If you are looking to study abroad in the United States, you will need a student visa. Under the law, a foreign national student is permitted to study in America when he or she has successfully obtained a legal student visa, known as an F-1 visa.
These visas are granted to nonimmigrants coming to the US to participate in a full time course of study. As with all nonimmigrant classifications, the most important requirement to obtain an F-1 visa is the demonstration of nonimmigrant intent. The student must maintain a home abroad that they have no intention of abandoning. The student must be coming to the US to pursue a full course of academic study, and must demonstrate that they possess the financial resources to allow them to study without the need to engage in unauthorized employment. Most students are able to get approved for a stay equal to the duration of their studies in the US and can study in any pre-approved institution. In light of the bars on admission created in 1996, it is very important for the student to maintain their status while in the US.
There are eight important things that must be done to maintain status:If you believe you will be able to pay for your education in America by working when you arrive, you are in for a surprise. The law places strict limits on foreigners entering the U.S. on a student visa. A student cannot be employed off-campus during the first year of studies in America. The two exceptions to this rule include if the off-campus employment is educationally affiliated or educationally related. Once your first year of study is over, the United States Citizens & Immigration Services (USCIS) may grant a student permission to work off-campus upon the school’s recommendation. Whether a student on an F-1 visa works on or off-campus, he or she cannot work more than 20 hours per week. Simply put, make sure you have the financial means necessary to pay for school and living expenses if you are interested in obtaining an F-1 visa.
Most students need to apply for an F1 visa if they are wanting to study at:
If you are planning on attending a non-academic institution or a vocation school, you have to obtain a different type of student visa.
There are many reasons why a foreign national student loses an F1 visa. Examples include:
If you have lost your F1 visa status, be sure to contact an experienced Dallas student visa lawyer right away.
It is fundamental to understand that in order to apply for reinstatement of an F1 visa, there are strict deadlines that must be met. These include:
As part of reinstatement, you must prove to the USCIS that the loss in status happened due to circumstances beyond your control or your course load was reduced but an authorized agent would have likely approved upon proof of extreme hardship. Obtaining reinstatement of an F-1 visa is not simple. Hiring an experienced F-1 visa attorney in Dallas to help you through the process is critical to success.
Pollak PLLC can help guide you through the student visa application process so that you can obtain an F-1 visa and succeed in your academic pursuits. You want the experience of our F-1 visa lawyer on your side. Do not try to navigate this process on your own. Call (214) 307-5510 today to schedule a consultation to discuss your options under applicable immigration laws.
Our firm provides full-service professional legal advice and representation to help you find an immigration solution to your visa needs.
Contact us today to speak with our managing attorney Karen-Lee Pollak and experienced immigration support team.