US Visa Information

All those visiting the U.S., whether for a short amount of time or a long amount of time, must have a proper visa. If you want to study more than 18 hours a week, you need a student visa. If you are coming mostly as a tourist, but want to take a short course of study, you may be able to do so on a visitor visa. You should check for the specific guidelines.

Caution: The Internet can be helpful in finding out information about traveling to the United States. However, you must be careful when looking for information about visas. Many websites are designed so that you pay money for information. Some of these are legitimate, but some are not. Make sure to base your decisions on information you receive from the U.S. government, Department of State, and U.S. Consulates.

Applying For A Visa

Go to United States Consulate or Embassy and apply for a temporary visa (usually F1 or J1 visa) which will allow you to enter the United States.

Take Form I-20A-B/I-20ID or IAP-66 (issued by your American school to you), passport photographs, valid passport or travel document, proof that the applicant has enough money to pay the expenses with you to apply. If the application is approved, a stamp (visa) will be placed in the passport. The stamp has the visa category, visa number, the location and date that it was issued, and the expiration day. The student is not required to apply for an extension of stay in the United States when he or she continues their full-time study and the stay is not more than eight years.

Whenever you have questions or problems, visit your Designated School Official (DSO). The INS is always revising the immigration rules and procedures and your DSO should have the most recently updated information. If you need further help or you disagree with what you are being told by your DSO, you may consider consulting an immigration lawyer (attorney). Usually there is a fee for an initial consultation about your problem, then the fees for the lawyer’s actual services can be significant (in the thousands of dollars).

Legal Information

It is important to keep your passport, I-20 A/B or I-20ID form, and the I-94 form. The I-94 form is a document issued to every student as the arrival and departure record. It is a good idea to make a photocopy of all of these documents and keep them in a safe place should the originals be lost or stolen.

Visa Questions

Here are typical questions after you arrive in the U.S.:

• What kind of legal documents should I keep?

Keep your passport, I-20 A/B or I-20ID form, and the I-94 form. The I-94 form is a document issued to every student as the arrival and departure record. It is a good idea to make a photocopy of all of these documents and keep them in a safe place should the originals be lost or stolen.

• What if I transfer to another U.S. university or college?

Students may transfer to another school. They need to notify the current Designated School Official (DSO) for assistance completing the forms needed and counsel about the steps to take in making the transfer.

• Can I work to support my studies?

Students may accept employment by the university on the campus they are attending (less than 20 hours per week). Students may also qualify for a total of twelve months of paid pre-completion practical training.

• What happens if I visit my country before finishing my studies?

See your school’s DSO for assistance several weeks before you desire to return home to visit. Bring all your legal documents with you while you travel.

• What happens if I lose my legal documents?

It is important to make a copy of every important document and keep it somewhere safe. Report such a loss to your DSO and the INS office.

• Can I change my legal status?

Yes, students may change from the F1 to F2 or F1 to H1 (temporary work permit). See your DSO for details as some restrictions apply.

Whenever you have questions or problems, visit your Designated School Official (DSO). The INS is always revising the immigration rules and procedures and your DSO should have the most recently updated information. If you need further help or you disagree with what you are being told by your DSO, you may consider consulting an immigration lawyer (attorney). Usually there is a fee for an initial consultation about your problem, then the fees for the lawyer’s actual services can be significant (in the thousands of dollars).

Types Of Visas

There are many types of visas a person can obtain when coming to the U.S. Here are the most common visas that international students are interested in:

B-2 Tourist Visa
B-1/B-2 Visa Extenstion
F-1 Student Visa
H-1B Work Visa
H-2B Work visa
H-3 Trainee Visa
R-1 Religious Visa

Tips For Applying

1. A student visa is called an F-1 Visa.
2. Apply EARLY. If it is your first time applying for a student visa, you may be required to appear for an interview. Also, it might take several months to get your visa from the Embassy or Consulate.
3. June, July and August are the busiest months, so getting a consular interview appointment is difficult during those months.
4. Bring the required documents with you to avoid having to make a return trip.
5. If you want to come to the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the course start day, you must also qualify for a visitor visa.
6. Carefully consider the dates you will be in the U.S. for school so that you do not violate the terms of your student visa.