Qualifying for a Student Visa
The Immigration and National Act is very specific with regard to the requirements which must be met by applicants to qualify for the student visa. The consular officer will determine whether you qualify for the visa. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that they properly meet student visa requirements including:
? Have a residence abroad, with no immediate intention of abandoning that residence;
? Intend to depart from the United States upon completion of the course of study; and
? Possess sufficient funds to pursue the proposed course of study.
List of student visas:
? F-1 visa: For individuals who want to study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at a university or intensive language institute.
? J-1 visa: for individuals participating in educational and cultural exchange programs.
? M-1 visa: For individuals engaged in non-academic study or vocational training.
In order to apply for student visas (F-1, J-1, M-1), you must first have a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)-compatible form (either an I-20 or a DS-2019) issued by the U.S. college, university or organization. The institution will provide you with the form after you have been admitted to the school or program.
Once you have all the required documentation, you may apply for the visa, even if you do not intend to begin your program for several months. It is best to apply early, to ensure that there is sufficient time for visa processing.
Next, you will need to pay the SEVIS and visa processing fees, and make an appointment for your interview. You should make sure that you have all the documentation for the interview including: the SEVIS-compatible form, proof of payment of the SEVIS and visa fees, and a completed visa application. All applicants should also be prepared to provide: transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended; scores from any standardized tests required by the school; and financial evidence showing that you or your sponsor have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of study.
Sevis (form i-901):
? SEVIS fee is required for all F and M students as well as J exchange visitors
? Fee amount is $200 US dollars
? Fee can be paid once accepted into accredited school and I-20 has been completed at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
F-1 Student Visa Applying from Abroad
If you are applying for an F-1 Student Visa from your home country, you will begin by selecting a school in the U.S. where you want to study and applying to the school. You may also want to begin looking into housing information at this time. If your application is accepted you will obtain Form I-20 from the DSO (Designated School Official) and pay the I-901 SEVIS receipt. You will be added to the SEVIS database with an individual ID number.
After the school enters your information into the SEVIS database, you will receive Form I-20 and schedule the "Initial Entry Visa Interview" with your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please check with your U.S. Embassy or Consulate to determine their policies and procedures. You can check the U.S. Department of State website and select your city, then click the link for visa information. Wait times for student visa appointments at embassies and consulates world-wide can be found at Travel.State.Gov. Student Visa interviews will require the following documentation:
? Your Form I-20
? SEVIS I-901 receipt
? Signed passport (must be valid for 6 months after entry into the US)
? Transcripts or diplomas from current or previous institutions
? Program of study description
? Accommodation information
? Evidence of funds to cover tuition and living expenses for either the length of your study or one year, whichever is shorter.
? Your local US Embassy/Consulate might require additional forms such as DS-156, DS-157A, DS-158A. They are available online or at your local embassy/consulate.
Once you are granted a U.S. entrance visa, notify the school of your expected arrival date, and obtain a new I-20 if the dates have been deferred. Also, be sure to confirm your housing and transportation arrangements in advance of your departure from your home country. Keep in mind that you can enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before your program start date.
Upon arrival at a United States Port of Entry you must present:
? Your Form I-20, signed by the DSO of the school you will attend
? Your I-94
? A valid visa containing your SEVIS identification number and the name of the school you will be attending (BIR)
? Financial documentation
? A valid passport
The Customs and Border Protection inspector will stamp your Form I-20 and Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record Form) after determining that you are eligible for entry. This document is proof that you entered the U.S. legally. You should keep the Form I-94 safe throughout your stay in the U.S.
The Immigration and National Act is very specific with regard to the requirements which must be met by applicants to qualify for the student visa. The consular officer will determine whether you qualify for the visa. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that they properly meet student visa requirements including:
? Have a residence abroad, with no immediate intention of abandoning that residence;
? Intend to depart from the United States upon completion of the course of study; and
? Possess sufficient funds to pursue the proposed course of study.
List of student visas:
? F-1 visa: For individuals who want to study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at a university or intensive language institute.
? J-1 visa: for individuals participating in educational and cultural exchange programs.
? M-1 visa: For individuals engaged in non-academic study or vocational training.
In order to apply for student visas (F-1, J-1, M-1), you must first have a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)-compatible form (either an I-20 or a DS-2019) issued by the U.S. college, university or organization. The institution will provide you with the form after you have been admitted to the school or program.
Once you have all the required documentation, you may apply for the visa, even if you do not intend to begin your program for several months. It is best to apply early, to ensure that there is sufficient time for visa processing.
Next, you will need to pay the SEVIS and visa processing fees, and make an appointment for your interview. You should make sure that you have all the documentation for the interview including: the SEVIS-compatible form, proof of payment of the SEVIS and visa fees, and a completed visa application. All applicants should also be prepared to provide: transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended; scores from any standardized tests required by the school; and financial evidence showing that you or your sponsor have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of study.
Sevis (form i-901):
? SEVIS fee is required for all F and M students as well as J exchange visitors
? Fee amount is $200 US dollars
? Fee can be paid once accepted into accredited school and I-20 has been completed at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
F-1 Student Visa Applying from Abroad
If you are applying for an F-1 Student Visa from your home country, you will begin by selecting a school in the U.S. where you want to study and applying to the school. You may also want to begin looking into housing information at this time. If your application is accepted you will obtain Form I-20 from the DSO (Designated School Official) and pay the I-901 SEVIS receipt. You will be added to the SEVIS database with an individual ID number.
After the school enters your information into the SEVIS database, you will receive Form I-20 and schedule the "Initial Entry Visa Interview" with your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please check with your U.S. Embassy or Consulate to determine their policies and procedures. You can check the U.S. Department of State website and select your city, then click the link for visa information. Wait times for student visa appointments at embassies and consulates world-wide can be found at Travel.State.Gov. Student Visa interviews will require the following documentation:
? Your Form I-20
? SEVIS I-901 receipt
? Signed passport (must be valid for 6 months after entry into the US)
? Transcripts or diplomas from current or previous institutions
? Program of study description
? Accommodation information
? Evidence of funds to cover tuition and living expenses for either the length of your study or one year, whichever is shorter.
? Your local US Embassy/Consulate might require additional forms such as DS-156, DS-157A, DS-158A. They are available online or at your local embassy/consulate.
Once you are granted a U.S. entrance visa, notify the school of your expected arrival date, and obtain a new I-20 if the dates have been deferred. Also, be sure to confirm your housing and transportation arrangements in advance of your departure from your home country. Keep in mind that you can enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before your program start date.
Upon arrival at a United States Port of Entry you must present:
? Your Form I-20, signed by the DSO of the school you will attend
? Your I-94
? A valid visa containing your SEVIS identification number and the name of the school you will be attending (BIR)
? Financial documentation
? A valid passport
The Customs and Border Protection inspector will stamp your Form I-20 and Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record Form) after determining that you are eligible for entry. This document is proof that you entered the U.S. legally. You should keep the Form I-94 safe throughout your stay in the U.S.