Overview of Student Visas: Which One is Right for You?
The United States has nearly 6,000 colleges and universities, along with hundreds of technical colleges. Unsurprisingly, the U.S. is a magnet for people pursuing higher education, with some of the best funded programs in the world. Anyone who is hoping to study in the United States at an institution must do so legally, so you should spend some time identifying the correct student visa. Contact The Law Office of Jason M. Sullivan, PLLC for assistance.
Which Student Visa is Right for You?
It is vital for those hoping to study in the U.S. to avoid coming on a tourist visa and then trying to enroll in school. A tourist visa is not appropriate. Instead, there are three main types of visas for students:
- F-1 visa. This visa is the most common and allows the holder to attend a U.S. university or college. You must attend a school certified through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Someone with an F-1 visa can work for a limited amount of time on campus and may apply for temporary employment authorization through the Optional Practical Training program.
- M-1 Visa. This visa allows a foreigner to attend vocational training, including technical or trade school. A student with an M-1 visa has more limited work options and cannot stay in the U.S after completing their program.
- J-1 visa. This is an exchange visa and is popular with those participating in research programs, cultural exchanges, or study abroad programs.
Students should apply and gain admission to a U.S. college, university, or technical/trade program. You will then receive a Form I-20 or DS-2019. A consular official will have the ultimate authority to decide whether you can receive a visa and come to the U.S.
If you don’t know which visa is right for you, or whether you even qualify, then contact an experienced immigration lawyer. We can go over your plans and determine which visa is the correct choice. We can also walk you through the application process and make sure your information is correct before preparing for a consular interview.
Some people hope to work in the U.S. immediately after completing their education. Our law firm can help you understand your options. For example, an F-1 visa might be ideal if you are studying for a science or engineering degree. Other clients will need to find a U.S.-based employer to sponsor a work visa after they graduate.
Discuss Your Visa Options with an Experienced Immigration Advocate Today
Immigration law in the United States seems to change from week to week, with new policies going into place that limit the ability of people to come and work in the U.S. Call our law firm for help today. A New Hampshire non-immigrant visa lawyer can discuss options in greater depth. We can also help you understand consular processing so that you avoid common mistakes which can delay your ability to study here in the U.S. The Law Office of Jason M. Sullivan, PLLC also helps those in the Miami, Florida area.
Source:
edsmart.org/how-many-colleges-are-in-the-us/