If your goal is to further your studies in the U.S., definitely you need to be abreast with all it takes to have a smooth application process. This would help you not to leave out every vital information. One of the important things you need to know from the start is the types of visa based on the programme you’re opting for.
In this article, you’ll get to know the most popular visas, the requirements, and how to maintain your status.
The U.S. student visa you need
A Student visa is not the same as a temporary or immigrant visa. It is a visa designed for students from other countries aspiring to study in the States.
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The most popular visas in America are discussed below:
F-1 Visa
This is a visa designed for students who want to attend elementary school, high school, seminar, language training programme, college, or university.
M-1 Visa
This type of visa is for you if your interest is in vocational training or you want to attend a nonacademic institution apart from a language training programme.
J-1 Visa
J-1 Visa is for those who are interested in an exchange programme with the United States. It is an initiative by the U.S. Department of State to promote cultural exchange between America and the rest of the world.
The U.S. student visa requirements
Before you begin your journey to apply for a visa to the United States, understanding the requirements is key for a smooth visa application process. Here are what you need when applying for U.S. student visa:
1. Acceptance letter
Before you begin to apply for a visa, you must have received an acceptance letter from your preferred school. Afterward, the school would issue a certificate of eligibility and send it to your mail.
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2. Student visa fee
You’ll proceed to pay your student visa fees to the recommended channel. You must keep the receipt of your payment because you will need it when the full application begins.
3. Your passport
You must have a passport that would still be valid for at least six months after you arrive in the United States.
4. Visa interview
You would get a U.S. visa appointment whereby you will be interviewed by a consular officer on why you wanted to leave your country and travel to the United States.
Note:
The following can be part of your application requirements such as; proof of sufficient funds, academic documents, and proof that you would return to your native country after completion of your programme.
How to maintain your status
You don’t just travel to the United States for study purposes and focus on something entirely different. You need to maintain the status for which the visa was issued. Here’s how you can do that:
1. Inform your school
You can enter the U.S. 30 days before your study programme commences. In the course of this, you have to inform your assigned school official once you arrive.
2. Attend all classes
You must attend all classes. There is no reason to abscond except you’re not fit which the school must be aware of. If you intend to extend your education, school officials can be of help.
3. Work permit
You’re not allowed to work off-campus but within the school in your first year as an F-1 visa holder. But if you aim to work outside, it must be related to your course of study.
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4. You can travel
You can travel as a U.S. student with an F-1 visa but just within the country. But for short trips, you can go to Mexico, Canada; places closer to the USA but with permission that is in accordance with the immigration regulations.
