Studying in the United States

If you are considering studying in the United States, you are likely nervous, excited, or both. The chance to study abroad is one of the greatest opportunities that any student can be offered. Traveling to a new country will expose you to new ideas, cultures, and ways of viewing the world. Before you can enter the U.S. for school, however, there are some requirements that you will need to meet. Any international student who plans to study in the U.S. must apply for a student visa, such as the F-1 visa.

Some F-1 visa restrictions have changed recently. Prior to 2001, a foreign person could come to the United States on a tourist visa and then change that visa to an F-1 visa while in the country. Now, however, a tourist visa cannot be modified to a student visa. A person who wishes to study here must go directly through their home country to apply for and receive a student visa. Upon meeting all of the visa requirements, a prospective student will be granted an F-1 visa and can then travel to the United States.

Requirements

To be accepted for an F-1 visa, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Evidence that the prospective student has been accepted to a U.S. educational institution

• Evidence that the applicant can pay for all tuition and room and board. Documentation of a scholarship may be submitted, or papers showing that the applicant has enough financial resources to cover his or her education.

• Evidence that the prospective student does not have an intent to immigrate to the United States. The applicant must show ties to his or her home country to rule out the prospect that he or she may try to remain in the U.S. permanently or find a job outside of school.

If you can meet these requirements, you may be eligible for an F-1 visa to study in the United States.

Contact Us

For sound legal advice and assistance with applying for a student F-1 visa, contact the experienced Orange County immigration lawyers of Garg & Associates, P.A. today at 949-540-6704.