F 1 Visa Issued to individuals to attend colleges/universities/language institutes The F 1 visa is the most common type of student visa in the United States. The "F" visa is reserved for nonimmigrants wishing to pursue academic studies and/or language training programs. F1 visa is given only through "academic" institutions. The student must show that he/she has: A full course of study (at least 18 hours) Proficiency in English Financial Ability
F 1 students must not work in US without prior authorization from Citizenship & Immigration Services. Only when students are in financial crisis may CIS approve F 1 students to work. An individual on F 1 visa is exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes on their wages, but likewise may not receive benefits from those social programs. F 2 (dependent) visas are given to families of an F 1 student. F 2 visa holders are prohibited from any form of compensated employment. However, minor children may attend public schools.
Temporary Visas For Studying The student must Maintain his or her status at all times Maintaining Status Extensions Must be done prior to the date on his or her Form I 20 (Certificate of Student Eligibility) Reinstatement Students tries to regain his or her status after falling out of status. This must be done not more than 5 months after being out of status. 60 Day Grace Period After completion of his or her studies, the student has 60 days after their F 1 status expires to leave the U.S. If the student withdraws from school, he has 15 days to leave the U.S. or change his status.
Employment with the F 1 Visa SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System) The SEVIS requires authorized educational institutions, such as universities, laboratories, non profit organizations and secondary schools, to monitor international students and scholars and maintain their records. The SEVIS can only be accessed by the Designated School Officials (DSOs), who are authorized by DHS to use the system. The SEVIS tracking must be done within 3 days of the beginning of the semester. SEVIS was created as a result of 9/11.
OPT (Optional Practical Training) A time frame during which undergraduateand graduate students who have completed (or have been pursuing their degrees for more than 9 months) are permitted by the USCIS to work for at most one year on a student visa without needing to acquire a work (H 1B)visa towards getting a practical training to complement their field of studies. EAD (Employment Authorization Document) Known popularly as a work permit. (Complete form I 765) Allows the holder the legal right to work in the U.S. If an alien possess a valid EAD, he or she is authorized to freely work in the United States without having their employer to file a non immigrant worker petition EAD card contains basic info. about the alien: name, DOB, sex, immigrant category, country of birth and photo, alien registration number (A number), card number, restrictive terms and conditions and dates of validity.
F 1 Visa: Required Forms Certificate of Eligibility (Student Status) Form I 20 A B or I 20 ID Form I 20 M N Form DS 156 with Form DS 158 Form DS 157 If applicable Form I 134 (Affidavit of Support) Form I 20, current employment letter and last three years of income tax returns F 1 Visa: Required Documents Valid Passport Form I 94 1 recent passport style photo MRV fee receipt; visa issuance fee (if applicable); SEVIS I 901 fee receipt Degrees/Certificates Resume Transcripts and diplomas Standardized test scores Proof of relationship to spouse/children (birth certificate/marriage certificate)
Temporary Visa for Studying The J 1 Visa A J 1 visa is a non immigrant visa issued for exchange visitors. The purpose of this visa is to expose foreign students to the unique culture and heritage of the U.S. Exchange visitors are expected to leave the United States at the completion of their program and return to their home country. The J 2 Visa A J 2 visa is issued to spouses and dependents of J 1 exchange visitors. A person admitted on a J 2 visa is not permitted work in the U.S. unless they are granted a work permit. Visitors to the U.S. on the J 2 visa are permitted to study without having to apply for an F 1 (Student) visa. The J 2 visa expires and becomes invalid at the same time as the corresponding J 1 visa
J Visa: Exchange Aliens Forms Required: Form DS 2019 Form DS 156 Form DS 157 Form DS 158 Form I 134 Form I 20 J Visa: Exchange Aliens Documents Required: A recent passport style photo Educational Degrees/Certificates Resume Valid Passport Form I 94
M Visa Used for an approved course of study leading to a specific educational or vocational objective. The documents and forms required are the same as for the F 1 Visa The M 1 visa holders can: travel in and out of the U.S. (on short trips and return) or remain in the country continuously until the completion of their study program; transfer from one college to another; work lawfully on campus on a part time basis; work lawfully off campus on a project study that's related to their area of study; and apply for an M2 visa, for family members (spouse and kids under 21) accompanying them to the U.S.
M Visa Documentation Original valid passport and any previous passports still in alien s possession; Completed Form DS 156 (application for a nonimmigrant visa) and Form DS 158. DS 157 for male students between 16 45 years old A police certificate; Original Form I 20M N issued by the intended school; Permission letter from the school/college where the alien plans to study Evidence of financial support. M Visa Fact: The 9 11 terrorist who attended flight school in Florida had an M Visa