F-1 or Student Visa
Those who intend to study in the U.S. are generally admitted under the F-1 student visa classification. Under special circumstances, international students may also be admitted on J1 sponsored student or M1 vocational or technical student visas.
In each of these visa categories, a spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may accompany the international student to the U.S. Generally, these dependents may not be employed in the U.S. but may attend school either as part-time or full-time students.
The prospective F-1 student should present the following papers to a U.S Consulate:
- Passport, valid for at least six months
- A financial statement or financial guaranty report
- I-20 form (Some foreign nationals are required to present an I-20 showing acceptance into academic classes at a college or university level. The Culture and Intensive English Program cannot issue such an I-20.)
- Receipt for I-901 SEVIS fee
To retain F-1 visa status, a student must attend a full course of study (20 hours per week) in the Culture and Intensive English Program. Students must complete a year of study or have completed the highest level of the program before being allowed to take time off from study.
Prospective students must enter the U.S. on a student visa. Persons with permanent resident status and those already in the U.S. with diplomatic or other visas may also be eligible for the program if study is not the main purpose of their stay in the United States.
