An interactive website for foreign nationals
who wished to study, work and live in the US


 

F1study.com was an interactive website for foreign nationals who wished to study, work and live in the land of never ending opportunities, The United states of America.
Content is from the site's 2003 - 2005archived pages.


   

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F1study.com is a complete guide for students who are looking for admission in US universities, in any discipline of Under graduate OR Graduate studies. We help and guide international students to pursue their rewarding career in the USA. Also we offer Guaranteed Admissions in USA Universities.

FREE Consultation - Registration

   About us

   Our Focus

The contents of F1study.com were developed with great care, considering all the informations to be known by an international student for getting into US and also in his different stages of US life. This site provides lot of information for students who are thinking about pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate education in the United States.

It covers every topic, from college admissions and financial aid to Visa procedures and employment opportunities. Our professional and dedicated support team members are willing to assist you, FREE OF COST, starting from your application process through being an immigrant of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

We have focused about the following important aspects of International Student’s Career in USA

Guaranteed admissions to the best possible universities

Our student advisor, after analyzing your qualifications and needs, will suggest you the best possible university. You bet this service is completely FREE.

VISA information and Tips to avoid the VISA refusals

More than 90% of VISA applications are approved or rejected based on the supporting documents. Our 24-hour online support team will assist you in submitting all the required documents in a proper way and will answer all your queries for successful VISA process.

Financial AID, Research opportunities and On/Off campus jobs

Financial aid is one of the important factors to be considered in US studies. Our research team will provide you the best possible information on each university for the chances of your AID and campus jobs.

Maintain your legal status, travel and US life

Foreign nationals who are coming to US should obey the law and maintain their legal status all the time. Our valuable VISA information pages may guide you in maintaining your status, enjoying your privileges and advantages of being here as a foreign national.

Job search

Student VISA’S are granted to foreign nationals after reviewing their solid proof of documents and their intention of returning home. Fortunately, US immigrant law is having an option of allowing the talented professionals to work legally in US after completing their studies. Our recruitment team will be able to assist you to find a job and VISA sponsorship.

Thus, We Cover all the Major and Minor necessities of a Foreign national in US. We will be Happy to assist all our users in their needs and requirements in a timley manner.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

F1study.com is a complete guide for students who are looking for admission in US universities, in any discipline of Under graduate OR Graduate studies. We help and guide international students to pursue their rewarding career in the USA. Also we offer Guaranteed Admissions in USA Universities.

FREE Consultation - Registration

   About us

   Our Focus

The contents of F1study.com were developed with great care, considering all the informations to be known by an international student for getting into US and also in his different stages of US life. This site provides lot of information for students who are thinking about pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate education in the United States.

It covers every topic, from college admissions and financial aid to Visa procedures and employment opportunities. Our professional and dedicated support team members are willing to assist you, FREE OF COST, starting from your application process through being an immigrant of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

We have focused about the following important aspects of International Student’s Career in USA

Guaranteed admissions to the best possible universities

Our student advisor, after analyzing your qualifications and needs, will suggest you the best possible university. You bet this service is completely FREE.

VISA information and Tips to avoid the VISA refusals

More than 90% of VISA applications are approved or rejected based on the supporting documents. Our 24-hour online support team will assist you in submitting all the required documents in a proper way and will answer all your queries for successful VISA process.

Financial AID, Research opportunities and On/Off campus jobs

Financial aid is one of the important factors to be considered in US studies. Our research team will provide you the best possible information on each university for the chances of your AID and campus jobs.

Maintain your legal status, travel and US life

Foreign nationals who are coming to US should obey the law and maintain their legal status all the time. Our valuable VISA information pages may guide you in maintaining your status, enjoying your privileges and advantages of being here as a foreign national.

Job search

Student VISA’S are granted to foreign nationals after reviewing their solid proof of documents and their intention of returning home. Fortunately, US immigrant law is having an option of allowing the talented professionals to work legally in US after completing their studies. Our recruitment team will be able to assist you to find a job and VISA sponsorship.

