International Students: What You Need To Know About Visas
If you or your student live outside the U.S. and want to attend a U.S. college, this post is for you. In addition to the college applications themselves, you’ll need to obtain the right paperwork and visa to ensure that you’re able to make the most of your college experience. There is a lot to know, and at times it can be rather confusing. Ivy Link’s college advising services for international students includes guidance through the visa application process. For everyone else, here is a “quick” breakdown:
The F1 Visa and How to Get It
An F1 Visa is issued to international students who wish to study at a U.S. university or college.
You’ll need to show that you have been accepted into a school or university that qualifies for international study. Different schools have different admissions policies. Make sure you’re familiar with the individual school’s policy before you try to apply for the visa.
You will need to prove that you have the financial ability to support yourself while you’re in school. With the F1 Visa, you are not eligible for employment. In some cases, you may obtain part-time employment on-campus, but you are not able to work more than a certain number of hours per week.
You may also be required to obtain some type of health insurance in case you require any medical care while in the U.S.
Once you have completed steps 1 - 3, your school will issue you an I-20 form that you will use to apply for your visa.
You will then go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. They will provide you with the proper documents to apply. You will need a valid passport issued by your home country along with a non-refundable application fee and a DS-160 form, which you can find online. If financially possible, many prospective international students hire an immigration lawyer to help ensure that all documents are in order. This greatly increases your chances of approval.
Once the forms have been submitted, you will then need to have an application interview. Some examples of questions you may be asked in the interview are:
Why did you choose to study in the US instead of joining the workforce in your home country?
Why did you choose this school and why is it the best school for you?
What are your test scores (GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS), your GPA, and your overall performance as a student in the past?
How are you funding the entire duration of your education, including tuition, room and board, transportation, and all other expenses?
It is best to have answers prepared to these questions beforehand so that you’re not caught off-guard in the interview.
When you are approved, you will be eligible to come to the U.S.
What to Do Once You’re State-side
When you arrive in the U.S., you will need to immediately report to your designated school official (DSO). While on breaks, you may travel to other places within the U.S., but you must return to school as soon as classes resume. In order to meet the requirements of the visa, you must be enrolled in classes full-time. You may not drop below full-time status or your visa will be revoked and you will be required to return home.
Can You Transfer With an F-1 Visa?
This visa is valid only for the school to which you apply. If you want to transfer schools, speak to your DSO. If approved, you must continue attending all of your classes until your transfer release date.
What Happens After Graduation?
Once you graduate, you have 60 days to leave the country. There are a number of options for students looking to remain in the U.S. after graduation, such as an employer-sponsored H-1B visa, or gaining admission to graduate school. However, these can be difficult to obtain, and many students end up leaving the U.S. and applying for a variety of different visas later on.
We hope this post makes this process a little less confusing. If you need additional advising, reach out to an Ivy Link to be connected with an advisor who can help you down the right path.
