It is honorable that you wish to continue your education after high school to set yourself up nicely for your future dream job. With this, you may want to go the extra mile and attend a higher education institution in the United States. After all, the United States is home to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities worldwide. But before you get too ahead of yourself, you must remember that you need a certain visa to reside legally in the country while getting this education. Namely, you need an F-1 visa. With that being said, read on to discover the eligibility requirements for a student visa and how one of the seasoned Wisconsin immigration attorneys at Sesini Law Group, S.C. can help you through every step of the application process.
What are the eligibility requirements for a student visa?
The first step toward becoming eligible for a student visa is to be accepted into a course of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved school in the United States. It is worth mentioning that SEVP-approved schools extend far beyond colleges and universities. That is, they also include private elementary schools, high schools, seminaries, conservatories, or language programs. You may be interested in looking into this if you want your siblings or other close family members to apply alongside you.
Once you receive your acceptance letter, you may want to confirm that you meet the rest of the eligibility requirements, which read as follows:
- You must be living outside the United States when you initially apply.
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the SEVP-approved school.
- You must be proficient in English and be enrolled in an English proficiency course.
- You must have sufficient funds to support your attendance at the SEVP-approved school.
- You must have an intent to return to your home country after finishing your studies at the SEVP-approved school.
What is the general process for applying for a student visa?
Once you confirm that you are undoubtedly eligible for a student visa, you may proceed with your application. Firstly, soon after you enroll at an SEVP-approved school, they may add you to their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). And then when you register with SEVIS, they may expect you to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. As of recently, this fee is set at $350.
Secondly, your school may issue you a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. Next, a United States embassy or consulate may have you complete and submit Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. The last and final step may be to attend a visa interview with a United States embassy or consulate.
We understand just how complicated this application process can be, especially as a student. At any rate, please contact one of the competent Wisconsin immigration attorneys today. We, at Sesini Law Group, S.C., look forward to your phone call.