Student Visas

My friend from India wants to study here in America. How can she do this?

First, she will need to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in her home country. Generally, if the classes she takes are less than 18 hours a week, she can enter the United States on a regular tourist visa. But if the hours exceed 18 in a week, then she will need to apply for and obtain a student visa. This is Form I-20. As a student applicant, the educational institution at which she intends to study must issue her a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Form I-20. SEVIS is an Internet-based system maintained by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) under the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State. The consulate or embassy at which a prospective student applies will verify the Form I-20 electronically to process the student visa. As with all aliens applying for visas to enter the United States, she should apply early as the process can take some time.

Are all student visas the same?

No. If the student intends to study at an academic or language institution, he or she should use Form I-20A-B. This is commonly referred to as an "F-1" visa. If the student intends to study at a vocational institution, Form I-20M-N should be filed. This is commonly referred to as an "M-1" visa. But generally, the application process for both is the same. A "J" visa is an "exchange visitor" visa. It allows various people to enter the United States temporarily as students, interns, teachers and trainees.

Is Form I-20 the only form needed to apply for a student visa?

No. A prospective foreign student will need to submit a signed SEVIS-sponsored Form I-20. She can get this from the school at which she intends to study. The student will also need to submit a signed Form DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and a signed Form DS-158, Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 are also required to complete and sign Form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Application. This form inquires into the military background of applicants.

My cousin from Italy will be starting school in America in September; but I want her to come in June so she can get settled and we can travel. Does it matter when she enters the country?

Yes, it does matter. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security requires that all foreign students beginning classes enter the country 30 days or less before the start of classes as shown on the Form I-20. If you want your cousin to come more than 30 days before the start of classes, she will need to apply for and obtain a tourist visa. She will then enter the country on the tourist visa. The tourist visa should have a notation on it indicating that she is a prospective student and she should tell the U.S. immigration inspector at port of entry that she intends to study in America. Before starting her studies, though, she will need to file for a change in her visa classification using Form I-506, Application for Change of Nonimmigrant Status, and also file the student visa Form I-20 at that time. She cannot start her studies until the change in classification is approved.

Do I need a "sponsor" for a student visa?

The educational institution where you will be studying is normally considered your "sponsor." All prospective foreign students should be prepared to show they have the money to cover their tuition and living expenses while in the United States. If your parents are "sponsoring" you, you should provide evidence of their ability to pay for your studies and expenses. This may include income tax documents and bank statements.

After going back home to Japan for the summer vacation, I am returning to the United States for my second year of college. Do I need to file new visa application or is my first application still good?

You will need to file your application again. This includes a new Form I-20 that has been signed in the previous 12 months by an official from your college, as well as a new Form DS-56, 58 and 57, if applicable. Also, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months. You will also need to submit a certified copy of your grades from the educational institution at which you are enrolled and new financial documents from you or a sponsor showing the ability to pay for your expenses in the United States. You can only renew your student visa at an U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.

How long is my student visa good for?

Student visas allow you to stay in the United States as long as you maintain full-time student status, even if the visa in your passport expires while you are in the country. For example, suppose your student visa is valid for 5 years and expires Dec. 1, 2005. You are a full-time student in the United States when your visa expires. You will still be considered in legal student status even though your visa has expired. But once you leave the United States with an expired visa, you will need to apply for and obtain a new student visa before returning to resume your studies.

I have finished my studies but want to stay in America and travel. Can I do this?

Yes. Students on an F-1 visa can stay in the United States 60 days past the completion of studies to prepare for departure from the United States or to transfer to another school. Students on an M-1 visa can stay in the United States 30 days after completion of studies.

I would like my high-school aged nephew from Mexico to attend the public high school in my town. How can I do this?

Some restrictions apply to F-1 student visa holders who want to attend public high school in the United States. He is limited to 12 months of study. The student must pay for the cost of the public school education and be able to show in his or her Form I-20 application that the school has been reimbursed for its costs of the student's education.

I am applying for a student visa to complete my studies in America. Can I bring my spouse and children with me?

Yes. You need to fill out separate applications for children, even if they are included in your passport.

I have heard I can enter the United States as an "exchange visitor." What is this and how do I apply?

You can come to the United States under the Exchange Visitor Program for educational and cultural learning experiences. It is referred to as a "J-1" visa. Public and private entities or a business can act as a designated sponsoring organization. Categories include au pairs, students, government workers, doctors, teachers and scholars, interns and summer workers.

You must be accepted into an approved exchange program before you can apply for a J-1 visa. The sponsoring organization should provide you with information on how to proceed with your visa application at the embassy or consulate in your home country.

The sponsoring organization at which you intend to work or study must issue you a SEVIS Form DS-2019. You will also need to submit a signed Form DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and a signed Form DS-158, Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 are also required to complete and sign Form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Application. This form inquires into the military background of applicants.

Most exchange visitor visa holders are required to return to their country at the end of the visa for at least 2 years before being allowed to return to the United States.

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