Your US visa is an entry in your passport which allows you to enter the United States. The classification of a US visa (F-1, B-1, etc.) specifies your purpose for coming here. Once admitted to the United States, you will then have a corresponding “immigration status” which relates to your purpose for being here and regulates what you may and may not do. Most international students who enter the United States to attend our schools are issued form I-20 to apply for an F-1 (student) visa and immigration status. Certain government-sponsored students, those in exchange programs, and some other students who have special affiliations are given form DS-2019 to obtain a J-1 (exchange visitor) visa and immigration status.
Your Immigration Document: I-20 or DS-2019
Both of these forms consist of multiple pages, all of which must remain together to be valid. SEVP provides a sheet of everything you should have to enter the United States.
Be sure to check the accuracy of the following information listed on your form:
name (it must match the name listed in your passport)
date of birth
country of birth and citizenship
legal permanent residence (DS-2019 only)
academic level and program of study
source of financial support
If any information is incorrect, contact the International Student dvisor, [email protected] for a new form.
B Visa:
If you intend to study at one of our schools, do not under any circumstances enter the United States using this status. US law forbids individuals who enter as tourists from enrolling in a course of study until a change in immigration status (making it possible for them to study here) has been approved.
Students who plan to enter the United States as a visitor and then begin study must inform the US Consulate and request that their visitor visa be marked with the notation “Prospective Student.” Without this endorsement, an application to change from visitor status to student status will most likely be denied. Be aware that if the B-2 visa or the I-94 card you obtain upon being admitted here lacks this notation, you will likely have to leave the United States and apply for an F-1 (student) visa or a J-1 (exchange visitor) visa. Only then may you request reentry to the United States.
Changing Your Immigration Status while in the United States
Changing to F-1 status or J-1 status from some other nonimmigrant status (F- 2, B-1, B-2, etc.) requires a formal application to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS). Such changes are not automatically approved, can take several months, and until the change is approved you may not receive any of the benefits of F-1 status or J-1 status. Obtain change of status information from the website, complete the forms and gather the necessary documentation, and then make an appointment to speak with an advisor in that office.
F-1 Student Visa
Although the basic process for obtaining a visa remains the same regardless of the consulate you are using, local policies and procedures do vary. Be sure to contact your US consulate (or access the consulate’s website) for specific details.
Applying for an F-1 visa, you must:
Applicant receives documentation from school and the Diocese of Davenport.
Applicant makes appointment at nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate
Applicatn prepares for visa interview
Tips for prospective students:
Consult www.travel.state.gov for information
Apply as early as possible to schedule a visa interview
Consular officers do their best to ensure students receive a visa with enough time to arrive for their program of study.
Prospective studenst must have the following at their visa interview:
Form I-20 from the Diocese of Davenport
Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the date your plan to enter the U.S.)
Photo
Visa Application fee receipt
This fee must be paid and fully processed before you arrive at the consulate for your visa interview. Refer to:www.fmjfee.com for more information and the options available for paying the fee. We recommend that you pay using the online option so you will be able to print a payment confirmation immediately after the payment is made. Keep this receipt with your other immigration documents—do not discard it following your visa interview.
Confirmation page of their Form DS-160 visa application
Present proof of your financial ability to pay all costs related to your study at the school (including tuition, living expenses, book, insurance, etc.).
Additional documentation suggested on local embassy or consulate website
You may also be required to show such documentation as your admission letter, academic transcripts, and standardized test scores depending upon the consulate’s local policies.
Four factors focused on during interview:
Who the applicant is
What the applicant wants to do
How the applicant plans to fund their study
What the applicant intends to do once they complete their program.
Official Information about Visa Interviews avaliable at:
Students from Canada or Bermuda
You will need a written receipt indicating that you have paid the appropriate SEVIS fee (Form I-901) at least three business days prior to arriving at a US port-of-entry. This fee must be paid and fully processed before you apply for entry. Refer to: http://www.fmjfee.com for more information and the options available for paying the fee. We recommend that you pay using the online option for faster processing.
You do not need a visa to enter the United States, but you must present an I-20 or a DS-2019 form, an I-901 receipt, proof of finances to cover your program of study, and a valid passport to enter the United States as a student or exchange visitor. You will not receive an I-94 card, you have to go online once you get settled at the host parents home and then go online to print off your I-94 information.
If you fail to show these documents and are admitted as a visitor, you cannot legally enroll in classes.
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