Foreign nationals who wish to pursue full-time academic or vocational studies in the U.S. may be eligible for: F-1 (academic students), M-1 (vocational students), and J-1 (exchange students).
F-1 and M-1 students must be accepted in a program approved through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). All F-1 and M-1 students that study in the U.S. need a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. Once international students are accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, they will receive a Form I-20 from their designated school official (DSO).
J-1 students must be accepted in a program which has been approved by the DHS. The J visa program is for educational and cultural exchange programs.
After acceptance, prospective students generally will need to apply for a visa at the U.S. Consulate abroad to enter the U.S.
Requirements:
Must be a bona fide student;
Demonstrate non-immigrant intent;
Proof of appropriate program acceptance;
Proof of financial qualifications;
An application for an appropriate visa if abroad, or change to the appropriate status from if in the U.S.
Specific requirements differ for each student category.
Attorney Starchak represents individuals seeking to change to student status and guides those who wish to increase their chances of successfully obtaining a student visa abroad.