Thus, We Cover all the Major and Minor necessities of a Foreign national in US. We will be Happy to assist all our users in their needs and requirements in a timley manner.

 

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Pursuing Graduate Studies in United States, is one of the most important decisions you are about to make in your career. A Graduate degree can be a gratyfying fact in your career life and that too in America,the best place for Higher education will be acclaimed.

American institutions are Vast educational sector. There are many types of colleges and universities in the United States,some of which important to International students are:

Public Universities: These are state-affiliated institutions. These Universities are normally Huge and has a great number of degrees offered in different discipline's of studies. They are relatively inexpensive,when compared to the other universities nation-wide but getting into these universities are really harder.

Private Universities: These are instituions normally run bu a certain community for their own people.Even these institutions accept international students but the number of international students will be minumum.They are also called as community colleges.Eventhough, private universities focus on Undergrapuate programs, some offer good garduate progarms too. These institutions will be mostly located on suburbs and the basic advantage in these institutions is, minimum academic fees.

Technical Institutes: These are Institutions mainly specializing in engineering degrees.They mainly offer Graduate and Doctoral degrees. These institutions are famous for their renowned research programs and most international students are attracted to these sort of institutions.

Admissions in all the Universities are very competitive and decisions are made on the application package you send and are completey subjected to the faculties disposition. Acedemic fees varies from university to University and they fall between 7000-21000 $/year. An average academic fee is 10000-12000 $/year, excluding living expenses.

An graduate program in America can fetch u a whole lot of things you cannot even imagine of, varying from Cultural values to career oppurtunites. By visiting our site, you have started the process of getting a bright career in USA. We, everybody in our team, Welcome you to the land of never ending opportunity, United States of America.

Good Luck.


 

For the record: My neighbor who is Armenian has a niece who wants to go to graduate school here in NYC. He and his wife, Elena came over to discuss what schools she should consider. He thinks I am an expert in these matters since I teach at Columbia University. They also wanted my opinion on a part time job offer she received. He was very concerned because when he looked up the company's details, he found a medical waste disposal business. He didn't like the description of bio-hazardous waste and thought the job might be dangerous. His niece explained that she was basically a driver, picking up very safe containers of "sharps" - used syringes - which were disposed of under government regulations. She needed no special equipment - no hazmat suit - and was never going to directly handle any of the medical waste. We shared an entire bottle of port before he was convinced there was no danger.

The rest of the evening went smoothly and I offered several suggestions of schools for my neighbor's niece to consider, including several in the Boston area. Since their niece was fluent in English I suggested that she apply as either an exchange student / international student rather with a F1 student visa. Before she can apply for her F-1 student visa for the USA, she must apply to and be accepted by a school approved by the SEVP. I talked briefly with them about the process. Once she is accepted, she 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, the school will provide her with a Form I-20. This form will be presented to the consular officer when she attends her F-1 visa interview. An F-1 student visa for the USA can be issued up to 120 days in advance of her course of study start date. She will only be able to enter the US with an F-1 visa 30 days before her start date. The F-1 visa interview will determine whether she is qualified to receive an F-1 student visa for the USA. Assuming that she has prepared the appropriate documents and meet all of the F-1 visa requirements, her visa will be approved at the discretion of the consular officer.

We ended the evening, and I wished them and their niece good luck with the process.

Update: a year later their niece, Somona was attending Columbia University!

 



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Apply
 
   Admissions
Applying to an American university is a much different and has some unique process than applying to universities in other parts of the world. Getting admitted in a US University is not an easy thing. Even though, it needs lot of painstaking effort and hard work, the results are rewarding.
 
There are over 3,000 accredited colleges and universities in the United States, in which most of them accept International students. Other than this, there are nearly 2000 private and community colleges, in which some of them are as good as the state run Public universities.
 
