The United States of America (USA) is one of the most popular destinations for students who wish to study abroad. If you have already been accepted into a university in the USA, the next step in realising your dream of learning in the USA is to apply for a student visa. Students can apply for various types of visas, but the most common type is the F1 student visa. This visa type applies to students planning to pursue their undergraduate or graduate studies in the USA.
The United States government has recently announced new rules for student visas, which international students should be aware of when applying for a student visa in the US. Six things to know about the New US Student Visa Rules are explained below.
Proof of Financial Support
International students must provide proof of financial support when applying for a student visa. This proof is intended to demonstrate that the student has enough funds to cover their tuition, living expenses, and other expenses related to their studies in the United States.
One of the ways to provide this proof is through bank statements. These statements should demonstrate that the student or their sponsor has enough funds to cover the cost of tuition, living expenses, and other expenses for the duration of the student's studies. The bank statement must be in English or translated into English and should be recent, usually within the last three to six months.
Student Acceptance at a SEVP-Approved School
The first step in applying for a student visa to study in the United States is to be accepted at a SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) approved school. SEVP-approved schools are educational institutions certified by the US government to enrol international students.
After being accepted, the student will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVP-approved school will then issue the student a Form I-20, which is a document that certifies that the student has been accepted and is eligible for a student visa.
SEVIS Fee Payment
SEVIS fee payment is a requirement for international students who wish to study in the United States. The SEVIS fee is for using the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a government system that tracks and monitors international students in the United States.
Before a student visa can be issued, the student must pay the SEVIS fee, which is currently $350 for most students. The payment must be made by the student or by an individual or organisation that the student has authorised to make the payment on their behalf. The SEVIS fee must be paid online through the SEVIS website.
Transferring to Another University is Not Allowed
One of the new rules about US student visas is that students are required to attend classes at their designated school and are not allowed to transfer to another university while on a student visa. This means that once a student has been admitted to a SEVP-approved school, they are expected to complete their studies at that school and can only change to another school after obtaining a new student visa.
This rule applies to both undergraduate and graduate students. It is intended to prevent students from using their student visas to study at multiple institutions or to change their field of study without going through the proper visa application process.
Students cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and visitor visas (B-visas) are not intended for individuals who plan to study in the United States. The VWP is a program that allows citizens of certain countries to enter the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The B-visa is for individuals who wish to visit the United States for tourism, trade, or other temporary purposes. These visa types are unsuitable for individuals who plan to study in the United States as they are not intended for that purpose, and it violates the visa's terms to use them for that purpose.
Therefore, international students must obtain an F-1 or M-1 visa to study in the United States. This visa will allow the student to enter the country to research and participate in academic or vocational programs. It also allows students to engage in certain types of work, such as on-campus jobs, practical training, and internships. There is an exception, however, for individuals who wish to engage in recreational study, also known as non-credit study, as part of a tourist visit. This is only allowed as an ancillary activity and should not be the primary purpose of the holiday.
A Visitor (B) Visa May be Appropriate for Short Periods of Recreational Study
For individuals who wish to engage in short periods of recreational study, also known as non-credit study, as part of a tourist visit, a visitor (B) visa may be appropriate. A visitor (B) visa allows for short-term stays in the United States for tourism or business purposes. It is designed for individuals not planning to pursue a degree or academic certificate in the United States.
