Visa & Immigration

1. What does the U.S. government require when applying for a student visa?

To apply for a student visa, you will require:

· A valid passport
· A nonimmigrant visa application
· Evidence of financial support documenting that you can successfully pay all living and educational expenses for that year of study
· One or more passport photographs
· Proof of permanent residence outside the US. 
· I-20 form issued by a US college for the F-1 visa or an IAP-66 Form for the J-1 visa. 

You may also be required to provide school records and evidence of English proficiency.

2. How can I increase my chances for success?

There are a number of ways you can improve your chances for acceptance. Here are some tips from U.S. visa officials:

· First visit WEBSITE to better understand procedures.

· Make sure all information on I-20 forms is correct.

· Bring all important school correspondence to the interview, including e-mail messages.

· Demonstrate adequate financial support. Bring business cards, if you have been working. It isn't necessary to have been awarded a scholarship, if financial support can be shown.

· Do not use a memorized text during the visa interview.

· Tell the truth. If you have family members in the U.S., then you should admit it.

· Show compelling reasons why you want to return to your native country after your studies.

3. Once a person has been denied a student visa, will they always be denied a student visa?

Fortunately, it is possible for an unsuccessful student visa applicant to be granted a visa upon another attempt.

Keep in mind that U.S. officials make decisions about student visas on a case-by-case basis. There are many reasons why you may be denied a student visa. 

For instance, you may not have proven that you have adequate financial means to study in the U.S., or you may not have prepared the required documentation correctly. 

When you can supply evidence that you meet all of the criteria for obtaining a student visa, you may re-apply. 

4. Does the U.S. government have quotas about the number of students it allows from certain countries?

No. The U.S. government does not have quotas about the number of students allowed from a certain country.

5. Is it possible to receive a student visa if I'm not attending a "top ten" school?

Absolutely. U.S. officials realize that there are thousands of accredited colleges and universities in this country. Still, it's a good idea to bring background information about the school and its academic programs to your visa interview. 

6. Will having a college scholarship help me get a student visa?

U.S. officials will look favorably on your application if you have a college scholarship. 

However, a scholarship is not enough. You will not receive a student visa unless you follow all of the necessary requirements. Your best bet is to prepare properly for that visa interview.

7. After I enroll at an American college, how can I maintain my F-1 status?

It's very important that you maintain your F-1 status during your studies. Here are some critical steps:

· Keep a valid passport at all times.
· Attend only the college or university that the INS has authorized you to attend. This is indicated in section 2 on your I-20, or "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status."
· If you transfer to another educational institution, complete an official transfer within 45 days of the beginning of classes at your new school.
· Complete a full course of study during normal enrollment periods, which are usually 12 credits for undergraduate students and 9 credit hours for graduate students.
· Apply for an extension if you cannot complete your degree by the date listed in item five of your I-20. Be sure to apply for an extension at least 30 days before the expiration date.
· Obtain a new I-20 whenever you make a change in degree levels.
· Don't work off-campus unless you have received authorization first from the INS or an International Student Advisor. Remember that you may not work more than 20 hours per week on campus during normal enrollment periods. Also, you must maintain your full-time student status or your employment will become illegal.
· If you are traveling outside the U.S. with the intention of re-entering, you must have a Designated School Official (DSO) endorse the back of your I-20.

8. If my parents wish to visit during my studies will they require an invitation letter from the school to obtain a visa?

If your parents enter the USA on a tourist (B-2) visa, it probably won't be necessary to have a letter from the school. 

Nevertheless, it's a good idea to have you write a letter of invitation to your parents, which may constitute supporting evidence of the stated purpose of the visit. You should address the letter to your parents and write about activities they would engage in during their visit, such as seeing your college campus, meeting your friends, or attending scheduled events. If you will make arrangements for your parents' accommodations, you should indicate this in your letter too. 

Your letter may not be necessary, however, since millions of people come to the U.S. every year on B-2 visas without having been invited by anyone. 

When applying for a B-2 visa, it's most important for your parents to show convincing reasons why they will return to their native country, such as jobs, property and young dependents.