8 important questions about a US student visa

Фото: Depositphotos

Student visa is one of the ways to get the right to legally stay in the United States. It is impossible to get a green card for studying, but for many it is a great way to legally stay temporarily in the US for up to 8 years, make contacts and try to “figure it out”.
English language schools are considered the most accessible and easy way to get a student visa. Not all schools can issue such visas - authorization is required for the US Immigration and Naturalization Service.

On the website of the US Embassy in the list of frequently asked questions about visas there is information about obtaining a student visa. We suggest to get acquainted with them right now.

— What is Form I-20 and how can I obtain it?

Form I-20 is an official document approved by the US Government, which is issued by certified educational institutions to potential students for obtaining non-immigrant visas of categories F-1 and M-1. The I-20 form is proof of enrollment in an educational institution, which contains all the necessary data to pay for the SEVIS I-901 fee, apply for a visa, change visa status and obtain permission to enter the United States. Form I-20 contains the student identification number in SEVIS, which is located in the upper right corner of the form directly above the bar code.

— When should I apply for a student visa?

It is recommended to apply for a visa immediately after receiving the I-20 form. You can apply for a visa at any time to ensure an early and timely appointment for an interview. However, a student visa cannot be issued earlier than 120 days before the date of commencement of studies specified in the I-20 form.

— I received a visa. When can I travel to the USA?

You can enter the US no earlier than 30 days before the start date of the training course indicated on the I-20 form, regardless of the date when you were issued a visa.

— Can a person in the United States on a visitor visa change their status and obtain a student visa without leaving the United States if such person is enrolled in an educational institution and has received an I-20?

Yes. As a rule, you can apply for a change in the status of your nonimmigrant visa, if you entered the United States legally on a nonimmigrant visa, at the time of application, your nonimmigrant status remains valid, you did not violate the conditions of your stay in the United States and did not commit acts that deprive you visa rights. For more information go to the web.—Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

— What should I do if I received Form I-20 from another educational institution?

If, after signing up for an interview, you received another I-20 form, you can notify the consular officer of the new I-20 form during the interview.

— I was working on an H-1B visa and was admitted to university as an F-1 visa holder. Do I have to return to my country to obtain a student visa?

Not. If you are in the United States, you do not need to apply for a new visa, as the visa is intended only for entry into the United States. Ask the US Citizenship and Immigration Services to change your status. However, if you leave the United States, you will need to apply for a student visa to re-enter the country.

— Can a student in the United States on an F-1 visa work?

Full-time students can work on the territory of an educational institution no more than 20 hours per week. After one year of being a student, it is possible with the permission of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to get a job outside the educational institution. Additional information can be obtained from a consultant in your educational institution.

— What is the SEVIS system and what does it have to do with me?

The information system of students and participants of exchange programs (SEVIS) is a program according to which educational institutions and administrators of exchange programs are obliged to confirm the status of their foreign students and participants, both when they are enrolled and in the learning process. Applicants who apply for a student visa must pay the SEVIS fee before issuing them a visa.

Read also on ForumDaily:

10 regarding honest ways to stay in the US (3, 4 way - marriage, study)

Acceptance of documents for a visa H-1B on 2018 year will begin in early April

They teach Americans: how Ukrainian professors got into the best US universities

Education in the USA: 7 ways to save money

Top 10 internships, scholarships and grants in the US for which you can apply

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.