Hey everyone, here is my next post, which will focus on Student Visas. Now, something that most people do not know, is that there are 3 different student visas that one can apply for: the F-1, J-1, and M-1. This post will detail what each visa entails as well as other information you may need to know. Once again, if you have any questions after reading this, please contact me, I am happy to help.
F-1 VISA
The F-1 Student Visa is probably the most well-known student visa. The "F" visa is for academic studies. An F-1 visa is issued to students who are attending an academic program or English Language Program. F-1 students must maintain the minimum course load for full-time student status. F-1 status allows for part-time, on-campus employment (fewer than 20 hours per week). Additionally, students can work on optional practical training (OPT) for up to one year after completion of their academic program. Students are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). In order to qualify for an F-1 visa, you must prove:
- Foreign Residence
- F-1 applicants must have a foreign residence and must intend to return there upon the completion of theirstudies.
- Sponsoring Institution
- While on your F-1 visa, you may only study at the academic institution through which the visa was granted.
- Financial Support
- Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial support. Basically the US just wants to know that you will not be needing government assistance
- Ties to Home Country
- All applicants must demonstrate that they have strong ties to their home country.
- Strong ties consist of, but are not limited to, the following:
- A job offer letter upon completion of studies
- Assets (i.e., house, land, vehicle, etc.)
- Bank accounts
- Family
After you have submitted your application, you will then need to complete a F-1 Student Interview. Some questions, that may come up in the interview may include:
- 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?
- After you graduate, will you return home or will you stay in the United States?
J-1 VISA
The J-1 Student Visa is issued to students who need to obtain practical training that is not available in their home country to complete their academic program. J-1 student status allows for similar employment as the F-1 visa, with similar restrictions, as long as permission is given by the exchange visitor program sponsor. The J-1 visa in the United States is for people who wish to take part in work-and-study-based exchange and visitor programs in the U.S. These programs are sponsored by an educational or other nonprofit institution, which must be accredited through the Exchange Visitor Program designated by the U.S. State Department. J-1 exchange visitors come to the United States to teach, study, receive training, or demonstrate special skills.
In order to get a J-1 visa, the applicant must fit into one of the many categories that the J-1 requires. Each category has its own requirements. In order to see if you meet these requirements and/or categories, please visit here.
M-1 VISA
The M-1 Student Visa is issued to a student who is going to attend a non-academic or vocational school. M-1 visa holders for technical and vocational programs are not permitted to work during the course of their studies. The M-1 student visa applicants must have evidence that sufficient funds are immediately available to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of intended stay.
In order qualify for an M-1 visa you cannot enter to just study "generally"; your program must have a goal and you must be involved in a "full course of study". A full course of study means study in a community or junior college, with at least 12 semester or quarter hours. It must be in a school where anyone attending for at least 12 semester or quarter hours is charged full tuition, or considered full-time. The only exception is where you need a smaller course-load to complete your course of study. It can also mean study at a post secondary vocational or business school which grants Associate or other degrees. Alternatively, if a school can demonstrate that its credits are, or have been, accepted unconditionally by at least 3 institutions of higher learning it can qualify. If that is not possible, study in a vocational or nonacademic curriculum, certified by a designated school office (DSO) to require at least 18 hours of weekly attendance or at least 22 clock hours a week (if most of your studies are in a shop or lab). If that is not possible, the last option is study in a vocational or nonacademic high school curriculum which is certified by a DSO to require class attendance for not less than the minimum required for normal progress towards graduation.
Well I hope this was all beneficial for you. Once again, if you have any more questions, please ask. I am more than willing to help. I hope this helps!!