All you have to do is, to choose a university that fits you best, immaterial of whether it is a large Research University, or a state college with more than thousands of students or a small technical institution, or a private institution with only few hundred students. And also, there are more than 360 fields of studies in which are most universities are specializing in a one or more research area.
 
Students planning to pursue their degree in the US should start their preparatory work at least 6-7 months before they plan to commence their studies. In US, there are two main streams of admission, FALL & SPRING. FALL classes starts on Aug/Sep. and SPRING on Dec/Jan. Even though there isn't any difference in both streams, number of students applying for FALL admission is much more than students applying in SPRING (Dec/Jan). The most of the Master's degree is generally a 2-year program while a Ph.D. program takes from 3 to 5 years.
 
It is advisable to select the major of study before deciding on the schools you want to apply to. This way you can narrow your search and focus on the schools that offer your subject as a major. Some universities & colleges have renowned research & good programs in particular area but weaker programs in other fields. Some common mistakes are taking computer engineering for computer science. Computer Science mostly deals with software languages while computer engineering is hardware part of the study. So, be very precise in selecting your area.
 
To summarize, your primary goal should be
 
Selecting the area in which you want to do your master's, in case if you have more than one area of interest.
 
Selecting some Universities, which specializes in your area of interest & prepare a selection list (12-15 Universities).
 
Doing research work on all the universities in your selection list.
 
Scrutinize few universities from your list, for applying (It is advisable to apply for at least 5-6 universities).
 
Our expert panel will guide you through each step of our admission process. Admission process is a very important thing and has to be done with at most care. Don't guess anything, as wrong guesses are costlier. We will be happy to assist our users with all our needs, round the clock.

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Choose A University
 
   Choosing a university that best suits you:
Choosing a university from overseas is a very difficult task. There are over 4,000 US universities to choose from, which offers variety of courses. You need to narrow that choice by compiling a list of factors important to you. The following information is meant to provide you with criteria you might want to consider.
 
Academic Importance
 
Field of study & Specialization:- If you have a definite degree objective, identify universities offering that field. After choosing some universities, which offers your field of study, look for the specialization, they offer if you have any in your mind. This can minimize the selection list your preparing on the universities.
 
Course Emphasis
 
Go through the course ware these universities are offering. Some universities offer very good & modern technologies in their courses while others have same old pattern. Some universities offer fixed course curriculum while some offer independent study, which allows you to choose your own subjects. Go through the course catalogue and course descriptions, which can give you a clear picture.
 
Accreditation
 
This is very important factor. Many international students don't know the difference between accredited & non-accredited universities. In the United States, accreditation is used to assure quality in educational institutions and programs. Accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental process of peer review. It requires an educational institution or program to meet certain, defined standards or criteria. Check that any university you are considering is regionally accredited.
 
Cost Factor
 
Cost to be incurred:- Study the fee structure printed in most university prospectuses carefully and integrate into your calculations the cost of living plus the insurance and other expenses for your period of study.
 
Type of university
 
US universities are either private or state-supported. In general the tuition fees at state-supported universities are less expensive than private universities. International students, however, are considered non-state residents and are charged "out-of-state" tuition rates, which are higher than in-state rates but still much lesser than most private universities. Accordingly, getting into these universities is very tough.
 
Aid Possibility
 
Getting an Financial Aid from the university can bring down your tuition & other expenses by half or even more. But not many universities are well funded to award Financial Aid's or assistantships to many students. So check with the present students of the school or the school officials about these possibilities.
 
On-Campus jobs
 
US laws allows international student to work up to 20 hours/week. Usually, on-campus jobs fetch 6 or 7 $/hour. This can very well over your monthly living, food & other expenses but you can't get a job in all universities because of the large international students strength, which is competing for the fewer positions. Check the total number of international students in your university by which you can assess your chances.
 
