F-1 Visa. The Student Visa Application Overview
Being born in the United States, I've never had to consider a destination education in the United States. When it came to law school, for the first time, I found myself in a law school in Europe that was over 400 years old, learning with my European peers. Around the world, there are multitudes of people who wish to come to the United States, just to receive a American education. The following will be an overview of the F-1 Visa, the process to receive an American education as a foreign citizen.
General:
The F visa is for people who wish to enter the United States in order to attend a university/college, high school, private elementary school, Seminary, conservatory or other academic institutions. Please be mindful of the M visa, which is used for vocational or other recognized NON-academic institutions.
Steps:
Before applying for an F or M visa, one must first apply and be accepted by a SEVP approved school. Once accepted, you'll be in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and will be prompted to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The school will give you a I-20 (a document that states their approval and support of your education) to bring to your Visa interview.
Application:
Applying for a visa may vary, depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply. First, you must complete the form DS-160, the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, which can be completed online. As you are only here on a temporary basis and do not plan on immigrating permanently to the U.S., this is the form you need. The application will also need an attached photo of yourself, explained in the DS-160 form. Make sure you bring a copy of the confirmation page of the DS-160 to your Visa interview as well.
Interview: After completing the form, remember to schedule an interview. If you're between the ages of 14 and 79, the interview is required, with some exceptions for renewals. If you are below the ages of 13 and above the ages of 80, then your interview is generally not required.
If you are a new student, you can receive your F or M visa up to 120 days before your first day of classes, however, you are not allowed to enter into the U.S. before 30 days of the first day of classes. Continuing students may renew their visas at any time, as long as they have maintained student status and have up to date SEVIS records. Continuing students may enter the U.S at any time before the start of their classes.
Interview:
At the interview you will need a passport, valid for travel to the U.S. (valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the U.S. (unless your are exempted by a country-specific agreement). You will also need your DS-160 confirmation page, your application fee payment receipt, your photo (if it has not uploaded on the DS-160) and the Form I-20 form the school. Outside of this core, there may be additional requirements requested such as academic documents and other paperwork. Please address this in the website of your embassy or consulate.
The dreaded interview should not be so generally dreaded. Your goal is to show that you are able to meet the requirements for the F or M visa. You need to show that your intent is to enter to study and then return home to your native country once the education is over. You also need to show that your intention is not to stay in the U.S., that you are not here to work or to travel, but only to be educated in an American institution. There, in the interview, you'll be fingerprinted, as a part of the application process. Once approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee (depending on your nationality) and will be informed the method that your passport with visa will be returned to you.
Upon Arrival of the United States:
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. port of entry (usually a airport) and once there, request permission to actually set food into the U.S. The Visa itself does not guarantee entry into the U.S. The agents of the Department of Homeland Security and the Customs and Border Protection will have the final say if you are allowed or denied admission into the U.S. If allowed, you'll be given a Form I-94, the Arrival/Departure Record, which will tell you the date of your American entrance and duration of your stay in the States. Keep this I-94 and you'll need it for a lot of time. Don't worry if you lose it, there are ways of getting back ups but of course, it's a hassle. Conclusion; it's not easy vying for your next milestone of education, especially in a foreign country. However, it's means that you'll receive an education, friendships, and an experience that you'll never forget. Ultimately, when it comes down to immigration, it can be a bit complicated, but following this guide and asking an attorney if your case is a little complex, will really grant you an education that will make it all worth the while, and then some.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is of a general nature and may not apply to any specific or particular circumstance. It is not to be construed as legal advice nor presumed indefinitely up to date. We strongly encourage parties with Immigration issues to seek the advice of a licensed Immigration Attorney. To schedule a consultation today, contact Pham Law.
