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Academic
& English Language Student Visa
What is an F-1
VISA?
The F-1 Visa
is intended for students wishing to pursue academic studies and
language training programs in the U.S. The F-1 visa covers academic
students in colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories,
academic high schools and other academic institutions approved by
the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
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Principal Requirements:
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The student
must be enrolled in an academic educational program or language
training program.
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The school
must be approved by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization
Service (INS).
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The student
must be enrolled as a full-time student.
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The student
must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading
to English proficiency.
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The student
must have sufficient funds available for self-support during
the entire proposed course of study.
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The student
must maintain a residence abroad which he or she has no intention
of giving up.
Application Process:
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Contact the
school that you are interested in attending in the United States
and inquire if the school accepts foreign national students.
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Inquire whether
the school is approved by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization
Service (INS)
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Complete
and submit your application for enrollment to the school.
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If you are
accepted for enrollment, the school should provide you with
an INS Form I-20 A-B/ID (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant
Student Status - for Academic and Language Students).
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Once you
have received the INS Form you may wish to retain a U.S. Immigration
Attorney to assist you in preparing the F-1 visa application
and represent you in the petition process.
How Long Can I Stay in the United States on F-1 Student Visa?
You are allowed
to stay in the United States for as long as you are enrolled as
a full-time student in an educational 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 I Accept Employment when on F-1 Student Visa Status?
You may be allowed
to work on-campus or off-campus (after the completion of your first
year of study) subject to certain limitations and conditions, You
may also be eligible to stay in the country up to twelve additional
months beyond the completion of your studies to pursue practical
training. Your spouse and/or child may not accept employment.
Special Requirements for Public High School
If you wish to
attend public high school 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. Attendance at U.S. public high schools must not
exceed a total of 12 months. Students are prohibited from attending
public elementary schools and publicly-funded adult education programs.
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Nonacademic
& Vocational Students |
What is an M-1 VISA?
The M-1 visa
is intended or individuals wishing to pursue nonacademic or vocational
studies. The M-1 category includes students in vocational or other
nonacademic programs.
Principal Requirements:
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The student
must be enrolled in a vocational program
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The school
must be approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service
(INS)
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The student
must be enrolled as a full-time student.
-
The student
must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses
leading to English proficiency.
-
The student
must have sufficient funds available for self-support during
the entire proposed course of study.
-
The student
must maintain a residence abroad which he or she has no
intention of giving up.
Application Process:
-
Contact
the school that you are interested in attending in the United
States and inquire if the school accepts foreign national
students.
-
Inquire
whether the school is approved by the U.S. Immigration and
Naturalization Service (INS)
-
Complete
and submit your application for enrollment to the school.
If you are
accepted for enrollment, the school should provide you with
an INS Form I-20 M-N/ID (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant
(M-1) Student Status - For Vocational Students)
Once you have received the INS Form you may wish to retain a
U.S. Immigration Attorney to assist you in preparing the F-1
visa application and represent you in the petition process.
Can I Bring My
Spouse and Children with Me to the United States?
Your spouse
and unmarried children under 21 years of age may come with you
to the United States in M-2 nonimmigrant status. The M-2 status
of your family will be dependent upon your status as the M-1
vocational student. This means that if you change your status,
your family must change their status as well. If you lose your
status, your family will also lose their status.
How Long Can I Stay in the United States on an M-1 Visa?
You are allowed
to stay in the United States for one year or for as long as
you are enrolled as a full-time student in a vocational program
(plus thirty days to prepare to leave the country), whichever
is shorter. You should be allowed to stay in the United States
30 days beyond the departure date on your INS Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure
Record) and INS Form I-20 ID (Certificate of Eligibility for
Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status - For Vocational Students),
as long as your stay does not exceed one year. You may also
apply to stay in the country after the completion of your studies
to pursue practical training.
Can I Accept Employment when on M-1 Visa Status?
You, your
spouse and children may not accept employment. You may apply
for practical training employment after you complete your studies.
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