STUDYING IN THE UNITED STATES MADE EASY

Introduction

Studying in USA Made Easy is a great spot for students worldwide to study, with over a million students applying to its 350 universities yearly. Plus, it is one of the best places to live, with 10 cities making it into the top 50 on the Economist’s list. With so many choices, it is no surprise that people from all over the globe choose the United States for their studies and living.

The US is super appealing to students because of its amazing natural views, modern cities, great public transport, and top-notch infrastructure. So, many international students keep coming to the US to pursue their education. But, if you are an international student, you need to get a student visa to study in the US full-time or for a short while.

You will need a student visa, a passport for your entire degree, and a spot in the US to study. If you are just starting with the student visa application process, you might have trouble getting it.

Even though more top-tier students apply for student visas every year, only a handful are approved. That is why it is a good idea to chat with an immigration lawyer.

In this post, you will get a quick rundown of what you need to know before you start applying for a student visa in the US.

The student visa pathways – Studying in USA Made Easy

When you plan to study in the US, you will find that different types of student visas are available, depending on what you are studying and why.

• F-1 visa. – Studying in USA Made Easy

If you are going to study in the US full-time, you need an F-1 international student visa. You can get an F-1 visa up to 120 days before starting your course, but you will have to wait an extra 30 days to enter the US. After you have finished your school year, you can usually do an internship, often called a CPT.

However, if you work 20 hours or more a week for 12 months, you won’t be able to use OPT. Most international students use OPT to stay in the US for a year after graduation. You should talk to an immigration lawyer to learn more about what an F-1 visa means.

Who can get an F-1 visa? | Studying in USA Made Easy

To qualify for an F-1 visa, you must meet five requirements before applying. First, you have to be living outside the US when you apply.

Second, you need to be accepted by a school recognized by the SEVP, like a public or private school, a preschool, a daycare, or an online school.

Third, you need to prove that you will have enough money to pay for living and studying in the US, like getting a scholarship, a bank statement, or a tax return from last year.

Fourth, you have to show that you plan to return to your home country after your studies. You can do this by saying you have family or friends waiting for you or you have a job or property to go to. If you can’t prove you will go back, you can still show how studying in the US will help your home country.

Lastly, you need to speak and write English well if you want an F-1 visa. You can take tests like the TOEFL or IELTS. If you already speak English well, you can skip these tests.

How to get started in the F-1 visa application journey

If you are aiming for an F1 visa, you need to fill out an application and get it approved by a school that the US government has approved. Check out the DHS website to find a list of these schools. Once you are in, you will be part of the SEVIS program and must pay a fee for the process to move forward.

After you pay, you will receive an I-20 form from the school that accepted you. Make sure to complete this form quickly and send it to your consulate or embassy for your F-1 visa interview. Keep a copy of the completed I-120 form handy, as you will need to show it to your consulate officer at the interview.

You will get a printed confirmation with a barcode once you have finished it and send it in the I-120 form. To stay in the US, you must have all the right paperwork ready. Gather the necessary documents and get an immigration lawyer to help you out.

Schedule your visa interview at the closest US embassy or consulate as soon as possible to ensure everything goes smoothly. Chat with an immigration lawyer for tips on how to ace the interview. You need to prove that you are a student, make sure you have enough money to cover everything, and plan to head back home after your studies.

You must go through the interview yourself, but there might be exceptions if you fit certain criteria. If you nail the interview, you can stay in the US while studying.

If you are not approved for an F-1 visa, you will have to start the application process again, but you might have to pay a fee again. You can apply three times a year, but if you are struggling to get approved, it is smart to talk to an immigration lawyer before you try again.

• M-1 visa. – Studying in USA Made Easy

If you are a student from another country looking to study or train in the US, you can apply for an M-1 visa. But remember, this visa isn’t for academic school purposes.

Once approved, you will be allowed to stay in the US for a set time, including the duration of your program and any extra hands-on training. If you need an extra medical extension, you can stay for a year.

Also, you can’t work on campus or anywhere else while studying. You can’t change to an F-1 visa, but you might be able to get M-2 or M-3 visas for your family or if you commute to the border.

• J-1 visa. – Studying in USA Made Easy

This is a visa for people visiting the US for cultural exchange programs. You need to meet certain requirements and be sponsored by a private or public organization. Typically, a J-1 visa is for a few months to years. If you are in a program supported by the government, have a medical degree, or your training is recognized, you are expected to return to your home country for at least two years after the program ends.

This means you will need to return for at least two years after the program ends. Like with an F-1 visa, a J-1 visa also allows you to bring a spouse or minor children, known as a J-2 visas.

Tips for applying for a student visa in the US

Getting a student visa in the US can take a few days to almost three months, so it is smart to start your application right after enrolling in a US college or university.

Once enrolled, you must sign up for the Student and Exchange Visas Information System (SEVIS). You will also have to pay a fee, usually around $200 for F-1 visas, $180 for M-1 visas, and $200 for J-1 visas.

Next, you will fill out an online form called DS-160 and pick a date for your visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate.

Depending on the type of visa you seek, you might be able to get one of these:

• An F-1 visa (up to 120 days before classes start);
• An M-1 visa (30 days before classes begin);
• A J1 visa (any time).

If you are planning to apply for a student visa in the US, you need to do a few things. You will need a copy of your passport with the original, a copy of the application form, and a letter from your college showing that you are enrolled or admitted.

You will also need to show proof of money and a transcript. It can get tricky, so it is a good idea to get a lawyer who specializes in immigration to help you out.

Get help! – Studying in USA Made Easy

If you are an international student thinking about studying in the US, it can be tricky to know what info and documents you need when you are filling out your student visa application. So, it is super important to get a good immigration lawyer. You may miss out on a bunch of important documents and info.

At Gehi and Associates, we will make sure you have everything you need and all the necessary documents. We will look over your case and see if you qualify for a student visa. Our experienced immigration lawyers will be there for you at every turn, ready to answer any of your questions. Reach out to us today!

FAQs – Studying in USA Made Easy

1. Can I apply for an H1-B visa as an F-1 visa holder?

Sure. After you have landed a great job and found a company that is cool with sponsoring your visa switch, you are all set to switch from your F-1 visa to an H1-B visa. Once the switch is done, you can start working at your new place.

2. Can I switch schools once I get here in the US with a student visa?

Once you are here, you are to strictly follow USCIS’s rules, so you can’t switch schools before you have made it through your first year. It is really important to choose the right school to avoid any problems down the line.

3. Can I use a bank loan to show that I have the money to back up my student visa application?

Absolutely. However, it is a good idea to tell the US consulate how you are planning to pay the loan back. If you have a bunch of loans, it might be tricky to get a visa. It is smarter to take out a smaller loan.

4. How much time do I have in the US with an F-1 visa?

Your student visa form I-20 tells you how long you can stay to wrap up your studies. You are free to stay as long as you need to complete your degree in the US.

5. What do I do if I don’t finish my studies within the timeframe mentioned in my student visa form I-120?

If you need extra time, you can ask for an extension. Your form I-20 can be approved by your school official. You will need to include your passport, an I-94 form, and a letter explaining why you need more time.