visa application centres in India are open and continue to process applications for many visa categories, including student and skilled worker visas." The UK’s new Graduate Route for international students will open for applications on July 1.