If you would like to come from another country to study in the U.S., you will need to acquire a student visa. Familiarizing yourself with the process and working with an experienced student visa attorney can help you avoid some of the common obstacles to being granted a visa. Here are four things you didn’t know about student visas.
-
There are 3 Types of Visas
The term “student visa” can actually refer to any of three different types of visas. The F-1 visa is the most common type, used for academic students to study at any accredited U.S. school or language program. The J-1 visa, or “exchange visitor visa” is also used by academic students and those enrolled in other types of training programs.
The M-1 visa is for students studying full-time in vocational or nonacademic programs. Each visa has different requirements and limitations. A student visa attorney can help you choose the right one for your situation.
-
You Must Be Able to Support Yourself Financially
To obtain a student visa, you will need to prove that you have the funds to support yourself during your stay in the U.S. You may need to prove that you can support your first year or your entire program depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
The funding can come from anywhere for F-1 visas, including personal or family money or scholarships. J-1 visas expect you to receive over half of the funding from sources outside of personal or family money. It could come from scholarships, grants, fellowships, your home country’s government, or other similar sources.
-
You Are Expected to Return to Your Home Country
You may be interested in studying in the U.S. so you can remain and work there. However, when you receive a student visa it is expected that you will return to your home country after finishing the program. J-1 visas have a two-year home residency requirement that stipulates you will return to your home country for at least two years after finishing your education in the U.S. before attempting to return.
With J-1 and M-1 visas, you have 30 days to leave the U.S. after graduating. With an F-1 you have 60 days. If you apply for permanent residency while on a student visa, your student visa could be revoked, and you would be banned from returning to the U.S. for a period of time. There are quite a few exceptions, though, that could allow you to extend your stay past the completion of your educational program.
-
You Must Be Accepted by a Program Before Applying for a Visa
You will not be able to apply for a student visa until you have been accepted by an accredited SEVP-certified institution so be sure to apply to programs you are interested in attending and reach out to the schools as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
There are several options for students who wish to study in the United States, but it is important that you understand what the requirements are for each and choose the one that is right for you. Speaking to a student visa attorney can help you navigate the process. If you wish to stay in the U.S. after graduating from your program, be sure to speak to an attorney so you don’t unintentionally violate any laws.
