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FAQˇˇ Q&A for International Students ˇˇ 1. To get an student visa ˇˇ What is an I-20? ˇˇ The I-20 is a three-page document that is issued by American colleges and universities to international students entering the U.S. on the F-1 student visa. It is proof that a student has been admitted to a recognized school and allows the student to apply for a visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy. It contains several “blocks? of information that include:
1.Personal information about you (name, date of birth, and
nationality), ˇˇ What is SEVIS? ˇˇ
SEVIS stands for Student & Exchange Visitor Information System. It
is an Internet communication between U.S. embassies, the immigration
office and the schools.
What is a F-1 visa? ˇˇ The F1 student visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign students to enter into the U.S. to attend a full course of study at colleges, universities, conservatories, academic high schools (subject to strict regulations) and institutions with language training programs.
How do I qualify for a F-1 visa? ˇˇ To qualify for a F-1 visa, you must: Be proficient in English, unless you are coming to the U.S. to participate in an English language training program. In some cases the school may make special arrangements to teach you English Prove that you have sufficient funds to complete your education Be coming to attend a full course of study by a school approved by the USCIS Have an I-20 Form issued by your school
What privileges do I enjoy on a F-1 visa? ˇˇ On F-1 visa, you may: come to the U.S. as a full time academic or language student enrolled in a program leading to a degree or certificate transfer from one school to another or switch academic programs by notifying the change to the USCIS Legally work part time on-campus. You may even seek off-campus employment if it is economically necessary or if it involves practical training travel in and out of the U.S. or remain in the U.S. until the completion of your studies
How do I get a F-1 visa? ˇˇ You must apply at the embassy or consulate office in your country. You will need to provide the US embassy with your I-20, completed application forms and proof of financial evidence. Some countries may have additional requirements. You can get the latest information from the US embassy in your country.
In what situation can my F-1 visa be denied? ˇˇ Your F-1 visa application may be denied if: you intend to make an application in a 'third country' (e.g., you are from P.R. China, but you intend to go to Canada to obtain an F-1 visa) This is your first application for an F-1 visa You are returning home after a long stay in the U.S. (Three or more years) There is a serious political or economic crisis in your home country You are engaged in practical training after the completion of your academic program You have limited time to obtain your visa. (Your visit will only be for a short period of time) You are waiting for the results of an application for permanent residency (immigrant status) or you are married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident ˇˇ What can I do if my visa request is denied? ˇˇ If your visa application is denied, before you leave the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, obtain an explanation of the specific reason you are denied the visa and ask about re-application procedures. ˇˇ What is an M-1 visa? ˇˇ The M-1 student visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign students wishing to pursue vocational or non-academic studies, other than language training, to enter into the U.S.
How do I qualify for M-1 visa? ˇˇ To qualify for an M-1 visa, you must: prove your intention to enter into the U.S. temporarily attend an approved vocational study program engage in a full course of study ˇˇ What privileges do I enjoy on M-1 visa? ˇˇ On M-1 visa, you may: enter the U.S. as a fulltime vocational or nonacademic student transfer from one school to another work legally on-campus on a part-time basis work legally off-campus on an assignment that’s related to your field of study travel in and out of the U.S.
What is an I-94 Form? ˇˇ You received an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record when you entered this country. It is a white form, usually stapled inside your passport. Your visa status and the duration of your visit are located on the form. It also has a number that the Immigration Office will use to keep track of your records, so make sure you do not lose it. Every time you leave the US, your current I-94 will be replaced by a new one. However, if you travel in Canada, Mexico, or certain adjacent islands (and return within 30 days or less), you should keep your current I-94 form.
What is an affidavit of support? ˇˇ It is a form that your sponsor signs promising to support you financially during your studies.
How long dose it take to get a student visa? ˇˇ The amount of time to obtain a visa varies and is affected by many factors.
Do I have to go to the embassy or consulate to get a visa? ˇˇ No, every country has different requirements. You must check with the American embassy in your country for the latest information. Currently all F-1 visa applicants in all countries must apply for an interview. You must call the U.S. Embassy in your country to make an appointment for this interview.
What should I bring to the embassy or consulate? ˇˇ You should bring your passport, I-20 form, highest diploma or certificate of academic completion, transcript, translation and notarization, bank statement or affidavit of support. Remember, all the documents must be original.
When can I arrive in the USA with a student visa? ˇˇ You may arrive up to 30 days before the start of school as indicated on your I-20.
How do I improve my chances to get a visa? ˇˇ You need proof or evidence showing that you will return to your home country after completing your studies. You must have a minimum amount of money in your account to pay for school and your living expenses while you are studying. It is helpful to submit proof of social, economic and familial connections to your country such as an employment, continuing education, family, etc. A tuition deposit is required but it is also helpful to show proof of advanced payment. Arrange for accommodation. Some officials may want to know where you plan to stay. Pay in advance to prove that you have accommodations.
