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Immigration

STUDENT VISA
Questions & Answers

Questions and Answers: Student Visa
By Edward Yang

1. What kind of visa is available to study in the United States?

There are two categories of student visas. The F-1 category are for those who are interested in pursuing academic studies in colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools and other academic institutions and language schools. The M-1 category is for vocational students.

2. How can I apply for student visa?

The school you are planning on attending should be able to assist you with the procedures to apply for INS Form I-20 A-B/ID. You must have adequate financial resources required to support yourself during your stay in the United States and prove that you have an intent to return to your home country.

3. Do I have to attend school every week until I complete my academic program?

No. As long as you are full-time student, you are eligible to take the annual regular vacations, if you plan to register for the next academic term. However, you must return to the United States within five months.

4. Is it possible to apply for a student visa even I entered into the United States on a tourist visa?

Yes. You must show sufficient financial resources to support yourself while you stay in the United States to attend the school. It is not advisable to request for a change of status too soon upon entering the United States.

5. Can I transfer schools?

Yes, provided you will be a full time student with good academic standing.

6. How long can I stay in the United States upon graduation from my school?

You have sixty days to prepare to leave the country upon graduation. However, if approved, you may stay for twelve additional months to pursue practical training. Upon completion your practical training, you have sixty days to leave.

7. Can I work with my student visa?

Yes. In most cases, you are limited to work on-campus with maximum of 20 hours a week. It is possible to work off-campus once you have spent a year in the United States and qualify for special student work permit. Your off-campus work is also limited to only 20 hours a week while school is in session. During school holidays and vacation you may work full-time.

8. Can students from Thailand, Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia exceed the normal 20-hour employment limit?

Yes, due to severe economic hardship due to the rapid devaluation of their currencies against the United States dollar, F-1 students will be permitted to exceed the normal 20-hour limit on both on-campus and off-campus employment. They are also permitted to reduce their full course of study.

9. What are the new requirements of semester hours of instructions for both on-campus and off-campus employment for students from Thailand, Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia?

A: Undergraduate students must remain registered for a minimum of 6 semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic term and graduate students must remain registered for a minimum of 3 semester or quarter hours per academic term for the period of authorized employment.

10. What are the new regulations for off-campus employment for students from Thailand, Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia?

A: It is no longer required for student to maintain F-1 status for one full academic year prior to obtaining off-campus employment, furthermore work authorization may exceed 20 hours per week even when the school is in session.

For questions or to add information to the page
please e-mail Bo Lorentzen