Other Factors
 
Apart from the above important factors, the others to be considered are: - location of the university, intern & job opportunities made available by the university to the students, student services, etc.
 
Not all factors are equally important to all of you, so work out your own priorities. Please make sure you consider all the factors before you choose your university. If you find it difficult to figure out all the factors in your university, leave the job to our professionals who can help you in this regard.

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   Admissions
Now, you have applied to the universities of your choice. After doing hard work & much thinking about getting admission to a graduate-level program and also, some thinking about your field of study and the different types of academic degrees that are available, it's time to think about how to get accepted to the department in which you are most interested. The admission committee will base its assessment of you on your graduate-school application, so use it to convey your commitment to your field of study and your program of choice.
 
Your application package is the core factor for your admission. Engrave your application package with atmost care, to catch the attention of the evaluator. You can craft your application with a focus that will highlight your achievements. If you have worked for several years between college and graduate school, explain in the statement of purpose how your professional experience has strengthened your knowledge of and experience in the field and why further study is the next step in your professional path. If you are planning to go to graduate school right after you complete your undergraduate degree, highlight the range of courses you have taken, both in and out of your major, so as to demonstrate your long-standing interest in particular issues associated with the field of study. Describe your internship or work experience to show that you take initiative and that your interest in your field extends beyond the classroom.
 
   Here are some ways to strengthen the main components of your application:
Grades
 
While grades are important, good grades alone are not enough. By contrast, it is also important to remember that less than perfect grades will not rule out the possibility of study at the graduate level. Some institutions look only at your GPA for the course work in your major field; others look only at the grades for courses taken after your first two years of study. If your grades are less than ideal, you may want to explain the cause of this deficiency.
 
Standardized Test Scores
 
Be sure to confirm which tests are required for admission and to take them in time to get your official scores sent to the programs to which you are applying. Some schools require only the GRE General Test, while others require the GRE General Test and a GRE Subject Test. Professional programs have their own entrance exams; for example, the LSAT is required for law school, the GMAT for business school, and the MCAT for medical school. The emphasis placed on standardized test scores also varies from program to program, and many departments are now considering alternatives to these exams. Regardless, it is important to prepare for these tests. Familiarize yourself with the testing style, and try to take a practice exam before the official exam. If you typically do not perform well on standardized tests, an addendum to your application that addresses this issue may be a good idea.
 
Statement of Purpose
 
Most applications ask for a statement of interest or an autobiographical statement. Your statement of purpose should describe the following:
 
Your interests in the field of study and how you came to have those interests
Your goals and ambitions in the field
How the specific program to which you are applying can help you to achieve your goals. Try to be specific about your goals while also indicating a desire to learn new things. Being too specific about your interests and goals in the field might suggest that you are not open to learning more about the field of study and the range of possible career options after graduation.
Know each program you are applying to and describe how your interests and goals and the department's offerings fit together.
Avoid clichés by thinking about what makes you different from other applicants and what you can offer as a student in the program.
Admissions committees will be impressed if you explain how the particular program offered by that school will help you achieve your long-term goals.
 
Letters of Recommendation
 
Letters of recommendation are extremely important, and you should carefully consider whom you ask to write them. Some departments prefer letters from your former or current professors, and others prefer letters from employers; be sure to inquire with the department.
 
The most helpful letters come from faculty members or supervisors who have had considerable contact with you and know you as a person. A letter from a professor who has an established reputation in the field is that much more impressive. Professors who don't know you well can repeat information about your grades, which is already contained on your transcript, but cannot fill out the picture with details about your level of scholarship or your work ethic. A letter from an employer can be useful if the job was in a field related to the program to which you're applying and if the letter comments on your accomplishments and your aptitude for this type of work.
 
Approach the people who are writing your letters of recommendation early, and be sure to inform them of the deadlines and provide an addressed envelope with a stamp. Also provide a current resume and an explanation of the programs to which you are applying. Again, the admissions committee will be looking at your letters of recommendation for a fit between your aptitudes and interests and their program. It's a good idea to send a thank-you note and an update on your admission status to those people who wrote your letters of recommendation, as you may be requesting letters again later in your academic career for fellowship or job applications.
 
