Applying for an F1 Visa - emmanuelnwokoma's Blog | A great ...
STUDENT LIFE AT AMERICAAs an international student, studying in America might be kind of tough but if finally on the long run, one succeeds to be admitted in any of the American universities, then the individual has gotten an opportunity of a life time. 70% of most international candidates who are admitted are often issued a document called the 1-20 form which is the application for an F-1 Student visa also known as the formula 1 student visa while 30% will need to personally apply for either the F-1 or the J-1 visa in their own country, i.e. If you applied to an institution in America and you are admitted but wasn’t issued any of the student visas, you will personally need to go to the immigration office or an embassy in order to apply for a student visa; The credentials needed for a successful student visa application are: 1. A valid passport photograph of yourself, 2. A valid admission letter issued by the institution, 3. A recommendation letter and finally you may need to submit your top ten list in writing or oral form. THE F-1 STUDENT VISA OVERVIEWAn F1 visa is issued to international students who are attending an academic program or English Language Program at a US college or university. F-1 students must maintain the minimum course load for full-time student status. They can remain in the US up to 60 days beyond the length of time it takes to complete their academic program, unless they have applied and been approved to stay and work for a period of time under the OPT Program.F1 students are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on their I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status) which is provided by the US college or university that the student has been accepted to and will attend. F1 Visa QualificationsIn order to qualify, applicants need to satisfy and prove several strict criteria during an F1 visa interview, including the following: Foreign ResidenceF-1 applicants must have a foreign residence and must intend to return there upon the completion of their studies.Sponsoring Institution While on your F-1 visa, you may only study at the academic institution through which the visa was granted.Financial SupportApplicants must demonstrate sufficient financial support — the Study USA Financing Guide can help you prepare for this aspect of your time abroad. Ties to Home Country All applicants must demonstrate that they have strong ties to their home country. Strong ties consist of, but are not limited to, the following: A job offer letter upon completion of studiesAssets (i.e., house, land, vehicle, etc.)Bank accountsFamilyApplying for an F1 VisaAdmission RequirementsDifferent universities have different admission policies. Your university will tell you what they need to determine if you are academically eligible. Among other requirements, you will need to show the school that you have enough money to support yourself while studying without having to work and you may have to show health insurance in order to cover any medical expenses should you need any medical assistance. Once the university has determined that your application is complete and you are academically eligible, they will issue an I-20 form to enable you to apply for your student visa. Where to Apply for Your F1 VisaApplicants for student visas should generally apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. This will normally be your home country — the country in which you live. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence. Always protect yourself by keeping a copy of everything that you fill out and send off.Items to Provide With Your ApplicationAlthough the process may vary or require additional steps, depending on your country and embassy or consulate, you will need the following when applying for your student visa: Application FeeYou will have to pay a non-refundable application fee. This means that if your visa does not get approved, you will not get your money back. Form DS-160All applicants will need to complete and submit DS-160 , the online application for a non-immigrant visa. Form DS-157A DS-157 form for all males aged 16-45.Valid PassportA passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application. PhotosYou can upload a digital photo that is: In colorSized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearanceTaken in front of a plain white or off-white backgroundTaken in full-face view directly facing the cameraWith a neutral facial expression and both eyes openTaken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis F1 Visa InterviewAn F1 visa interview will be required to determine whether or not you are qualified to receive an F1 student visa. You should arrive at the interview with all of the required documents and receipts, and you should be prepared ahead of time to answer personal questions about your decision to study in the US.F1 visa interview questions often include inquiries about your academic qualifications and choice of university. You may be required to prove that you have ties and obligations that would guarantee your return to your home country after your international studies. Most importantly, you will be required to prove that you have the means to finance your education. Education expenses in the US are higher than most countries and being able to present a solid financial plan for the duration of your studies is crucial to pass your F1 visa interview. Questions to Expect during your F1 Visa InterviewInternational students interested in studying inside the US do not have it easy. Not only do you have to worry about being accepted into a desirable and competitive program at a US college or university, you also have to convince the US government to grant you an F-1 student visa in order to pursue your studies. After a tedious F-1 Visa application process international students are put through a visa interview in English, which can be intimidating for those that use English as a second language. Not only will the students need to ensure that they attend the interview with all of the required documentation, they need to be prepared to answer specific, personal questions regarding their plans for study and stay in the US.Knowing what questions to expect can be a huge advantage! Most