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Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I enter the U.S. as an academic student?
- How can I enter the U.S. as a vocational student?
- How can I enter the U.S. to work in a specialty occupation?
- What is the process underlying the hiring of foreign agricultural workers?
- How do I fill a temporary need for foreign workers?
- How can I receive training in the U.S.?
- How can I transfer employees to a U.S. operation?
- How can a religious worker enter the U.S.?
- Where can I get more information about the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?
- How can an individual with extraordinary abilities enter the U.S.?
- How can support personnel of people with extraordinary abilities enter the U.S.?
- How can entertainers, artists or athletes enter the U.S.?
- How can artists or entertainers involved in an exchange program enter the U.S.?
- How can art educators enter the U.S.?
- What is the best way to enter the U.S. to engage in a business venture?
- What is the visa classification for 'treaty investors'?
- I am an exchange visitor. What visa should I apply for?
- I am an exchange visitor interested in receiving training in the U.S. What visa should I apply for?
- Can I an enter the U.S. for a brief period of time without obtaining a visa?
- I am traveling through the U.S. Can I visit family/friends while waiting for my departing flight?
- What visa can I use to travel to the UN?
- I am a foreign government official. How can I visit family/friends while waiting for my departing flight?
- What is the visa process for crewmen?
- What is the visa process for crewmen en route to Guam?
- How can foreign media representatives enter the U.S.?
- Is there a temporary visa classification for fiancees?
- Where can I find out more information about the LIFE Act and Amendments?
- Where can I find out more information about employment-based immigration?
- I am a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Can I sponsor my family for immigration to the U.S.?
- What is the process for sponsoring a spouse?
- Where can I get more information about the Diversity Lottery?
- I am an asylee/refugee. How can I change status to permanent residency?
How can I enter the U.S. as an academic student?
The wide variety of educational facilities in the United States offer great opportunities for students wishing to further their education and training. The intellectual stimulation and social experiences of studying in the US will be vital parts of a student's growth and development.
Foreign national students who want to study in the US usually apply for the F-1 visa. Although the J-1 and M-1 Visas (for vocational students) are sometimes used, most foreign students enter in F-1 status.
Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 are allowed to join you in the US, under F-2 status. A prospective student's Form I-20A-B may be used to request an F-2 visa.
If your spouse and/or dependant children are joining you later, they will need to submit Form I-20A-B, endorsed from the school you are attending. F-2 visa holders can not work while in the US
Steps
You must first apply and be accepted to an USCIS approved school in the US
If admitted, the school will issue you an USCIS Form I-20 A-B/ID (Certificate of Eligibility).
You must submit your visa application form, Form I-20A-B and other required documents at the US Consulate, Consular Office or US Embassy with jurisdiction over your permanent residence.
Forms
To apply for an F-1 Visa, you must supply the following documents:
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A filled-in visa application Form DS-156. Separate applications for each person are compulsory.
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One recent photograph 1 & 1/2 inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering.
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A passport, valid for travel to the United States for at least six months longer than your intended visit.
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A letter of admission from the school you plan to attend.
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A signed Form I-20A-B.
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Proof that you have the economic funds to partake in study in the US
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Demonstration of nonimmigrant intent.