Resume
 
If you are applying to a professional program, it is often a good idea to send along a resume, even if it is not requested and it repeats information in the application. If you have large gaps in your resume, it's advisable to explain what you were doing during those periods.
 
Here are a few more tips to prepare the best possible applications and get you into the school of your choice:
 
Read Questions Carefully and Answer Questions Directly
 
Avoid generalities. Write about events and experiences that are unique to you. For example, while it may be true that the reason you are interested in applying to a journalism or creative writing program is that you love to write, or to a psychology or social work program because you want to help people, this type of explanation has become cliché and should be avoided because it provides little information about you as a prospective student. Instead, be specific: talk about what brought you to the decision to apply to graduate school, what skills you have that are applicable, and the types of experiences (professional, academic, and personal) that have led you to this point.
 
Timeliness and Neatness
 
The rules on timeliness and neatness apply to all parts of the application process. Applications that are mailed on time and are carefully put together make a good impression on an admissions committee. If you can't manage to get the admission materials together on time and in a neat package, the admission committee may ask, Will your class assignments also be late? Are you generally disorganized? Do you really care about getting into the program?
 
All of your communications should be typed. It's advisable not to send anything handwritten, even if you feel you have good penmanship. You should be certain that your statement of purpose and other submissions are grammatically correct and that they contain no misspelled words. Have someone else read them to get some feedback. Be sure that you individualize each application and that you do not send the wrong statement to the wrong school. If you are invited to interview, be punctual and neatly dressed.
 
Best Fit
 
Above all, most graduate programs are looking for students who "match" their programs. At the graduate level, study is highly specialized, so programs want to find students who can get the most out of what they offer and emphasize. Ask your undergraduate professors and colleagues about possible programs they would recommend. Speak with current students and recent alumni and inquire whether they think this program would be a good fit with your interests. Do your homework by checking out the department's Web site or bulletin to see if the department's faculty members have similar interests to your own. Go to the library and look up publications by the faculty. Decide whether this kind of work is what you want to do.
 
After having followed all these steps, what if you are not admitted to a program that you are excited about attending? If you are committed to pursuing further study, it makes sense to try again; many programs view reapplicants favorably. Call the admissions office and ask if they have an appeal procedure and if they will give you feedback on your application. Examine the reasons why you were not accepted. Was it a bad letter of recommendation or Poor test scores or academic discrepancy?. If you are thinking of reapplying the next year, you should consider doing something to outsmart the discrepancy, to show your commitment to the subject.

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   Change University
 
Changing the school after you landed in US legally possible. If you would like to be a fulltime student of the new school and if you are able to mangage financial constraints of the new school, then you have to obtain the I-20 AB from the new school also you must notify the present school about your transfer. You must complete the Student Certification portion of the I-20AB and deliver it to the foreign student officer at the new school within 15 days of beginning attendance at the new school. The foreign student officer will endorse the transfer on your I-20 copy and return it to you. The foreign student officer then sends the original I-20 to the INS and a copy to the old school.

 

   Available VISAS to study in USA
 
Introduction
 
The immigration law provides foreign nationals to study in the United States. They must attend a school that has been approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for such attendance. An approved school is one that has received permission from INS to enroll foreign students. INS approval conveys no other recognition or endorsement.
 
