Academic Students
F-1 Nonimmigrant Visa Status for Students
Students may enter the United States to pursue their education a high school, university, language school, conservatory, and a seminary. F-1 status is granted to these students. Accompanying family members are designated an F-2 visa status.
High School Students
Foreign students wishing to attend a high school in the United States must consider the type of institution and their intended stay before making a decision. A foreign student may attend a public or private high school in the United States. However, if a student wishes to attend a public high school, there are certain limitations. First, the student may not attend a public high school for more than twelve months cumulatively. Second, the student must reimburse the public school for attending the school. Foreign students attending private high schools in the United States do not have the same conditions placed upon them.
College and University Students
Students must first apply to a college or a university in writing. Once accepted to an institution, a designated representative will give the student Form I-20, SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. In turn, the student presents Form I-20 to a U.S. consulate abroad together with a visa application to enter the United States.
Common issues for student visa, or F-1 visa, applicants are persuading immigration officials that the student maintains a residence abroad, has sufficient funds to cover the entire period of study, and has a sufficient level of English language skills to complete the course of study.
Family Members Accompanying Students
Family members apply for F-2 visa status. Because they are already included in their family member’s application and I-20 form, there is no need for family members to obtain an additional Form I-20. F-2 visa status is valid during the entire time that the student pursues a full course of study. Significantly, family members on a valid F-2 visa cannot accept employment.