Study visa in USA – information for the international students
The foreign students of all ages must receive an F-1 student visa, if they want to study in the private school in the USA. In case of successful enrolment in one of the SEVP-certified schools in America the international student should request an I-20 form and pay I-901 SEVIS fee, which accounts for 350 USD. After that the student can send an application to the nearest US consulate.
Pay attention that, as a rule, the registration booked months in advance. Minimum six months should be allocated for visa procedures. When documents are submitted, the foreign students aged 13 years old and above pass an interview with the consul. The duration of visa is one year, and can be extended as long as the student studies.
What documents are required for a visa?
F-1 visa does not guarantee entry in the USA. The CBP officer makes the final decision at the port of entry (American airport), he studies the documents once more. The foreign students have opportunity to arrive in America at the maximum of 2 months before the start of studying.
The obtaining of visa for accompanying of students is not required in the USA. In case of interest a parent can arrive in the country with his child on a Type B tourist visa for specific time period. As a rule, all questions can be solved by distance with representatives of the boarding school. The school staff also meets the student at the airport.
How to get into to schools in USA? Enrolment requirements
The foreign students aged 12 and above can apply for the studying in the private school in the USA. Up to the age of 14, the students live on campus, after that the children are provided with the opportunity to change type of accommodation on host family or day school.
There is a competition for up to 10 people per place: to enrol, applicants are required to fill out a completed questionnaire, a statement of progress for at least 2-3 previous years, written recommendations from teachers translated into English, as well as an interview (in person or via Skype) and testing (most often in mathematics and English).
In many cases it is necessary to pass SSAT, test, allowing to determine the level of English proficiency, the ability to apply it in practice. The exam is aimed at American residents; foreign students can provide a certificate in return SLEP or TOEFL.
In case of insufficient language preparation for successful enrolment in the private school in the USA, the foreign student can attend academic courses in the language centres.
After reviewing the applicant's documents, the date and time of the interview are assigned to him. The interview is conducted by phone or online (by Skype). The interview allows to determine the level of English, motivation, purposefulness of the child, the coincidence of his profile interests with the specialization of the educational institution.
Below the list of documents is provided:
- The copy of passport
- School annual grades for the last 2 academic years + quarter/trimester grades for the current academic year
- International language certificate
- Recommendation letters from teachers of mathematics and English
- Motivation letter
- Registration and school forms.