An applicant coming to the United States to study must be accepted for a full course of study by an educational institution approved by the Bureau of Citizenship and 
Available VISAS to study in USA
 
 F – Academic studies
 M – Nonacademic or vocational studies
 J – Exchange visitor program
 
 F – Academic studies
 
F-1 Nonimmigrant student VISA for Academic and Language Students.
F-2 Nonimmigrant dependent visa for dependents of F-1 visa holder. A spouse and unmarried, minor children may also be classified for a nonimmigrant visa to accompany or follow the student. Family members must meet all visa eligibility requirements, including evidence that they will have sufficient funds for their support, and that they will depart the U.S. when the student's program ends. Spouses and children of students may not accept employment at any time.
The institution must send to the applicant a Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Students. Educational institutions obtain Form I-20A-B from the BCIS.
Applicants for student visas should generally apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their 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.
Employment
An F-1 student may not accept off-campus employment at any time during the first year of study; however, the BCIS may grant permission to accept off-campus employment after one year. F-1 students may accept on-campus employment from the school without BCIS permission. Except for temporary employment for practical training.
 
 M – Nonacademic studies VISA
 
M-1 Nonimmigrant student VISA for vocational studies
M-2 Nonimmigrant dependent visa for dependents of M-1 visa holder A spouse and unmarried, minor children may also be classified for a nonimmigrant visa to accompany or follow the student. Family members must meet all visa eligibility requirements, including evidence that they will have sufficient funds for their support, and that they will depart the U.S. when the student's program ends. Spouses and children of students may not accept employment at any time.
The nonacademic or vocational institution must send to the student a Form I-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status For Vocational Students. Educational institutions obtain form I-20M-N from the BCIS.
Employment
M-1 student may not accept employment
 
 J - Exchange visitor VISA
 
J-1 Educational and cultural exchange VISA
J-2 Educational and cultural exchange dependent VISA The spouse and minor children of participants in "J" exchange programs may apply for derivative "J-2" visas to accompany or follow to join the principal alien by presenting a copy of the principal's Form DS-2019. They must demonstrate that they will have sufficient financial resources to cover all expenses while in the United States.
The "J" exchange visitor program is designed to promote the interchange of persons, knowledge, and skills in the fields of education, arts, and sciences. Participants include students at all academic levels; trainees obtaining on-the-job training with firms, institutions, and agencies; teachers of primary, secondary, and specialized schools; professors coming to teach or do research at institutions of higher learning; research scholars; professional trainees in the medical and allied fields; and international visitors coming for the purpose of traveling, observing, consulting, conducting research, training, sharing, or demonstrating specialized knowledge or skills, or participating in organized people-to-people programs.
Exchange visitors coming under the "J" program for graduate medical education or training must meet certain special requirements. These requirements include passing the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination in Medical Sciences, demonstrating competency in English, being automatically subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement (after completion of their program), and being subject to time limits on the duration of their program. Physicians coming to the United States on exchange visitor programs for the purpose of observation, consultation, teaching, or conducting research in which there is little or no patient care are not subject to the above requirements.
How to apply?
Participants in the "J" program must present a Form IAP-66 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status prepared by a designated sponsoring organization. Applicants for exchange visitor visas should generally apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their 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.
Employment
Employment while in "J" exchange visitor status depends upon the terms of the program. Participants in programs which provide for on-the-job training, teaching, research, or other activities which involve paid employment may accept such employment. Participants in programs which do not involve work may not accept outside employment. Dependents may apply to the BCIS for authorization to accept employment in the U.S.
 
 Your legal status and VISA expiry/extension
 
When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in America.
 
For example, if you have a visa that is valid for five years that will expire on January 1, 2001, and you are admitted into the U.S. for the duration of your studies (often abbreviated in your passport or on your I-94 card as "D/S"), you may stay in the U.S. as long as you are a full time student. Even if January 1, 2001 passes and your visa expires while in America, you will still be in legal student status. However, if you depart the U.S. with an expired visa, you will need to obtain a new one before being able to return to America and resume your studies. A student visa cannot be renewed or re-issued in the United States; it must be done at an Embassy or Consulate abroad.
 
