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Studying abroad in the United States is an experience of a lifetime. It is an addition to your resume no employer can ignore and will set you a step ahead in the game. These 5 tips let you know what is needed in order to obtain an American Student Visa.
Apply for the correct type of visa.
There are two types of American Student Visas. The "F" visa is for internationals who wish to study academics or the English language within US borders. The "M" visa is for those hoping to pursue nonacademic vocational studies.
Find and apply to a program in the US.
Before you may be issued a student visa, you must have applied and been accepted as a full time student into a US institution or program for international students approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. There are hundreds of programs to choose from. Many community colleges have international student programs and help students in obtaining their visas after they have been accepted. The school will give you an I-20 Student Visa Form that you must submit with your American Student Visa application.
Meet American student visa requirements.
You must either be proficient in English or enrolled in English classes to improve your language capabilities in order to be issued an American student visa.
You must have evidence of enough funds saved up to support yourself during the course of your study in the United States. Many international students have a sponsor who supports them.
In order to receive an American Student Visa you must also be able to prove that you have reasons to return to your home country such as family obligations, a place of residence, or a job.
You must have a valid passport from your home country.
You must also be able to provide transcripts and diplomas from previous schools, along with scores for standardized tests such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE and GMAT.
Attend an interview at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.
Schedule an interview with the US Embassy or Consulate nearest you. You can do this by contacting the embassy or consulate via telephone or going to their individual website for more information.
At the interview bring the student visa requirements, along with the appropriate forms and the application for an American Student Visa. Forms and more detailed information are available at the US Department of State website (travel.state.gov).
You must be able to pay the necessary fees at your time of interview. You must pay a nonimmigrant visa application processing fee along with a visa issuance fee if the visa is granted.
Extend or renew your student visa.
If your visa expires and you are still a full time student you are still in legal student status. However, if you depart the US with an expired visa you will not be allowed reentry until you are issued a new one.
Additionally, if you are away from classes for 5 months or longer, you will most likely need a new student visa in order to enter the United States.
To apply for a visa renewal you must bring along with you all the original documents necessary for your initial American student visa issuance along with a new I-20 endorsed by a school official within the past 12 months.
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