Student Visa Info

The number of students participating in foreign exchange programs at the post-secondary-school level in any given year is a surprisingly large number–1.4 million. Of those, approximately one-third of them choose the United States as their destination. The number of exchange students at the level of secondary-school or below is smaller, but still considerable. Hosting foreign exchange students has been a decades old tradition in some circles of American society. Families that have hosted students often form close, lasting relationships with them. Learn how to participate in this experience.

(1). Know what you are getting into. Realize that hosting an exchange student is like adopting him or her for the time they are in this country. These students have financial resources and are almost always covered with medical insurance policies, but their housing, supervision and emotional support come directly from the host family. It is also true that because of cultural differences, exchange students sometimes have difficulty integrating into the hectic and competitive society that exists in American high schools and junior high schools.

(2). Go through a rigorous placement process. Prior to 2006, background checks were optional and at the discretion of the entity responsible for the exchange student’s placement. Following a series of articles from all over the world that documented apparent abuse of students during their stay in the United States, legislation was initiated to establish oversight of the placement process. At that time, many if not most exchange student agencies voluntarily began requiring criminal background checks on the adult members of prospective host families.

(3). Check smaller organizations, and organizations that serve specific populations of students. AYUSA, The Center for Cultural Exchange and The World Heritage Student Exchange Programs are examples of such programs.

(4). Apply with one of the organizations after considering the responsibilities inherent in the program and the type student you would like to host.

(5). Decide which organization you want to use for placement. There are a large number of entities that handle placement of exchange students. Some of these organizations work with designated countries, some with designated religious affiliations, some with specific educational organizations and others without a defined population of any kind. The Council for Standards on International Educational Travel (CSIET) is such an organization. CSIET has a list of vetted programs throughout America.

(6). Check the websites of three of the oldest exchange student organizations: the American Field Service, The Rotary Youth Exchange and The Youth for Understanding Foundation. These organizations have long standing reputations. They place a large number of students.

 

 
The US visa office in New Delhi is helpful all requests for student visa interviews within three weeks, said US State Department’s Non-Immigrant Visa Chief Sally Ironfield.

This is in contrast to post 9/11, when there was a sharp decline in clearing the number of student visa applications and visa procedures too were made strict, she said adding, “We are now on an upswing and on track to outpace last year’s number of 18,000 student visas issued.”

In a web chat hosted at the American Center she said, “The representative period prior to studies in the United States in which a student may relate for a visa is 120 days, and that the visa office in New Delhi is at present accommodating all requests for student visa interviews within three weeks.”

India has been the leading country of origin for international students in the United States for the fourth following year, Iron field said.

 

Whether you are seeking an F visa or J visa, you face the seemingly arduous task of traveling to a US consulate for a face to face visa interview. Since both visas fall in the “non-immigrant” category, there is a legal assumption that governs its issuance. In effect, you, the applicant, face a legal burden of proof the minute you walk up to that window.

Let us explain. According to US immigration law, every person who enters a US consulate to apply for a non immigration visa is presumed to be an intended immigrant unless that person can show evidence to the contrary. This is serious! It is an assumption under Section 214 B of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( INA).

The government of the United States has instructed every counselor at the window to believe that you might be using the student visa as a pretense for entering the US on a permanent basis. So you will have to show them that such is not the case when you get there. How do you overcome such a burdensome presumption?

The key is proper preparation and understanding what is required. Let’s talk about the documents:

Passport

You will have your passport. Generally, if you have traveled to the USA before and not violated the law or the terms of your visa, you are probably most likely to get the student or exchange visa. If you have traveled extensively in developed countries, that helps.

However, if you have been to Cuba or are from a Middle-Eastern or communist country, you may have to do some explaining. While these factors may not directly impact the decision, they are complications that will make the interview a bit more nerve wrecking.

Forms DS-156 and DS-157

You will fill out a form called the DS-156 (and the DS 157 if you are male). The first is the visa application form; the second is the security form. The form requires two passport photos with clearly indicated dimensions, and a $100 US or local equivalent application fee. The form itself is not complex. But you will need to have your intended address (so get it from the university), and you will need to answer questions about your plans.

