|
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.
Principal Requirements:
-
The student must be enrolled in an academic educational program or language
training program.
-
The school must be approved by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service
(INS).
-
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 A-B/ID
(Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status - for Academic and
Language 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.
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.
|
Nonacademic & Vocational Students -
The M-1 VISA |
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:
-
The student must be enrolled in a vocational
program
-
The school must be approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service
(INS)
-
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.
|
