The following is a brief overview of studying in the U.S. This only touches the basics; there are many more details that affect students.
Since Donald Trump became U.S. President, it’s become harder to study in the United States.The U.S. is still the #1 choice for foreign students but it’s more important than ever to know the laws and procedures that apply. In August 2018 the U.S. government issued a very important memo that puts international students at risk if they don’t comply with the rules. Fortunately, courts have put this on hold for now. You can read about this and other updates on our blog. The blog has information on other immigration categories too.
To study in the U.S., most students apply for an F-1 student visa. Your school must accept you into a U.S. program of study, and will issue you an I-20 form to take to your interview. You must persuade the embassy that you intend to return to your country after you finish your program. This can be quite a challenge in some countries, as U.S. law puts the burden on the student to show this.
Many students take documents to their interviews. Unfortunately, consular officers don’t want to look at documents because (1) officers have very little time to consider each applicant; and (2) in many countries fraudulent documents are common. Because of fraud, the U.S. government doesn’t trust paper documents. Instead applicants need to prepare to explain their plan clearly and quickly, and explain how their studies will be funded.
Entry into the U.S. A student visa in your passport (or any other type of visa) does not automatically allow you to enter the U.S. The visa normally does allow you to board a plane (or travel by land or sea) to present yourself at the “port of entry” in the U.S. and apply for entry before a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer. F-1 students can enter the United States up to 30 days before the official program start date listed on the Form I-20, and can stay up to 60 days after the program ends.
Problems with your documents at the port of entry. You may be directed to secondary inspection for further questioning if there are issues. Sometimes the officer will try to contact your school’s DSO. if the officer cannot verify your information, they may deny you entry into the country or issue you a Form I-515A, You must work with your DSO to respond to a Form I-515A within 30 days.
It’s very important to carry the following documents in your carry-on luggage as you won’t be able to access your checked baggage until after you’re questioned by the CBP officer:
- Form I-20 – the original signed copy;
- Your valid visa and passport – your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after entry;
- Recommended – your acceptance letter to the SEVP-certified school;
- Evidence of financial support,
- The name and telephone number of your DSO.
Maintaining student status. The most important rule is that students must enroll and make normal academic progress in a full course of study. The definition of a “full course of study” varies but for most undergraduate students, it’s a minimum of 12 credit hours per term. Sometimes difficulties occur – academic, medical, or personal. You might request a reduced course load and maintain your status. Talk to your international student advisor (DSO) immediately if you’re having or expecting problems. While a student, you can take an annual vacation, and you can transfer to another SEVP-certified school. As always, talk to your advisor first.
SEVIS. The government tracks all international students throughout their studies in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This is the web-based system of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It’s very important to communicate regularly with your school’s DSO – your international student adviser – to make sure your record is kept up to date. Otherwise you risk violating your student status which can lead to termination of student status and possible deportation from the U.S.
F-1 students generally can work part-time on their campus, with the school as the employer, while attending that school and maintaining their F-1 status. This is called employment “incident to status,” and does not require authorization from a Designated School Official (DSO) or USCIS, or updates to the student’s record in SEVIS. You will need a Social Security number; ask your DSO for a letter to provide the Social Security Administration when you apply for an SS number.
When you have a student visa, you may be allowed to work in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) for a limited period, and for an additional 17 months in STEM OPT if you are a graduate in STEM studies – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.. Click here for information on the STEM OPT extension. There are many rules relating to CPT and OPT. It’s very important to follow these rules to maintain your status while you are a student, and to prevent future problems. For example, if you later want to apply for H-1B temporary worker status, the government will review your entire immigration history, including whether you complied with all rules as a student. Keep records of everything!
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment which is an integral part of an established curriculum, including: “alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.” CPT is available only prior to the completion of your degree program and you must have a job offer at the time of application. CPT employment may not delay completion of the academic program. Undergraduates must complete one year of full-time studies before working in CPT.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides students with up to 12 months of work experience related to their major field of study, but not required by their academic program. You must complete one year of full-time studies before you can start OPT. STEM graduates may be able to extend their OPT for an additional 17 months. To qualify, the student’s current or prospective employer must be registered with the DHS E-Verify employment verification system.
Traveling out of the U.S. while a student. Students can usually travel abroad and re-enter the U.S. during their course of study. Before traveling abroad, the student should have their Form I-20 endorsed for travel by the DSO in the travel endorsement part of the form. If the student’s visa has expired, s/he should apply for a new visa at the foreign embassy. There are many rules relating to travel, so be sure to check the regulations before leaving the U.S.
J-1 visas are granted for educational, cultural and scientific exchanges to increase mutual understanding between countries. In some cases a foreign national with this visa may be required to return to their home country for two years after the exchange program ends; this requirement can sometimes be waived.
There are many different categories of J-1 visitors:
– College and University Students
– Student Interns
– Professors and Research Scholars
– Short-term Scholars
– Specialists
– Foreign Medical Graduates
– Trainees