How Does the Student Visa Process Work? Receiving and Filling Out Forms After acceptance into a school, you will receive a Form I-20 or DS-2019 Form from the Designated School Officer (DSO). This means the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) authorizes you to enroll in the school.
Full Answer
Can you work in the USA with a student visa?
Your US student visa allows you to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and full-time during school break periods (up to 40 hours per week). On-campus employment is defined as work that takes place on campus, or at an off-campus location that is affiliated with the school.
What are the rules for student visa?
- Your spouse and unmarried, minor children who intend to reside with you during your study may apply for F-2 or M-2 visas. ...
- Your minor children are permitted to attend school in the United States while accompanying you.
- U.S. ...
How to work in the US without a visa?
- You must have a valid passport from your home country with an expiration date at least 6 months beyond your expected departure date
- Your passport must contain a scannable, electronic chip with your biometric information (i.e. ...
- Unless you arrive in the US in your own vehicle, you must have a return ticket to your home country or another foreign country
How early should I apply for the visa?
This is because it can take up to six weeks to get an appointment at the US Embassy for a visa. The answer is - as early as possible. And so it is okay to apply for a visa 4–5 months before the intended day of travel. Most consular officers appreciate this and they may ask you for the reason for applying so early.
How do student visas work in the United States?
A student visa is a special passport endorsement issued to students by the government. Before applying for a visa, students are required to be enrolled at a qualified educational institution. Student visas are issued for the period it takes the student to complete his/her course of study, program, or work assignment.
Can I live in the US with a student visa?
The F-1 visa allows a student to temporarily live in the United States for a defined period of time while studying at a school, college, seminary, or conservatory.
Is US student visa easy to get?
It is not difficult to get a student visa for the USA from India, but you must follow all student visa requirements for the USA from India and give yourself plenty of time to complete and submit your paperwork.
How long is student visa in USA?
How long ist an F-1 visa valid? An F-1 visa is issued for up to 5 years. However, the residence status in the Unitd States is valid for the entire duration of the study and is noted on the I-20 form.
How much is a student visa to USA?
around $510 perAn F1 visa allows international students to study full time at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved university in the United States. F1 visa costs are around $510 per application, and you should apply at least three months before your course start date. Part-time work is very restricted on an F1 visa.
How can I stay in US after my student visa expires?
To extend your stay in the US after OPT expires, speak with your designated school official (DSO) or an immigration attorney to learn more about options for your F1 visa after graduation such as the following: Transfer to another education institution.
Why do student visas get rejected?
Common Reasons behind Student Visa Rejection Lack of sufficient financial funds or proofs to support foreign education. The inability of confirming a necessary return to India after completion of education. Incorrect or false documents. Inadequate language or communication skills.
Do US student visas get rejected?
Your student visa can be denied if you apply for it after the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. Consular officers can also deny your visa if the program start date has not passed but they have reason to believe that you will not enter the United States until after that date has passed.
Which country visa is hardest to get?
What are the Hardest Countries to Get a Visa To?Russia.Cuba.Iran.Turkmenistan.Chad.Bhutan.Saudi Arabia.Afghanistan.More items...
Can I stay in USA after my studies?
Yes, absolutely. If students graduate in an undergraduate or a graduate degree program, they are eligible for the optional practical training opt, which allows the students to remain in the U.S. for one year, working in any area of their studies.
How can a student become a US citizen?
If a student has amassed four years of holding a valid H1B visa, then he/she can apply for a permanent residence, commonly referred to as a green card. On the basis of student's specialized knowledge, the applicant needs to get approval from the company in which he or she is working in order to apply for a green card.
Can I get Green Card after study in USA?
If you are a student currently living in the U.S. on an active F1 visa, then you may be eligible to apply for a Green Card (a.k.a. Permanent Resident Card). Obtaining this will allow you to legally live and work in the U.S.
Can I stay in USA after my studies?
Yes, absolutely. If students graduate in an undergraduate or a graduate degree program, they are eligible for the optional practical training opt, which allows the students to remain in the U.S. for one year, working in any area of their studies.
How can international students get permanent residency in USA?
An individual may apply for Permanent Residency in the United States through a variety of means, including: sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative. an offer of permanent employment. an application for asylum.
Can you get a Green Card through student visa?
If you are a student currently living in the U.S. on an active F1 visa, then you may be eligible to apply for a Green Card (a.k.a. Permanent Resident Card). Obtaining this will allow you to legally live and work in the U.S.
How can I get US citizenship after student visa?
How To Get US Citizenship?Have a Permanent Resident (Green) Card for at least five years.Meet certain eligibility requirements including being: At least 18 years old at the time of filing. Able to read, write, and speak basic English. A person of good moral character.