questions will be related to these 5 categories: Your study plansYour university choiceYour academic capabilityYour financial statusYour post-graduation plansHere are some sample questions and tips on how to answer these questions during your interview.Questions about your study plansThese questions will be similar to your university application essays and interviews. Simply enough, they are interested in your choice of pursuing higher education rather than joining the workforce. They are also interested in your choice to study in the US versus your home country or any other place. right000Why are you going to the US? What will you specialize in for your degree?What will be your major?Where did you go to school now?Who is your current employer? What do you do?Why are you planning to continue your education?Can you not continue your education in your home country?How will this study program relate to your past work or studies?Questions about your university choiceSimilar to your study plans, your choice of university is of interest to your interviewer. These questions will look to shed light on your qualifications as a student and future professional. Higher caliber university choices will be better regarded than little-known colleges or universities. right000How many colleges did you apply to?How many schools did you get admitted to?How many schools rejected you?Have you been to the US before?Do you know your professors at that university? What are their names?What city is your school located in?Questions about your academic capabilityNot surprisingly, you will need to prove your capability to succeed in a US university during your interview. Your test scores, previous GPA, and previous study abroad can all be evaluated to determine your likelihood of success during your program. right000What are your test scores (GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS)?What was your previous GPA?How will you manage the cultural and educational differences in the US?How good is your English?Why do you want to pursue a degree in the US?Why not study in Canada, Australia or the UK?what do you know about US schools?Can I see your high school/college diploma?Learn more about the types of test scores accepted by US schools Questions about your financial statusThis is the most important piece of obtaining your F-1 visa. Regardless of your academic qualifications, you cannot be awarded an F-1 student visa without the means to finance your education. The cost of education in the US is much higher than other countries. It is important to investigate and have a solid financial plan. This plan should include more than just tuition expenses. You should consider housing, food, transportation, health insurance, and all other relevant expenses. right000What is your monthly income?What is your sponsor’s annual income?How do you plan to fund the entire duration of your education?How much does your school cost?How will you meet these expenses?Who is going to sponsor your education?What is your sponsor's occupation?How else will you cover the rest of your costs?Do you have a copy of your bank statements?Did you get offered a scholarship at your school?Can I see your tax returns?Questions about your post-graduation plansTechnically, the F-1 student visa is only granted to those who plan to return to their home country after graduation. Although it is not impossible to stay in the US after your graduation, through programs such as OPT and H1B, it will be important for you to prove that you have ties and obligations, including family, property, or a job offer, that will lead to your return to your home country. right000Do you have relatives or friends currently in the US?What are your plans post-graduation?Do you have a job or career in mind after you graduateDo you plan on returning back to your home country?What are your plans after graduation?Are you sure you won't stay in the US?Will you continue to work for your current employer after you graduate?The most important thing to remember during your F-1 visa interview is to remain calm! Being well prepared is extremely important. Be sure to have all of the required documents and receipts with you so that you can focus on your interview questions. Answer all of the questions asked of you, and remember to be open and honest! F-1 Visa DenialsIf your F1 visa application is denied, it is based on US immigration law. If you are denied, the reason and section of law you are denied under will be given to you in your paperwork. Some applications are denied because the applicant failed to provide necessary information or supporting documentation as required. Sometimes, however, you can be found ineligible for other reasons.Of course, if you do not meet the F-1 Visa Qualifications as stated above, you can expect to be found ineligible. For example, if you do not sufficiently demonstrate that the strong ties to your home country will influence you to return home after your stay in the US, you will be denied under INA section 214(b), Visa Qualifications and Immigrant Intent.Other common reasons for denial include Fraud or Misrepresentation, Unlawful Presence in the United States, Health-related grounds, Criminal-related grounds, or Security-related grounds. To learn more about visa denials and to see if you are eligible for a waiver or to reapply, the US Department of State website is a great resource.Maintaining Valid F-1 Status After You ArriveAfter you are approved for your F1 visa, you are able to enter the United States as an international student. However, after you arrive, you will need to stay aware of your obligations as an F1 visa holder. If you do not maintain your valid F-1 visa status, you will not be allowed to return to re-enter the US if you leave and you will not be eligible for practical training (OPT or CPT) or on-campus employment. Here are some tips to assure you’re in good standing during your study abroad:Upon ArrivalMake sure you arrive in the US no more than 30 days prior to the first day of classes. Check in with your international advisor as soon as possible before your program begins.During Your ProgramYou must remain enrolled full time. Go to class and maintain passing grades. If you are having difficulty in your classes, notify your international advisor. If you are unable to