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Ready to pursue your studies in the U.S.?
Posted Date: 28 Apr 2008 Resource Type: Articles/Knowledge Sharing Category: Education
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Posted By: vijay kumar Member Level: Diamond
Rating:  Points: 6
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f you are all packed up, then don’t forget to dot your “i”s and cross your “t”s on U.S. immigration related issues. In this brief overview, we provide a summary of immigration issues that students must deal with to ensu re that they can actually safely enter the U.S. to pursue their education. Here are some tips to make that process a little easier.
First, make sure the school is approved by the United States Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS). These schools are listed on the Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) website (see http://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/ApprovedSchools.pdf ). Post September 11, 2001, ICE is the main agency that maintains the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) database for each foreign student. Once accepted by the school, the newly admitted student’s information is entered in the SEVIS database for security purposes. The school will send the student Form I-20 upon admission. This form proves that the student has been accepted into the school and has sufficient financial support to attend college in the U.S.
Often stressful
Second, the student then must schedule a visa interview at the U.S. consulate having jurisdiction, this usually depends on the residence address of the person and the consulate closest to that address. In many countries, this is the most difficult and stressful part of the process for students since the rejection rates for F1 visas is high in certain countries, including India. Several documents are needed for the visa interview, including the University/ School issued Form I-20, the passport, $100 SEVIS fee receipt, Form DS-156 (Application for non-immigrant visa), DS-157, DS-158 (not always required at all consulates) and evidence of financial support. There is also a reciprocity fee that the U.S. charges for each non-immigrant visa that depends on the fees that that country charges U.S. citizens who wish to study in the home country.
The SEVIS fee can be paid online to save time (go to https:// www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/ ) but make sure to print the receipt out to take to the interview. The non-immigrant visa application forms can be found on the U.S. Department of State website ( http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html ). The amount of financial support needed will be based on tuition, room and board and other expenses as determined by the school. The USCIS further requires that the applicant to be proficient in English (TOEFL) or be enrolled in English proficiency courses. Bring this proof to the visa interview also. It is also a good idea to bring the interview appointment letter, all academic transcripts and standardised test scores. Most importantly, make sure to be especially organised at the interview with the consular officer and ensure that all forms are complete. Once the F1 student or J1 international exchange/ scholar visa has been approved at the consulate, celebrate and savour the moment!
Students must plan to enter the U.S. on or before the date on the Form I-20. At the time of entering the U.S., a student must carry the passport with the visa stamped, Form I-20, and evidence of financial support. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent at the airport or other port of entry has the right to deny entry to any person even if the student was previously issued the F1 or J1 visa stamp at the U.S. consulate if they believe that the person does not meet the criteria for the particular visa classification. However jet-lagged, tired or cranky you may feel, behave professionally with the CBP inspectors since they have considerable discretion.
It’s just begun
After admission to the U.S., you think you are all set and free. Think again, you must now get used to a new country, culture, way of life, a different academic style, and learn to understand the “thick American accent” all around. After you get your feet wet, you need to start your gruelling school work to ensure that the time and resources your parents spent to send you to the U.S. will be worthwhile. Your life lies ahead of you with tremendous opportunities and challenges. You must succeed — it is in your destiny, since you have chosen to forge your own path, with your own hard work, dedication and determination, and of course, the help and support of your family and friends!
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