What is an F-1 student visa?
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, ...
Who approves schools?
Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement
What Is a Student Visa?
A student visa is a government-issued visa that allows international students to study in a foreign country. In the United States, students can get F1, J1, or M1 visas. The F1 and J1 visas allow students to study and work. The M1 visa only allows them to study. However, the F1 and J1 visas only guarantee employment as a teaching assistant, research assistant, or other on-campus work.
How Do I Apply for a Student Visa?
Once a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified college, university, or English language program accepts you, the school will send you an application for an F1 visa, or Form I-20. Exchange students that need J1 visas will get a DS-2019 Form from the U.S. government or the agency sponsoring their visit. This allows them to apply for the J1 visa. The Form I-20 comes in Form I-20A-B for academic students and Form I-20M-N for English language and vocational students. Ideally, you should begin the visa process three to five months before the start of the academic program.
How Do I Fund or Prove Financial Support for a Visa?
Applicants must have evidence of current financial resources. Future potential earnings do not qualify. Make sure you've planned for enough money, short-term and long-term, before applying for an M1 visa.
What to do if your passport expires?
If your passport expires during your visa, keep the old passport with the visa page. This allows you to travel freely in the U.S. when you obtain a new passport. Student visa holders should also review other entry requirements regarding agricultural goods, food, and prohibited products, as outlined on the Department of Homeland Security website and the CBP website.
What is an M1 visa?
M1 visas are for students who want nonacademic or vocational schooling. Unlike with the F1 and J1 visas, M1 visa holders cannot be employed during their studies. Because of the lack of a job, M1 visa applicants must prove they have the money to pay for all tuition and living expenses during their stay.
What is a visa interview?
The interview is for a visa officer to determine if you're eligible for a student visa and which one.
How much is the visa fee for a student?
The visa application fee is also known as a Machine Readable Visa Fee, or MRV fee. For F1 and M1 student visas, it's $200. For J1 visas, it's $180.
What is the focus of a student visa interview?
A common focus for each interview is proving you have enough funding to cover your stay in the US and your plans to return home after graduation.
What are the different types of student visas?
The US offers three main types of student visas: F-1, J-1, and M-1. While these visas share some similarities, they apply to different types of programs and have unique requirements and documentation.
How long does it take to schedule a visa interview?
Schedule your appointment as early as you can, as delays in wait times can take weeks or months, depending on where you are applying. The scheduling portal can help you find the ideal time to schedule your visa interview. Payment from your DS-160 will cover the cost of your interview.
What age do you have to be to get a visa interview?
Children ages 13 and younger do not require interviews and individuals aged 14 to 79 will require visa interviews. Individuals older than 80 generally will not require a visa interview.
How long can you work in a STEM field?
After you complete your program and graduate, you may be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which will allow you to work up to 12 months in a field related to the program you studied. If you are a STEM graduate, you can request two additional years of work in a related field.
How long can you work after graduation?
After you complete your program and graduate, you may be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which will allow you to work up to 12 months in a field related to the program you studied. If you are a STEM graduate, you can request two additional years of work in a related field. If you do not have a F-1 extension, you will have to leave the US within 60 days after your graduation.
Is there an age limit for F-1 visa?
There are no age restrictions or requirements for submitting your application for F-1 and M-1 student visas.
How to apply for a student visa?
1. Apply for—and be admitted to—an American university. In order to apply for your U.S. student visa, you must first apply to and be accepted by a U.S. college or university.
What are the different types of student visas?
student visas available to international students, each of which is better suited to different unique circumstances: The F-1 visa, the M-1 visa, and the J-1 Visa.
What is the fee for a student visa?
At a cost of $200 for F-1 and M-1 visa applica nts, this fee is required of all student visa applicants and is used to cover the costs of processing each application.
How much does it cost to get a visa after an interview?
If your embassy does require you to pay beforehand, be sure to bring proof of payment to your actual interview. This fee is $160.
Where to start preparation for visa interview?
Since this interview must take place at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country , you should start this preparation by identifying the location that is closest to you. Depending on your country or region, the embassy may be a significant distance from your home, so you should choose a location that you know you will be able to reach for your interview.
What is an I-20 form?
Upon acceptance to a university, international students seeking their F-1 visa will receive a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (typically referred to as a Form I-20) from their school.
How early can I get a visa?
You must receive your visa before your program officially starts, but the earliest that you can receive your visa is 120 days prior to the program’s official start date. 2. Obtain a Form I-20 from your college or university.
What is an F-1 visa?