If I don’t get a visa, can I get refund? ˇˇ Because our school won’t charge any tuition before you get a visa, so there is nothing for you to refund. ˇˇ 2. If I already have a visa When must I renew my F-1 visa? ˇˇ You must renew your F-1 visa if you decide to travel outside the U.S. and your current F-1 visa will expire before you re-enter the U.S. to continue your program. If this is the case, you will need to apply for another F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Students traveling to Mexico, Canada and islands adjacent to the U.S. (except Cuba) for less than 30 days are not required to have a current F-1 visa in their passport in order to re-enter as their visa gets automatically revalidated at the border. ˇˇ
If I am in the US and my visa expires, what can I do? ˇˇ F-1 students are allowed to remain in the U.S. with an expired F-1 visa stamp; provided that they are maintaining their status and that their passport and SEVIS FORM I-20 are valid. Although you may remain in the U.S. with an expired F-1 visa, it will be necessary to apply for a new visa during the next trip abroad. You will need a valid F-1 visa in order to reenter the US. Students needing to apply for a new visa during a trip abroad should inform the Coordinator of International Student Services before travel. Remember that new security checks and supplemental visa application forms developed since September 11, 2001, have significantly delayed the visa application process in many countries. ˇˇ How long can I stay in the US after I graduate? ˇˇ F-1 students can remain in the United States 60 days after completion of their studies. It is called the "60 Day Grace Period" and you can spend the time traveling within the US and preparing for your return home. If you plan to transfer to a graduate school or apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after commencement, you have to complete filing the necessary documents within this period. If you would like to remain in the US more than 60 days after commencement as a tourist, you will need to apply for change of status to tourist during the grace period.
Which student visa is better, F-1 or M-1? ˇˇ F-1 is focus on English program while M-1 is focus on business training program, so each of them has their own advantages. ˇˇ 3. Transfer What is a transfer? ˇˇ If you want to change schools, you need to transfer. Students have the right to transfer to another school but there are some rules that must be followed. Usually you will have to complete you current term before transferring and give your school advanced notice. Your school may also require that you fill out a transfer form.
How do I transfer to Bluedata International? ˇˇ If you currently study at another school, you can transfer to Bluedata by register in our program. Either on phone, mail/fax your application, or visit us. ˇˇ What are the requirements for a transfer to another school? ˇˇ For transferring to another school, you must: Be a full-time student, and you intend to be a full-time student at the new school should prove that you have the financial resources required for you education Not change your educational objective ˇˇ How long will it take to transfer from another school to Bluedata? ˇˇ The time to transfer to our school is various among individual, but you can shorten the time by talking to us before you make the decision of transferring. ˇˇ 4. Change of Status What is a change of status? ˇˇ F-1 student status is appropriate if you intend to pursue full-time studies in the United States. If you are currently in the United States as a temporary worker, diplomat, exchange visitor or any other non-immigrant classification EXCEPT Visitor in WT or WB status can change their status to F-1 student visa. ˇˇ How can I apply for my status changing?
complete application form complete the I-539 form (available from the ISSO) provide additional personal documents financial documents ˇˇ What does it mean to be "in-status"? ˇˇ In-status means you are in good standing at your school and meet all the requirements to be an F-1 student. ˇˇ What does it mean to be "out-of-status"? ˇˇ This means that you are not meeting the requirements to be an F-1 student. For instance: you are not enrolled as a full-time student, you have a job outside the school, etc. ˇˇ What happens if I am out-of-status"? ˇˇ There are two ways you can do if you are in an out-of-status situation. First, you can reinstatement with the BCIS, or go back to your own country. If you finished your school, you could only stay in the US for 60 days before returning to your home country. ˇˇ 5. Reinstatement Ways to fall out of status? ˇˇ not registering for a full time student now transferring SEVIS form I-20 within 15 days of arrival at new school entering the US with a SEVIS form I-20 of a school you do not attent expiration of your I-20 working illegally (you can not reinstate after this) ˇˇ What is reinstatement? ˇˇ An F-1 student who has overstayed his or her authorized period of stay or has otherwise failed to maintain F-1 student status may be reinstated to lawful F-1 status at the discretion of a Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) District Director. ˇˇ Why should I apply for reinstatement?
To stay in the US legally.
Who should apply for reinstatement?
The BCIS Director may
reinstate the student to lawful F-1 status, if he or she:
2. Is currently pursuing, or intending to
pursue, a full course of study at the school that issued the Form
I-20; 4. Not deportable on any ground other than overstaying or failing to maintain status ˇˇ How do I request for reinstatement of status? ˇˇ To apply for reinstatement you must write a letter to the USCIS explaining the reasons why you violated status and why you should be reinstated. Indicate the hardships that will result: should USCIS fail to reinstate you, and/or that your violation occurred because of circumstances beyond your control. ˇˇ What forms should I fill out when applying for reinstatement? ˇˇ 1. Form I-539-with "reinstatement" at the top 2. SEVIS FORM I-20. For Item #3, mark "other-reinstatement" 3. I-94 original copy 4. Filing fee of $140-check or money order made payable to BCIS 5. Personal letter or other evidence of reason for loss of status. 6. Letter of support from school 7. Verification of enrollment-letter from registrar, admission letter 8. Financial documentation supporting the SEVIS FORM 1-20 9. Valid passport
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