the
following information was provided by:
How
to Apply for a Student Visa
The U.S.
government provides two different types of visas to study in the U.S.
- the F-1 visa, for academic studies, and the M-1 visa, for non-academic
or vocational studies. In order to apply for a student visa one must
already be accepted for a full course of study by an educational institution
approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
Where
to Apply for a Student Visa:
Applicants
for student visas should generally apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
in their home country. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S.
consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the
visa outside the country of permanent residence. Changes introduced shortly after September 11, 2001 involve extensive and ongoing review of visa issuing practices as they relate to national security. It is important to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel departure date.
Required
Documents:
Each applicant
for a student visa must pay a nonrefundable US$45 application fee and
submit:
1. An
application Form OF-156, completed and signed.
- Blank
OF-156 forms are available without charge at all U.S. consular offices.
- The
U.S. State Department website offers an interactive Form OF-156. Click
here
to head to the site.
2.
A passport valid for travel to the United States and valid at least
six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United
States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person
desiring a visa must make an application.
3.
One photograph 1 and 1/2 inches square (37x37mm) for each applicant,
showing full face, without head covering, against a light background.
4.
The educational program must send you an I-20 form, or Certificate of
Eligibility, to prove you have been accepted as a student.
- "F"
applicants should obtain a Form I-20A-B (Certificate of Eligibility
for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Students).
- "M"
applicants should obtain a Form I-20M-N (Certificate of Eligibility
for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status For Vocational Students).
Educational
institutions obtain these forms from the INS.
5.
Evidence of sufficient funds such as current bank statements and other
records of financial assets.
- F-1
students must show proof they will be able to meet all expenses for
the first year of study, and that adequate funds will be available
for each subsequent year of study.
- 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.
Other
Required Documentation
Student
visa applicants must establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer
that they have binding ties to a residence in a foreign country which
they have no intention of abandoning, and that they will depart the
United States when they have completed their studies. It is impossible
to specify the exact form the evidence should take since applicants'
circumstances vary greatly.
For more
information on student visa requirements, visit the U.S.
Department of State's foreign student visa page.
Can
I work while attending a U.S. school? Read the latest updates at:
http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/publicaffairs/newsrels/f1.htm
!
If you or your child are a high-school student
or younger and want to attend a school in the U.S., you should read
up on INS'
Restrictions on Student Visas for Elementary and High-School Students.
Useful
Links:
Immigralaw.com
-
a full-service immigration law firm which helps you apply for a student
visa online or through phone/fax correspondence.