F-1 visas are granted to full-time students seeking a degree, diploma or certificate and enrolled at an accredited university, college, high school, elementary school, seminary or language training program. The visa is granted for the duration of your studies and you will need to maintain full-time status.
How long does it take to get an OPT after graduation?
If applying for OPT after graduation, your application MUST be received by USCIS within 60 days of completing your program (this is not the same as your graduation date). Must not be enrolled in English language program as main course of study.
Is there a fee for studying at StudyUSA?
Your information will be sent directly to the institution. One of our advisors will contact you to assist you through the entire application process. There is no fee for this service.
What do you need to be a recognized international student?
The student must have an internship/employment with a “recognized international organization.” Click here to see a recent listing of all "recognized international organizations."
How many hours can an F1 student work?
Any F1 student suffering "severe economic hardship" as defined by USCIS is eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and full-time during breaks.
What is an off campus job?
Work performed at an off-campus location which is educationally affiliated with the school. The educational affiliation must be associated with the school's established curriculum or related to contractually funded research projects at the post-graduate level. In any event, the employment must be an integral part of the student's educational program.
How many hours can you work on campus for F1?
For on-campus work, an F1 student is subject to the following rules: You must maintain valid F1 status. You can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. You can work full-time on campus during holidays and vacation periods if you intend to register for the next academic semester.
Can I leave the country after my F1 degree?
One Final Note – Be mindful of the travel regulations governing F1 students on OPT. If you leave the country after completion of your degree, but before receiving your EAD and obtaining a job, you may not be readmitted. You can leave the country after completion of your degree if you have your EAD and a job, but make sure you bring everything that you’ll need to get back in (including valid passport, valid EAD card, valid F1 visa, all your I-20s with page 3 endorsed for travel by your international student advisor within the past 6 months, and a letter of employment, including dates of employment and salary).
Do you have to work closely with an international student?
As with all employment, you should work closely with your International Student Office. The general rules will apply somewhat differently to undergraduates, graduate students and PhD candidates, and they can guide you. The office can help you determine your eligibility for CPT, make sure your job offer qualifies, and make sure you follow all necessary steps in applying to USCIS. They also have to authorize your CPT, so you have no choice – you have to work with them. But they are pros, especially when it comes to USCIS regulations, so use them – they are there to help you.
Does employment have to be for credit?
Employment does not have to be for-credit nor required for your degree program. Regardless of how much or how long you work, this type of employment will not take away from your 12-month post-completion OPT. back to top. To learn more about working in the USA, visit our Student Job Center . Way Of Life.
How to get an employment based visa?
To obtain an employment-based immigrant visa, there is usually a requirement that an applicant applies and obtains labor certification. This process, designed to ensure that no qualified U.S. workers exist for the position, is often difficult and can take several years to complete (depending on jurisdiction). It is therefore desirable to apply under an alternative category, which lacks this labor certification requirement. Most graduates will fall under:
What is an intracompany transferee visa?
The L-1 intracompany transferee visa is used for companies abroad who have offices in the U.S. and would like to transfer certain employees here on temporary employment assignments. This visa is designed for managers and executives (maximum admission: 7 years) or people possessing specialized knowledge (maximum admission: 5 years).
How long do treaty trader visas last?
and the treaty country. An E-2 visa requires a "substantial investment" to be made into a new or existing enterprise. Managers, executives and other essential employees are eligible for these visas. The visa is usually granted for a 5-year period with 2-year increments upon each entry. It is possible to extend these visas as long as there is a need for the individual to direct and control the U.S. enterprise and the concern remains viable.
Why is the immigration process so stressful?
Navigating the American immigration process is often stressful and confusing because there are as many visas as there are letters in the alphabet. The eligibility requirements and legal rulings are constantly changing, which does not make the process any easier. Here are a few of the most common options applicable to graduates.
What is an H-3 visa?
An H-3 trainee visa is suited to those individuals who do not have appropriate education or work experience. It is for those who would like to come to the U.S. to train in a particular field with the intention of transporting the knowledge and training back to their home country upon completion of their visa. The H-3 visa is valid for 2 years and cannot be extended or transferred to H-1B/L-1 status. To qualify for an H-3 visa, the applicant needs to secure training from a U.S. employer who has an established training program.
How to work as a nonimmigrant?
A common way to work temporarily in the United States as a nonimmigrant is for a prospective employer to file a petition with USCIS on your behalf. The Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Workers webpage describes the main nonimmigrant temporary worker classifications.
What is an adjustment of status?
A change of status to a nonimmigrant classification that provides employment authorization; or. An adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident. This may be a concurrent filing with an immigrant visa petition or, depending on the circumstances, may require an applicant to obtain an approved immigrant visa before applying ...