 VISA refusal
 
The fact that a student’s proposed education or training would not appear to be useful in the homeland is not, in itself, a basis for refusing an F-1 or M-1 visa. It may, however, be a relevant factor in the overall assessment of the likelihood of the alien’s return. This may be particularly true where F-1 coursework is advanced far beyond local needs or in certain M-1 cases.Please contact our Student Advisor if your VISA was rejected and what you should do? and to find out the "Tips & Tricks for getting Visa"

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F-1, M-1, J1 VISA
 
   University Approval and Student VISA
 
After All, if the university gives you the admission to study the program you applied for, they will send you a form I-20A-B, which is the legal form that denotes that you are admitted & eligible for applying Visa.
 
The immigration laws of the United States permit foreign students to come to the U.S. to attend school at many academic levels. U.S. schools can get authorization from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to admit foreign students and to issue documentation allowing students to obtain F-1 nonimmigrant student visa classification. This document is called the I-20 form. Upon receipt of the I-20, an application to INS for the F-1 visa is filed.
 
There are mainly two types of non-immigrant student visas. They are F-1 Visa and J-1 Visa. Make sure which Visa you will be entitled to, before applying for one. Dependents are allowed to accompany students, and may be granted F-2/ J-2 visa classification. A foreign student in the F-1 classification may stay in the U.S. for extended periods of time to complete degrees or continuing education, and even may be allowed to work in the United States.
 
   Dependents VISA
 
F-2 Nonimmigrant dependent visa for dependents of F-1 visa holder. A spouse and unmarried, minor children may also be classified for a nonimmigrant visa to accompany or follow the student. Family members must meet all visa eligibility requirements, including evidence that they will have sufficient funds for their support, and that they will depart the U.S. when the student's program ends. Spouses and children of students may not accept employment at any time.
 
M-2 Nonimmigrant dependent visa for dependents of M-1 visa holder A spouse and unmarried, minor children may also be classified for a nonimmigrant visa to accompany or follow the student. Family members must meet all visa eligibility requirements, including evidence that they will have sufficient funds for their support, and that they will depart the U.S. when the student's program ends. Spouses and children of students may not accept employment at any time.
 
J-2 Educational and cultural exchange dependent VISA The spouse and minor children of participants in "J" exchange programs may apply for derivative "J-2" visas to accompany or follow to join the principal alien by presenting a copy of the principal's Form DS-2019. They must demonstrate that they will have sufficient financial resources to cover all expenses while in the United States.
 
Basic Requirements for Visa filing
 
 You must have I-20 from the Univeristy (You can have multiple I-20 from multiple university, but you can apply for VISA for only one university)
 The student must have Original report sheet of all strategic tests taken [GRE/GMAT, Toefl etc.]
 The student must have completed the course of study required for entering the program.
 Proof of sufficient and easily transferable funds to cover the cost of living and tuition fees
 Be proficient in English
 Affidavit of support from Parents or Sponsor that they will support you through entire period of study
 And most important of all, Supporting documents satisfying the consulate that the student intends to leave US and return to your home country after completion of studies.
 
Other Required Documentation when applying for the visa
 
 Visa application fee $100[No-Refundable]
 The non-immigrant visa issuance fee is $77(approx.)
 Form DS-156, completed and signed
 Form DS-157 Supplemental non immigrant visa application [All male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 should fill this out along with DS-156]
 Form DS-158 [Contact Info and Work History for NIV applicant] [This form is in addition to the mandatory DS-156 application for a nonimmigrant visa and form DS-157 that is required for males between the ages 16 and 45]
 One front-facing photograph, size 37 mm x 37 mm, and less than six months old
 Students with any special circumstances may also wish to provide an explanation in the form of a cover letter
 
Getting the VISA
 
Now coming to getting a Visa, Visa issuance is a very objective decision, and is not subjective: Every visa official has a list of requirements (s)he looks for in a visa application. If they are met, then (s)he issues the visa. If not, (s)he doesn't. It is how these requirements are met that makes a visa decision seem subjective. For instance, take the requirement of showing that you will return to India. If you provide unambiguous pragmatic evidence pointing to reasons for return, he will have no reason not to grant a visa. US Visa Official Quote: "Give a rational, objective reason that even a banker would believe". If, on the other hand, you only play with words and have nothing substantial to show, it looks like a subjective decision, since it is based upon subjective evidence.
 
