STUDENTS

Types of Student Visas

A student is someone admitted to the U.S. temporarily to study.  People who are coming to the United States to pursue full-time academic or vocational studies are usually admitted in one of two nonimmigrant categories.  The F-1 category includes academic students in colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, or other academic institutions, and language training.  The M-1 category includes vocational students.

Note that many children of working visa holders can study as dependents.

Public High School Students

If you wish to attend public high school (grades 9-12) in the United States in student (F-1) status, you must submit evidence that the local school district has been reimbursed in advance for the unsubsidized per capita cost of the education.  Also, attending at U.S. public high schools cannot exceed a total of 12 months.  F-1 students are prohibited from attending public elementary schools and publicly-funded adult education programs in the United States.

How to apply

You first must apply to study at an INS-approved school in the United States.  When you contact a school that you are interested in attending, you should be told immediately if the school accepts foreign national students.  If you are accepted, the school should give you INS Form 1-20 A-B-ID (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status – for Academic and Language Students).  If you require a visa, then you should take the INS Form 1-20 to the nearest U.S. consulate to obtain a student visa.  Only bring the INS Form 1-20 from the school you plan on attending for visa processing at the U.S. consulate.  You must also prove to the consulate that you have the financial resources required for your education and stay in the United States.

How long can you stay in the United States?

You are allowed to stay in the United States for as long as you are enrolled as a full-time student in an education program and making normal progress toward completing your course of study.  If approved, you also will be allowed to stay in the country up to twelve additional months beyond the completion of your studies to pursue practical training.  At the end of your studies or practical training, you will be given sixty days to prepare to leave the country.

Can you extend your stay as a student in the United States?

You do not need to apply to extend your stay in the United States as long as you are maintaining your student status and making normal progress toward completing your academic course of study.  The designated school official (DSO) from your school will write down a completion date on your INS Form 1-20 A-B (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status – for Academic and Language Students).  Under normal circumstances, you should be able to complete your studies by this date.  If you need to extend your stay for compelling academic or medical reasons, then you and the DSO should fill out INS Form I-538 (Certification by Designated School Official) and send it to the INS student data center at least 30 days before the completion date listed on INS Form 1-20 A-B.

Will you get a Work Permit?

You may be allowed to work on-campus or off-campus (after the completion of your first year of study) under limited circumstances.  Your accompanying spouse and child may not accept employment.

Additional help

Most schools have an International Student Counselor (or Designated School Official) who is knowledgeable in student visas.  They can provide great assistance.  However, the law states that the student is solely responsible for following the law.