Student Visas

F-1 Academic Student and M-1 Vocational Student

An academic student is issued an F-1 visa while a vocational student is issued an M-1 visa. An alien cannot receive an F-1 visa to attend a public elementary school or a publicly funded adult education program.

Obtaining a student visa begins with contacting the school’s admission office to determine if the school is authorized to accept foreign students. If they are so designated they have the authority to issue an I-20. If a prospective student abroad wants to come to the United States to visit schools, he or she may apply for a B-2 visa marked “prospective student” in order to enter the United States to visit and apply for admission to school. Failure to disclose this information to a Consular officer may have significant consequences later.

Begin by reviewing the prospective school’s website or contact the Designated School Officer (DSO) for admission requirements. At least 12-18 months before the academic year in which you hope to enroll, start your research. Contact the University for an Application Package and determine what standardized tests are required. You may have to register for the TOEFUL and SAT I and SAT II, if required.

Request an official transcript from your school and obtain recommendation letters from teachers. Be aware of University admission deadlines. You will be required to demonstrate to the school prior to the issuance of the Form I-1-20 your ability to cover the costs of your schooling and living expenses.

Upon acceptance the school will issue you a SEVIS Form I-20. The Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is designed to monitor school and exchange programs and F, M and J category visitors. Information regarding the exchange visitor and student is maintained in the SEVIS (Student Exchange Visa Information System). This is an internet system which permits schools and program sponsors to transmit information to DHS and DSO.

All student visa applicants must have a SEVIS generated I-20 issued by an educational institution approved by DHS. A special SEVIS fee will be required. Instructions regarding payment can be found on the Department of State Website. Keep in mind that the school may also charge a fee to support the student/exchange visitor office. Contact the DSO to discuss the SEVIS fee and obtain a receipt for payment. There is also a non-refundable machine- readable visa fee.

Visa applications should be made early since special clearances may be required depending on the course of study and nationality of the student. Visas may not be issued more than 120 days from the course of study registration date.

Visa applicants must have the following:

• Form I-20 A-B or I-20 M-N
• Completed DS-156 and DS-158, some applicants require a DS-157
• Passport valid for at least 6 months after your proposed date of entry
• Photographs
• Visa Fees
• Transcripts and diplomas form previous institutions
• Scores from standardized tests
• Financial evidence showing sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses

Plan your trip so that you do not arrive at a port of entry more than 30 days before the program start date on the SEVIS. Hand carry all documents at the port of entry. The BCP inspector may wish to review your SEVIS form, receipt for payment and any other documents. Have the phone number available for the school DSO.

Once you arrive, the importance of maintaining your status cannot be underscored. Some of the more common status violations are listed below:

• Failure to enroll by the date specified by the program;
• Unauthorized employment
• Failure to maintain a full course load without authorization from your DSO;
• Transfer to another school without following proper procedures;
• Remaining in the United States beyond the period of your authorization

If you violate your status for reasons beyond your control, you may apply to be re-installed to student status.

Be sure you understand what is required to maintain your status to avoid any problems.

 

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