It may have always been your lifelong dream to visit the United States. While you could plan a short vacation here, you may expand your horizons and consider staying long-term by studying here. This is made possible through the varying student visa programs offered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Without further ado, please read on to discover the type of student visa you should apply for and how one of the seasoned Lancaster County student visa lawyers at Lupton Law LLC can make sure you are prepared for this application process.
What type of student visa should I apply for?
There are three main types of student visas available for international students with different needs and interests: the F-1, J-1, and M-1 visas. Firstly, the F-1 visa, the most common one, is for international students who wish to participate in full-time academic studies at an accredited United States college, university, or private secondary school. Or, to study English at an approved English language program.
Secondly, the J-1 visa is for international students who wish to get practical training for their related academic studies that is otherwise unavailable in their home country. This is usually associated with a high school or college/university exchange program. Lastly, the M-1 visa is for international students looking to pursue non-academic, vocational, or technical studies in the United States.
What preparation should I do before applying for a student visa?
While any of these student visa programs would provide you with an amazing opportunity, you must guarantee that you are well-equipped to take it on. In other words, certain factors must be considered before jumping into this extensive and demanding visa application process. For one, you should do your due diligence and research which academic institutions are certified by the Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Specifically for a J-1 visa, institutions designated by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Once you find an institution that piques your interest, you should look into its expected tuition, room and board, and other associated costs in the upcoming academic year. With this, you should be honest about your ability to support yourself financially throughout your studies. If you get this far, you must apply for and get accepted by one of these accredited institutions. The Designated School Official may give you Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, at this time, which you may take to file Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, to the Department of State.
To ensure your legal application is well fleshed out, please seek the aid of one of the competent Lancaster County student visa lawyers. You may rest better knowing that the team at Lupton Law LLC will not let you enter this legal process without being properly prepared. So please pick up the phone and request our services today.
