U.S. Student Visas Requirements and Definitions
Below are some definitions related to the requirements you would need to meet in order to qualify for a student visa in the U.S.
Bona Fide Student
Your intentions in coming to the U.S. with a student visa must truly be to study. The U.S. government is on the lookout for people who use a student visa as a means to gain entry to the U.S. for other purposes. This visa has come under particular scrutiny since the attacks of September 11,
2001 because some of the terrorists were in the United States on student visas.
Additionally, authorities are always concerned with preventing people from entering the U.S. who have no intention of leaving. Therefore, it is critical that when applying for a student visa you provide sufficient evidence of your intentions to leave the U.S. at the completion of your studies. Unfortunately, many people fail to offer enough supporting documents to the authorities to establish temporary intentions under the student visa requirements and, consequently, their visa is denied.
An immigration attorney can assist you with providing accurate and adequate evidence to support your intentions of remaining in the U.S. temporarily.
Full Course of Study
The good news is that you don't have to stay in school during normal school vacations. Also, on-campus employment under terms of a scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship can be considered part of your full course of study. Other than the general rules, however, the time requirements of full-time enrollment vary depending on the type of program you're enrolled in.
Knowledge of English
To qualify for a student visa, you must know the English language well enough to pursue your studies effectively.
Most U.S. colleges and universities will not admit students whose native language is not English until they first pass an English proficiency test such as the TOEFL. Tests can be arranged in your home country. Your chosen school in the U.S. will tell you if such a test is required.
Generally, consular officers lets each school decide for itself who is and is not qualified to effectively study courses conducted in English. However, during the consular interview at which your student visa is approved or denied, the official will be listening closely to your ability to understand and communicate in English.
Occasionally, even when a school is willing to admit you without strong knowledge of English, the U.S. consulate may refuse to issue a student visa because it thinks your English is not good enough. You may still be able to satisfy the consulate if the school you plan to attend is willing to supply English language tutoring or, alternatively, offers a course of studies in your native language.
Adequate Financial Resources
You must show that you have enough money to complete your entire course of studies without working. At the time you apply for a student visa, you must have enough cash on hand to cover all first-year expenses.
In addition, you must be able to show a reliable source of money available to pay for subsequent years. This is normally accomplished by having your parents or other close relatives guarantee financial assistance throughout your education.
Speaking with a skilled immigration attorney can assist in determining the best evidence to support this ability to finance your education. We are committed and honored to assist you with all of your immigration needs.