One touchy issue on the form is about your previous travels to the USA. Records exist, especially for post 2001 activities, so be honest. Another touchy issue is that of relatives. If you have had a previous immigrant filing or a current immigrant petition, then it is not advisable to seek a student visa. You would not be able to clear the “intended immigrant” hurdle. Previous, but not current filing can be explained but might be a hurdle.

Having relatives in the USA is NOT an asset. Don’t believe for a minute that your uncle in New York or your sister in Los Angeles would work in your favor. On the contrary, it demonstrates ties to the USA and not your home country. If such a condition exists, be prepared to explain why it would not be a factor in your plans to return home after completing your degree.

Fees

Fees can be costly. So a mistake the first time could result in you having to re-apply and pay another $100. But even if you have everything right, prior to going for the interview, you must pay a SEVIS or form I-901 fee, in addition to your visa fee. That is also $100. You must have evidence that you have paid this fee online prior to arriving for your interview.

Making an Appointment

Online is a good way to make a visa appointment (where available), and also to submit your DS-156 and or DS-157. Submitting the forms electronically and arriving at the embassy for your scheduled interview can help to accelerate your case and give you a preferred place in line. You will have a bar-coded printout that you can take with you allowing easy access to your application.

Supplemental Documents

Supplemental documents are serious. In addition to the passport, photos, forms, and documents, always carry your financial information that you submitted to the school. But it is also wise to carry any additional evidence of present or future financial support.

Take all your academic documents and copies of your test scores. Carry any correspondence from your school particularly scholarship offers or housing confirmation. If you have a family business, a house, a significant other, a pending job, or a bond, or evidence of anything that suggests or compels you to return, then these are great things to carry.

Keep in mind, the purpose of the interview is to simply assure the counselor that you intend to go to school in good faith and complete the intended program and then obediently return to your home country. It is also important to convince him or her that you have the language skills, academic ability, and the financial means or support to total this. Given those situation, you should have no problems getting your visa.

Visas are issued by the American government for exact purposes and for finite periods. If you overstay your visa or use it for a purpose for which it was not issued - for example, if you work while on a student visa - you may be deported by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (aka INS). Moreover, if you are caught “out of status” - which includes using your visa incorrectly or overstaying it - you can be banned from returning to America for up to three years. Do it again and you can be banned for a decade.

Obtaining the proper paperwork for your time in America is a pain in the ass. You should expect lengthy waits and hassles, as well as having to fork out big cash for your visa. Oh, and if the American government thinks you are coming to America to immigrate, without proper authorization, they may reject you admission altogether. All in all, navigating the rapidly changing laws that govern the rights of foreigners to live in this country is extremely difficult, and you really shouldn’t try to do it without an attorney. That said, however, you can read on to learn the basics to start you on your way to obtaining a visa.

1. MAKE A DECISION WHICH VISA YOU NEED AND GET AN APPLICATION

If you want to come to America to live forever - that is, to become a “permanent resident” - you are going to have a hell of a time. The hoops through which you must jump to gain a Green Card - which is the proper governmental authorization for permanent residency and also known as an Employment Authorization Document - are numerous and onerous. (We won’t be outlining those concerns here.) It is far easier to come to America for a finite stay, since the American government is less concerned about people whom they think will not be moving in permanently.

Which visa is for you?

There are three major types of short-term visas, and, as with most government documents, some of these have awkward numerical names. There is a “visitor’s visa,” which is intended to allow a foreign citizen to come to America for up to three months to visit Niagara Falls and to be fleeced at Disney World. If your intention is simply to take a vacation in America or to come out for a special occasion like a wedding or graduation, this is the visa you need. If, however, you intend to study in America, you will need to apply for a distinct visa: either an F-1 or a J-1. These visas will last as long as your degree program, e.g., up to four years for an undergraduate degree and two or three for a graduate program. While these student visas may allow you to work for a couple of months after you graduate, as part of “practical training” toward your overall education, they do not allow you to work full-time during the school year. If you want to come to America to work a full-time job, for only a finite period of years, you will need to apply for an H visa. Clearly, these visitor, student, and temporary work visas are all quite different from one another, so you should not have much difficulty determining which is the proper one for your purpose.

