Visa Issues: Obtaining Visa

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Visa Issues: Obtaining Visa
Andy Neo

Who is not Eligible
The nonimmigrant visa application Form DS-156 lists classes of persons who are ineligible under U.S. law to receive visas. In some instances an applicant who is ineligible, but who is otherwise properly classifiable as a student, may apply for a waiver of ineligibility and be issued a visa if the waiver is approved.
How to Apply for a Student Visa
You should generally apply to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate which has jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.
Applicants for international student visas should apply at the US embassy or consulate in their country of permanent residence. (To find the US embassy or consulate in your country go to www.embassyworld.com, www.embassy.org, or travel.state.gov.) Although international student visa applicants may apply at any US consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.
In most countries, first time international student visa applicants are required to appear for an interview. However, each embassy and consulate sets its own interview policies and procedures regarding these international student visas. Students should consult their local consular office for specific application instructions.
Applicants should keep in mind that June, July, and August are the busiest months in most embassies and consulates. Interview appointments are usually very difficult to get during that period. Students need to plan ahead to avoid repeat visits to the consular office.
Required Documents
1) An application Form DS-156, completed and signed
2) A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the USA. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application;
3) One photograph 1 and 1/2 inches square (37x37mm) for each applicant, showing full face, without head covering, against a light background; and
4) For the "F" applicant, a Form I-20A-B. For the "M" applicant, a Form I-20M-N.
5) Evidence of sufficient funds.
You must pay a nonrefundable application fee.
Other Documentation Required
You must show to the satisfaction of the consular officer that you have binding ties to a residence in a foreign country which you have no intention of abandoning, and that you will depart the USA when you have completed your studies (i.e. you must show that you intend to return to your homeland after you have completed your studies in the USA).
Employment issues while on a Student Visa
An F-1 student can NOT accept off-campus employment at any time during the first year of study; however, the INS may give you permission to accept off-campus employment after the first year. However, F-1 students can accept on-campus employment from the school without INS permission. Except for temporary employment for practical training, an M-1 student may not accept employment.
Bringing Family Members
Your spouse and unmarried children may also be classified for a nonimmigrant visa to accompany you to the USA. All family members must meet all visa eligibility requirements, including showing the INS that they will have sufficient financial funds for their support, and that they will depart the U.S. when your student education program finishes. Spouses and children of students may not accept employment at any time while in the USA.
Forms Emquiries
You can obtain Forms I-20A-B and I-20M-N from the educational institution. If the institution does not have the forms, it should contact the local INS office.
Important
Please note that you can not obtain an F-1 visa to attend a U.S. public elementary or middle school (K-8). Anyone who wants to attend public high school (grades 9-12) in the USA on a student visa (F-1), must submit evidence that the local school district has been paid in advance for the unsubsidized per capita cost of the education. Also, attendance at U.S. public high schools cannot exceed a total of 12 months. Also you can not be issued an F-1 visa in order to attend a publicly-funded adult education program.

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