Many foreign nationals choose to travel to the United States to receive higher education. If you are from another country and plan on studying at an educational institution in the U.S., it’s crucial to understand the steps you must take to obtain an F-1 student visa. Please continue reading to learn how to apply for an F-1 student visa and why connecting with a dedicated Middlesex County, New Jersey Education Immigration Lawyer is in your best interest.
What is a Student Visa?
The F-1 visa allows eligible international students who wish to attend an educational institution to study in the United States. Unlike other student visas, F-1 visa holders are entitled to remain in the United States for the duration of status meaning the time taken to complete the studies plus the time it takes to complete ant additional practical training. Once they have completed a course of study and any authorized practical training, they can stay for 60 days to prepare for departure to their home country or change to another status. It’s important to note that F-1 visa holders generally are not entitled to work off campus during their first academic year. However, they may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions.
How Do I Apply for an F-1 Visa?
If you are a foreign national seeking to study in the United States, it’s important to understand the requirements for acquiring an F-1 visa. Generally, the first step in the application process is applying to a SEVP program. You must be accepted as an international student by an educational institution in the United States that is approved by SEVP. In addition, you must receive Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status from the SEVP you will attend and you must be enrolled as a full-time student. From here, you must complete a DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application and pay the applicable fees.
Once you have completed the DS-160 application, you will need to schedule your F-1 interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. This is a mandatory step. You will receive an interview appointment letter that contains information regarding the location of the interview and what you must bring to the appointment. Before you attend your interview, you should be prepared with the necessary documents. During the interview, the officer will ask you questions about your reasoning for traveling to the United States to assess whether you intend to return to your home country after you complete your degree. In addition, you will have to prove that you have enough means to financially support your education and your life in the United States.
Following the interview, you will be issued a decision. If your visa is approved, you will need to pay a visa issuance fee and make arrangements for the return of your passport. As you can see, this process can be incredibly complex and confusing. That’s why it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of an experienced attorney who can help you fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf. Connect with our dedicated legal team at the Law Offices of Aditya Surti, LLC, today to learn how we can assist you through these matters.
