Articles Posted in F-1 Visa

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently updated the list of Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved schools. The schools listed have all been certified to participate in the program.

The program allows foreign students interested in obtaining an education in the United States to complete a visa petition, pay the required fee, attend a visa interview at a U.S. Consulate, and enroll in a U.S. College or University.

Interested Foreign students: There is a process in obtaining a student visa, but it is not a difficult one. The student must first obtain Form I-20 from the U.S. College or University from which he/she intends to enroll, pay the required visa fee (Form I-901) and contact a local U.S. Consulate/Embassy to schedule an interview. The SEVP procedures differ among U.S. Consulates/Embassies; contact your U.S. Consulate/Embassy NOW to determine its particular procedure on applying for a visa before planning for the interview.

The U.S. Department of State touched on the current efforts to gain attention from future international leaders to take advantage of stellar educational opportunities here in the United States, during International Education Week. The State Department also is aware of the social, intellectual, and economic benefits that foreign students bring with them to this country. That being said, the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs expedites student visas for those qualified foreign students that will begin their academic program on time. The maximum wait for a student visa is less than 15 days, with the earliest application time for foreign students is 120 days before the academic program begins.

With a current emphasis on international education as a critical part of succeeding in the global marketplace, the Unites States has brought a 9% increase of international education during the 2010/11 academic year as well as $21.3 billion dollars into the domestic economy from foreign students.

An increase in international education promotes mutual understanding and respect between Americans and other international citizens.