Foreign students interested in studying at the school of their choice in the US will find the Immigration and National Act has specific criteria that must be met to qualify for a student visa. Student visas provide a student an opportunity to pursue undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities that may not be available, or as easily assessable, in a student’s country of origin.
Those interested in taking a full course of study in the US can qualify to receive a student visa. The same applies to anyone who travels to the US for a conference or seminar counting as course credit. Those planning to take less than the requirements to meet a full course of study a week can consult with a Houston immigration attorney about the possibility of receiving a visitor visa instead.
The first step toward studying abroad in the US is acceptance to an established institution that is Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified. SEVP certified institutions include colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, high schools, private elementary schools and other academic and vocational schools that applies for and receives SEVP certification. SEVP approves schools with based on Immigration and Customs Enforcement. SEVP certification makes it easier for the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to monitor school exchange programs and participants.
It’s important to apply for a student visa as soon as possible since it can be a lengthy process and the waiting time can vary. Students must meet certain requirements in order to apply:
- Have a secure, permanent residence abroad.
- Understand that he/she must leave the US as soon as the course of study ends.
- Have financial means to pursue the chosen course of study.
If a student meets these requirements, he can move on the application process. Part of the process for applicants age 14 to 79 involves an interview at the embassy consular. There is a waiting period for the interviewing portion of the application process, but applicants can get a clear idea of the wait time by visiting the U.S. Embassy website under “Visa Wait Times.”
Applicants will be subject to a digital fingerprint scan during the interview, and must provide the following documentation:
- Passport
- A 2×2 photograph
- Online non-immigrant visa electronic application form DS-160
- A SEVP Form 1-20 provided by an official at the intended institution and the student
- A MVR receipt as proof of payment for the visa application
- A SEVP 1-191 receipt a proof of fee payment
In addition to these mandatory forms, student should also be prepared to provide the following:
- Degrees and transcripts from other schools attended
- Standardized test scores required by the intended institution
- Proof of ability to financially cover tuition, fees and living expenses while attending the intended institution
It’s important to keep in mind that student visas are issued with expiration dates. A full-time student can be approved to stay in the US for as long as his visa remains valid. When making travel plans, it’s a good idea to wait to have the approved visa in hand before making travel arrangements.