The United States is home to some of the most respected and excellent research institutions and universities in the world and many dental schools have special programs that cater exclusively to foreign students. Anyone interested in pursuing higher education within the US will need to apply for a student visa. In this post, I will walk you through how to apply for one and the requirements to acquire/maintain your visa.

TYPES OF STUDENT VISAS

• F-1: To be eligible for F-1, you must be admitted to a full-time program and be able to show proof of funding for at least the first year of study. This is the most common type of student visa.
• J-1: If you meet the criteria for an F-1 visa but also have a scholarship/grant or money from an outside source (such as a stipend from the hospital), that is equal to at least 51% of your first year’s tuition charge, you qualify for J-1 student status.  Personal/private funds or funds from family/friends cannot count towards J-1 eligibility.
• M–1: reserved for vocational and technical schools.

STEPS TO GET A STUDENT VISA

1. Be Accepted at an Approved US School

The first step to studying in the US is to apply and be accepted by a program in an American school. Different universities have different admission policies. Among other requirements, you will need to show the school that you have enough money to support yourself while studying without having to work. Once the university has determined that your application is complete and you are academically eligible, they will offer you an acceptance letter and have you place a deposit to hold your place in the program.

2. Pay your SEVIS Fee and Receive your I-20

Once you’re accepted, you will be required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee in order to be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Then, your school will provide you with a Form I-20 which you will sign and take with you when you attend your F-1 visa interview. If your spouse and/or children plan to be with you while you study in the US, they will be required to have individual Form I-20s, but they will not need to be enrolled in the SEVIS.

3. Complete the Visa Application

The steps in applying for the F-1 student visa may vary depending on the US embassy or consulate you are dealing with. You will be required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee. There is an online visa application available, which allows you to complete and print the Form DS-160 to take to your F-1 visa interview.

The following documents are required for your F-1 visa interview:

• A valid passport ( with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States)
• The application form (Form DS-160)
• The application fee payment receipt
• A passport photo (taken within the last 6 months)
• Form 1-20 from your US University

Additional documents may be requested to prove your eligibility for the F-1 student visa including academic transcripts, degrees, or certificates, test scores such as the TOEFL or GRE, proof of financial stability as well as proof of your intent to depart the U.S. after your program is complete.

4. Schedule and Prepare for your Interview

Applicants for student visas should generally apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country or the country in which you live. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Students can apply within 120 days from the start date of the I-20 and can travel within 30 days from the start date of I-20.

Applicants need to prove several strict criteria:

1. Foreign Residence

F-1 applicants must have a foreign residence and must intend to return there upon the completion of their studies.

2. Sponsoring Institution

While on your F-1 visa, you may only study at the academic institution through which the visa was granted.

3. Financial Support

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial support.

4. Ties to Home Country

All applicants must demonstrate that they have strong ties to their home country. Strong ties consist of but are not limited to, the following:

• A job offer letter upon completion of studies from your home country
• Assets (i.e., house, land, vehicle, etc.)
• Bank accounts
• Family living in the home country

You should arrive at the interview with all of the required documents and receipts, and you should be prepared ahead of time to answer personal questions about your decision to study in the US. F1 visa interview questions often include inquiries about your academic qualifications and choice of university. You may be required to prove that you have ties and obligations that would guarantee your return to your home country after your international studies. Most importantly, you will be required to prove that you have the means to finance your education. Education expenses in the US are higher than most countries and being able to present a solid financial plan for the duration of your studies is crucial to pass your F1 visa interview.

Keep in mind that visa issuance is not guaranteed. Never make final travel plans until you have your visa approved. If your visa is denied, you will be given a reason based on the section of law which applies to your ineligibility.

Dependents

Spouses/children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the United States for the duration of his or her stay require derivative F, J or M visas. Family members who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but wish to visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for visitor (B-2) visas. Spouses and dependents may not work in the United States on a dependent visa. If your spouse/child seeks employment, the spouse must obtain the appropriate work visa. Applicants with dependents must also provide proof of the student’s relationship to his or her spouse and/or child (e.g., marriage and birth certificates). It is preferred that families apply for their visas at the same time, but if the spouse and/or child must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa, along with all other required documents.

F-1 Visa Denials

If your F1 visa application is denied, the reason and section of law you are denied under will be given to you in your paperwork. Some applications are denied because the applicant failed to provide necessary information or supporting documentation as required. For example, if you do not sufficiently demonstrate that you have strong ties to your home country that will influence you to return home after your stay in the US, you will be denied.

Maintaining Valid F-1 Status After You Arrive

After you are approved for your F1 visa, you are able to enter the United States as an international student. However, after you arrive, you will need to stay aware of your obligations as an F1 visa holder. If you do not maintain your valid F-1 visa status, you will not be allowed to re-enter the US if you leave and you will not be eligible for practical training (OPT) or on-campus employment. Here are some tips to assure you’re in good standing during your study abroad:

1. Upon Arrival: Make sure you arrive in the US no more than 30 days prior to the first day of classes. Check in with your international advisor as soon as possible before your program begins.

2. During Your Program: You must remain enrolled full time and maintain passing grades. If you are unable to complete your program by the date listed on your I-20, your international advisor can help you request a program extension. Always notify your international advisor or office if you make changes to your address, study plans, or visa status.

3. Working: F1 visa students are not allowed to work off-campus. However, you may have some on-campus work if you qualify. Check with your international advisor to see if this is a possibility for you. If you choose to work without proper authorization, your visa will be revoked and you will be forced to leave the United States.

4. Upon Program Completion: You have 60 days upon completion of your program to leave the United States under your F1 visa. To remain in the US, you will need to transfer to another school to receive a new I-20 form or apply for OPT or find employment and apply to change your visa status to a work visa. Check out my post on how immigration affects your ability to work as a dentist.

For more information on how to go about studying in the United States, visit the website. if you have additional questions of information you can share, feel free to leave a comment below.

Disclaimer: I am by no means a lawyer or an immigration specialist. All the information I have put together in this post are reflective of my own understanding and experience. Please do not hold me liable for any misinformation. I have tried my best to make sure that any information relayed to you is true to the best of my knowledge.