This site is offering some basic information about one of your following steps. Higher education is something important to each of us. Make sure that you are making the right decision.
U.S. Immigration F1 Visas for International Students
International student visas are issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Department (INS), under the State Department of the United States. An international student visa grants the student permission to enter the USA legally. In order to obtain an international student visa to enter the US, the applicant must meet the following basic requirements:
The international student visa applicant must be in good health. People who have tested positive for HIV are not allowed to enter the US and will not be issued an international student visa.
The International student visa applicants must promise to obey all US laws, or risk deportation.
The International student visa applicants must be able to support himself financially during the course of US study.
International student visa applicants must agree to leave the USA after the course of US study is complete.
It is important to remember that applying early and providing the requested documents does not guarantee that the international student will receive an international student visa. Also, because each international student’s immigration situation is unique, two students from the same country, applying for the same international student visa may be asked different questions and for different documents.
In addition, international students should be aware that obtaining an international student visa does not automatically guarantee entry into the United States. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) officer at the port of entry into the US has the authority to deny admission even if an international student visa has been granted. Follow all immigration rules and guidelines closely. Obtaining your international student visa is a crucial step towards a successful US education.
Types of US Student Visas: USA Student Visa Immigration Info
Types of US student visas: F1 student immigration visa, M1 student immigration visa, J1 visa
There are three types of USA student immigration visas:
- The F-1 visa is issued to students who are enrolled in an academic or English language program. The F1 visa is also required for international students who wish to study at a US college or university. F-1 students must maintain the minimum course load for full-time student status. They can remain in the US up to 60 days beyond the length of time it takes to complete their academic program. They are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).
- The M-1 visa is issued to students attending non-academic trade and vocational schools. This type of visa is valid for a maximum of one year.
- The J-1 visa is issued to students who need to obtain practical training, which is not available in their home country, to complete their academic program.
Immigration: U.S. Immigration Forms and Documents
Immigration Forms and documents
The following items are required from all applicants for a student visa.
Acceptance form (I-20)
Before applying for an international student visa, the applicant must be accepted by a school or institution approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). The student can find out directly from the school whether it has that approval. If the student is applying for the F-1 visa, the institution must send the applicant a Form I-20A-B, (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant [F-1] Student Status for Academic and Language Students). If the student is applying for the M-1 visa, the institution must send the applicant a Form I-20M-N (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant [M-1] Student Status for Vocational Students). All four pages of the I-20 form must be submitted with the application. The form must also be signed by the applicant and by a school official in the appropriate places.
Application fee
Each applicant for a student visa must pay a nonrefundable application fee. Contact the consular office to find out the current amount of the fee.Application form
Each applicant must submit a Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156, completed and signed. A separate form is needed for children, even if they are included in a parent’s passport. Free blank forms are available at all US embassies and consulates. A copy of the form can also be obtained online from the US State Department website (http://travel.state.gov/DS-0156.pdf).Passport
Each applicant must have a passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date that extends at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person applying for a visa must make a separate application.Photograph
Each applicant must provide one photograph 1 and 1/2 inches square (37x37mm), showing full face, without head covering, against a light backgroundEvidence of financial resources
Applicants must provide evidence that shows they (or their parents who are sponsoring them) have sufficient funds to cover their tuition and living expenses during the intended period of study. Applicants or sponsors who are salaried employees should bring income tax documents and original bank statements. Applicants or sponsors who own a business should bring business registration, licenses, and tax documents, as well as original bank statements.A student's spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 also can apply for visas to come with the student to the US. Applicants who wish to bring dependents with them to the US must also provide marriage and/or birth certificates as proof of the relationship with his spouse and/or children.
In addition, student applicants may also be asked to provide:
- Transcripts and diplomas from schools they have attended.
- Scores from standardized tests required by the US school such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc