The F-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant (temporary) US Visa for international students (foreign students) in colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, other academic institutions, or in language training. Potential international students have to meet a few requirements in order to obtain an F-1 visa. You first must apply to study at an USCIS- approved school in the United States, a school approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for accepting international students (foreign students). When you contact a school that you are interested in attending, you should be told immediately if the school accepts foreign national students (international students). If you are accepted, the school should give you USCIS Form I-20.

After you are accepted to a school in the US, your school should send you Form I-20, which you will need in order to obtain an F-1 Student Visa. As part of the student visa process, you will need to show that you have sufficient financial resources (scholarships, loans, grants, subsidies, family or personal resources) available to pay your school and living expenses.

The completed I-20 form will include all the information the US government needs about your term of study, including your level of study, your field of study, the dates you are expected to begin and complete your studies, and your ability to pay for your education. You will also be issued an I-20 ID with your I-20 form.

There are specific requirements which must be met by applicants to qualify for the student visa. The consular officer will determine whether you qualify for the visa. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that they properly meet student visa requirements including:

• Have a residence abroad, with no immediate intention of abandoning that residence;
• Intend to depart from the United States after the course of study is completed; and
• Possess sufficient funds to pursue the proposed course of study.

All applicants should be able to provide:

• Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended;
• Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.;
• Financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study.

If you are considering coming to the United States in order to continue your education, you might need professional advice from experienced attorney to assist you further. For more information, please contact Timothy Gambacorta.