Go to Your United States Embassy

No matter which of the three visas you decide to apply for, you will need to pick up an application at a U.S. Embassy. Typically, there will be a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the capital city of your home country. One of the benefits of having those damn Yanks meddling in everyone else’s business is that they have conveniently set up bases for the CIA all over the world - these are the embassies.

Almost every U.S. Embassy in the world is divided into two main divisions: consular and “other.” “Other” can mean anything from United States Information Agency, services for U.S. citizens, CIA, DEA, and all the other “business” generally conducted by the American diplomats in your country. The consular division is what you need. It is the place that handles applications for visas to America. More importantly for this stage in the process, it is where you can pick up precise information on the application process. Simply enter the embassy’s consular division and ask for an application for the visa of your choice: either tourist, student, or temporary employment. Be sure to emphasize “temporary” - as we’ve hinted, the bean-counters get very nervous when they think you might be staying.

2. GET READY YOUR EVIDENTIARY SUPPORT

In order to obtain any of these three visas, you will need to ease the U.S. government’s concern that you are simply using these papers as a cover for traveling to America and then remaining there indefinitely. The application process will, to greater and lesser degrees depending on the length of your intended stay, look for you to demonstrate a bona fide non-immigrant intent. There are several things to which you can point to demonstrate this non-immigrant intent.

Explain your financial ties to your home country.

If you have wrapped yourself up in business dealings at home, the U.S. consular division is less likely to think that you will ditch all of that sunk cost simply to run off to America. Bank accounts, stock certificates, bond coupons, or any other items that can prove your financial ties will be helpful to have handy. Of course, having a home or other assets in your home country is also excellent evidence of non-immigrant intent, and you should have proof of those assets available.

On a related note, be prepared to prove your employment prospects in your home country if you can. If you have a letter from an employer offering you a job upon your return from America, or you currently have a job from which you are taking only temporary leave, make copies for the Embassy officials of any documents that can verify these facts.

Obtain proof of family ties, if you have any, in your home country.

Of course, if you have a spouse and children at home, this will assuage the Americans’ fears. Even having other immediate family members will help, so gather some evidence that describes your relationship to them, including their names, residences, occupations, and ages. Affidavits from your relatives will help.

Proffer some evidence of your ties to your home community.

If you participate in any social, political, religious, or cultural organizations, bring some proof of that. Again, the idea here is to demonstrate your connection to your home country.

You may be asked to furnish these materials as part of the written application for a visa, or during an interview about that application. Bring multiple copies of them with you every time you go to the U.S. Embassy.

3. FOLLOW THESE SPECIFIC TIPS FOR YOUR PARTICULAR VISA TYPE

Having picked up your application and prepared your evidentiary support, you should be aware of the quirks that are particular to your type of visa.

1. Tourist Visa

2. Temporary Work Visa

3. Student Visa

Tourist Visa

The Tourist Visa - also known as a Visitor Visa - is the least complex of all the visas you can acquire for a visit to the United States. Because the U.S. government presumes that you are coming to America only for pleasure or personal reasons, and only for a limited duration, they do not conduct an extensive inquiry into your background. They will, however, remain perpetually suspicious about whether you are simply using this as a ruse to enter the country and then to remain here illegally thereafter.

If you are coming to America to visit the Grand Canyon, therefore, be prepared to show your itinerary or travel tickets to that destination when you go to the U.S. Embassy. Similarly, if you need a visa to go to your friend’s college graduation, having a copy of the invitation or announcement with the date and place will help verify your claims to the U.S. bureautron behind the counter.

In general, the technical requirements for this kind of visa are slight, and you should rely on your common sense to get through the application process. Just think of what you would want to see as proof of the reason for your trip and your intent to return home afterwards.

But before you spend all day in line at the U.S. Embassy, check out the Visa Waiver Pilot Program to see if you can waive even this low-level paperwork.