complete your program by the date listed on your Form I-20, your international advisor can help you request a program extension.Your passport should be valid for at least 6-months in the future. Your country’s consulate or embassy can help you extend your passport if needed. Carry a copy of your passport with you along with your I-94 card for identification purposes.Always notify your international advisor or office if you make changes to your address, study plans, or visa status.WorkingF1 visa students are not allowed to work off-campus. However, you may have some on-campus work or curricular practical training options if you qualify. Check with your international advisor to see if this is a possibility for you. If you choose to work without proper authorization, your visa will be revoked and you will be forced to leave the United States.Upon Program CompletionYou have 60 days upon completion of your program to leave the United States under your F1 visa. To remain in the US, you will need to re-enroll in a higher program, transfer to another school to receive a new I-20 form, or apply to change your visa status. Your international advisor can give you more information regarding your options.ON-CAMPUS WORK IN AMERICAFirst and foremost, I will start by explaining what an on-campus work means. On-campus work is a type of part-time work employment offered to most international candidates who hold a valid F-1 visa. On-campus work features so many types of less strenuous and less time consuming activities a student can do while still attending classes; this aids most campus students to be able to support their education. Most American universities offer on-campus work with payment that ranges from $15-$20 per hour. A student with an on-campus work is required to work a maximum 20hours a week. HYPERLINK "" What qualifies on-campus employment for an F-1 student?The work must take place either at your school or at an educationally affiliated (associated with the school’s established curriculum or part of contractually funded research projects at the postgraduate level) off-campus location. Work that takes place at your school location could be for an on-campus commercial business, like a bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for students.Employment located on-campus that does not directly involve services to students (such as construction work) does not qualify as on-campus employment.Work with an employer that is contractually affiliated with the school is on-campus employment even if the work site is not located on the campus (such as a research lab affiliated with your school).Jobs that do not displace a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) HYPERLINK "" What are the basic guidelines for on-campus employment?An F-1 student has three main employment-related guidelines:May work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a U.S. citizen or LPR.May work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session ( full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the annual break)Should report their work to you and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration in order to be able to receive a Social Security number.Not complying with these guidelines for on-campus employment may be a violation of status that could result in the F-1 student having to leave the United States. HYPERLINK "" When can an F-1 student start on-campus employment?An F-1 student may begin working as much as 30 days before the start of a program of study. They should have permission from you before they begin work.If an F-1 student finishes a program (such as a bachelor’s degree) and starts another program of study at the same campus, the student may continue on-campus employment as long as the student plans to enroll in the new program of study for the next term. HYPERLINK "" May an F-1 student work at more than one on-campus job?Yes. However, the F-1 student’s total work hours for all jobs cannot exceed 20 hours during the school term. The F-1 student may work full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the student’s annual break.BREAKDOWN OF AN f-1 STUDENT’s INCOME In 15years at AmericaAn international student from Nigeria was admitted to study medicine in America and was issued an F-1 visa by the university he applied to, he stayed in America 5years for his academic program and prior to the end of his academic program, he renewed his visa and spent an additional 10years in order to practice his career at America; Here is a breakdown of his on-campus and career jobs while he stayed in America.On-campus jobHe earned $20 per hour which is equivalent to $100 per day, equivalent to $500 per week, equivalent to $2,000 per month. In a full year = 12months (7months academic session, 5months holiday)During the 7months academic session, he makes $4,100 per month which is equivalent to $28,700 in 7months.Then, during the holiday period, he works full-time (8hours a day, 40hours per week), he is paid $30 per hour which is equivalent to $240 per day, equivalent to $1,200 per week (excluding Saturdays and Sundays), then on Saturday and Sunday, he works at a restaurant that pays $35 per hour and he works for 10hours each day, which is equivalent to $700 on Saturdays and Sundays, if you add up his weekend income plus his weekdays income, it is equivalent to $1,900 per week, equivalent to $7,600 per month which is in total, equivalent to $38,000 in 5months. Generally, he has made a total of $66,700 in a year as a student.His academic program takes him 5years to complete; therefore, $66,700 in a year is equivalent to $333,500 in 5years (excluding tax and normal expenses).Career jobHe starts a totally new job based on his career after graduating from college, he does this work for 10years and during this 10years, he was paid $150,000 per annum, which is equivalent to $1.5million in 10years. The total of everything he earned in America was $1,833,500 ($1.8million in his 15years stay in America).On returning to Nigeria where $1 is 160Naira, he converted $1,833,500 to Naira and it gave him about 293,360,000Naira. This made him want he is today.Click here to download the original PDF copyClick here to download the original .docx copy ................
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