Presenting Proper documents alone doesn't determines your Visa. Visa officials know that documents in India can be easily forged. So your paper documents alone is not enough. What you say, how you say it, matters a lot. Sometimes it can even make up for inadequate documentation. US Visa Official Quote: "Some people complain that we did not see their documents. Remember, if we go through your documents when you are standing there, then that is a negative sign. It means we don't believe you and are checking the documents for proof or for grounds to reject you. So not seeing your documents in front of you is a good thing for you."
 
Combining both of the substantial points, we strongly convey that, proper documentation along with your good presentation before your Visa official on the interview day will determine your Visa.
 
VISA refusal
 
The fact that a student’s proposed education or training would not appear to be useful in the homeland is not, in itself, a basis for refusing an F-1 or M-1 visa. It may, however, be a relevant factor in the overall assessment of the likelihood of the alien’s return. This may be particularly true where F-1 coursework is advanced far beyond local needs or in certain M-1 cases.Please contact ourStudent Advisor if your VISA was rejected and what you should do? and to find out the "Tips & Tricks for getting Visa"

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Job opportunities for F-1 students
 
   Job opportunities for F-1 students
F-1 international students are having different Job opportunities while doing their course. Few of them are Oncampus Jobs, Offcampus Jobs, Internship,Practical Training
 
   Oncampus Jobs
During the first year of the F-1 students life, they are allowed to work only inside their school campus. This includes working as Teaching Assistance, Research Assistance, working in cafeteria, working in computer labs, libraries, sports center etc. Students are allowed to work maximum of 20 hours/week. Average salary for these kind of jobs may be from $6-10 depends upon the Job.
 
   Offcampus Jobs
F1 students cannot work off-campus. Off-campus work permission may be granted ONLY by the INS and ONLY for curricular practical training or optional practical training, or when there is ECONOMIC HARDSHIP due to unforeseen changes in a students financial circumstances and such hardship is well documented. Applications for off-campus work permission may be submitted to INS after completion of 9 months in F-1 status. Work is limited to 20 hours per week with full-time enrollment required. Permission to work off-campus is rarely granted and should not be viewed as a viable source of support. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week during school and 40 hours when school is not in session; INS approval is not required. F-2 Visa holders (spouses and dependents) CANNOT be employed.
 
   Internship
During the summer or winter break students can find jobs in their related field for short-term full time work (upto 40 hours/week). This is one of important step in the F1students career if they are interested to find job in US. Many companies offer intern jobs for Graduate students, if they perform very well they will be getting an opportunity to join their company as a fulltime employee after completing the studies. Many companies sponsor H-1B work visa as well as Greencard for permanent residence in US.
 
   Practical Training
(OPT) Optional practical training is an opportunity to F-1 students to gain practical experience in their field of study. It is usually available after the successful completion of the course. The job must be related to their field of study, and the authorization to work is for 12 months only. Optional practical training may be obtained during school or after graduation, but is still limited to 12 months. Therefore, any optional practical training time used before graduation will mean it is unavailable after graduation. It must be completed within 14 months of the student's completion of the academic program. Students must apply for Employment authorization from INS to avail the OPT opportunity.
 
   H-1B Jobs

Students can explore H-1B VISA sponsorship job opportunities in any company, if they get any offer, the employer can file for change of status from F1 to H1B visa. The requirement for H1B visa will be the job should require a 4 year degree, experience is not a mandatory. Fresh graduates can get the H1B approval easily. To find H1B realted jobs and more information please visit our websites H1Bsponsors.com and H1helpdesk.com

 


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