Temporary Work Visa

If you thought the student visas were complicated, be prepared for even more hassle if you attempt to obtain permission to work in the United States. For this process, you will certainly need the assistance of your employer or an attorney, and most likely, both. Nevertheless, we will outline the process for you here so that you know where to begin and what to expect.

Obtain a Job Offer. Just as with a student visa, the first thing you must have for a temporary work visa is a letter of acceptance. Your employer must furnish you with a piece of correspondence - preferably on corporate letterhead - formally offering you a position with the company. This letter should also contain several other details to assuage the INS. Your employer should note the title of the position and its responsibilities, the salary, the start and end dates, and how many hours a week the position involves. The end date here is particularly important, in light of the INS’s constant fear of your overstaying the visa. They need to know that this job has a time limit - a date after which it will definitely be over.

Fill Out the INS Paperwork. Your employer will then need to fill out an application on an INS Form I-129, petitioning for permission to hire you as a temporary employee. Of course, in all practicality, this means that you fill out the form for your employer and then hand it to them for their signature. The form can be downloaded here: http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-129.htm

Having filled out this form, with the help of your employer and possibly an attorney, you will need to file it with the INS along with a fee of $610. Yeah, that’s steep. But we always knew that America got rich on the backs of immigrants.

Then you wait. And wait. The INS can take many months to process these requests, and the number of these visas available is finite. That means the government can run out of them. These visas - “H” visas - are replenished each year, though, and the beginning of the INS year is in October/November. You should try to get your application to the INS as soon after that time as possible to ensure that there are sufficient H visas available by the time they process your application.

Use the H Visa. Once you receive your visa, the government will instruct you on the mechanics of activating it, which (if you are already in the United States) may involve leaving the country and visiting a U.S. Embassy abroad. When you travel on an H visa, you will not have an I-20 or an IAP-66, but the INS will furnish you with proof of your visa, and it is always a good idea to carry your employer’s letter of acceptance with you.

Please be aware that the intricacies of applying for a temporary work visa are numerous. We have provided you with only an overview of the process here, so that you will be sufficiently informed to begin your application in earnest. A great place to begin, of course, is on the INS’s own website. (http://www.ins.usdoj.gov)

There are also a number of private law firms that specialize in immigration law, and their websites are also informative. Two of the best are http://www.immigration.com and http://www.us-immigration.com/.

4. SEE IF YOU’RE ELIGIBLE FOR THE VISA WAIVER

For certain visitors to the United States, the US government has dispensed entirely with the need to obtain any sort of visa prior to traveling here. Don’t go running to the airport just yet though, you have to make sure that you satisfy the threshold criteria for this program and that you are aware of the restrictions governing you if you choose to travel visa-less.

Student Visa

Tens of thousands of foreigners come to America each year to study at this country’s fine institutions of higher learning. Oh, yeah, and to get totally ripped at frat parties. Thankfully, the U.S. government encourages this behavior and has established a relatively liberal policy of allowing aliens to study here. Of course, you still must apply for a visa.

Keep your letter of admission. Before you set one foot inside the U.S. Embassy, you must have a letter of admission from your university. The consular officials won’t even consider your application unless they have proof that you are, or will be, a student in the United States. No worries, though - this is not tough to take care of. When you get admitted to your school, just make a copy of the admission letter.

Obtain additional paperwork from your prospective school. Once you are admitted, you will also need to contact your university’s international office. Each university in America is evaluated by the INS, which accredits it for the purposes of immigration - the idea here is that they don’t want recent immigrants setting up “universities” in their double-wide trailers and admitting thousands of their old grade school chums. All accredited schools - and we mean really accredited - will have an official who handles applications by international students. This person will be responsible for sending you the paperwork that you will need to negotiate the visa application process in your home country.

The first thing this university official will do is determine what kind of student visa - F-1 or J-1 - you should apply for. In practical terms, there is no great distinction between these two. On either one, you will go through many of the same procedures to stay “in status” and will be able to come and go from America to the same extent. Technically, however, F-1s are for undergraduate students and boarding schoolers. They can, therefore, last up to four years, if your degree program takes that long. By contrast, J-1 visas are for “visiting scholars,” which usually means professors or lecturers, but can also mean graduate students. Another slight difference between the two visas is that a J-1 allows 18 months of practical training, while an F-1 allows only 12. So if your school is indifferent, and you have the choice, you may want to opt for a J-1.

The practical training addition to these visas allows you to find employment related to your field of study for as long as the visa allows. If you just graduated from law school on a J-1 visa, for example, you could work for a law firm for a year-and-a-half before needing either to leave the country or to secure another visa. Those practical training months can also be used piecemeal, such that you could use three months during each summer break from school to work in a job related to your studies and still have months left over for when you graduate. If you do not apply to your university official for this practical training during the summers, you cannot work in America at those times. You would have to return to your home country to do so. Having extra months of practical training, therefore, is definitely useful.

Once you have worked out what kind of visa you will be applying for, your university official must send you the appropriate form. For an F-1, this form is called an I-20. For a J-1, the form is called an IAP-66. Do not lose these forms. They are your tickets into America.

Apply at the embassy. If you have received your letter of acceptance and I-20 or IAP-66, you can then approach the U.S. Embassy to apply formally for the visa. Rarely will an embassy deny you a visa if you can produce these pieces of university paperwork. There is, however, one important requirement that you must satisfy before being granted the visa: financial ability.

The U.S. Embassy will generally not grant you a student visa unless you can demonstrate your ability to pay for your education. This can be a difficult thing to establish. If you plan to attend a private four-year university, for example, the total cost of your schooling can be over $100,000. You must show the U.S. Embassy that you have this cash before they’ll let you come over here. So start liquidating the stocks and padding that bank statement! We’ve also found that drug smuggling will help.

Get the actual visa. Finally, having laid yourself bare before the American government, you may be granted your visa. Prepare to be disappointed. After all that hassle, the visa itself is a small piece of paper, about the size of a postcard, that is glued into your passport. It contains a scanned photograph of you (which you must furnish to the embassy on your application), plus your vital information, such as name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and so on. More importantly, it declares itself to be your visa. When you attempt to enter the United States, you will need to present your passport and I-20 or IAP-66 to the person working at the immigration counter - so you had better have both before you book that ticket.

The Criteria

This program applies (a) only to citizens of a limited group of countries and (b) only if those citizens are traveling to the United States for 90 days or fewer.

First, make sure your country of citizenship is on this list:

Australia

France

Germany Iceland

Italy

Japan

New Zealand

Singapore

Spain

Switzerland

United Kingdom

Since this program is new, some countries have only recently been added and more may be in the future. Check with your own country’s consulate or your local U.S. embassy to see whether your country participates in this program.

Second, make sure you have a return ticket getting you out of the States before 90 days.

The Process

Under this program, simply purchase your tickets, proceed to the airport, be treated like crap in a tiny seat on the long flight, and then be prepared to withstand an interrogation by US immigration officials upon arriving. They will ask you a series of questions that will go something like this:

* Why have you come to the U.S.?

* Where are you going while here?

* Where are you staying?

* With whom are you staying?

* What is your occupation?

* How long have you worked there?

* Will you be returning to that job?

* Do you have a return ticket?

* Do you have sufficient money?

The whole point of this exercise is (a) to see if you satisfy the criteria of the program, and (b) to make sure that you’re not just using the program as a ruse to enter the country with the intention of staying here forever - stealing jobs from Americans and corrupting the moral fabric of this country, you stinkin’ for-ee-ner!

Remember, if they’re not happy with your answers, they can turn you around and put you on the next flight home - at your expense. So be ready with them answers.

The Boundaries

First, you cannot work or study on this visa. We’ve already gone over the visas you need to do those things, so don’t get cute. Second, by this program’s definition, you can’t stay for more than 90 days. And, third, the program does not allow you to adjust your status while traveling on it - so if you suddenly decide you want to work or study now that you’re here in the U.S., lo siento chicos (that is, “sorry boys and girls”), you’re still going to have to return home and go through the process we’ve described for those types of visas.