STUDENT LIFE AT
AMERICA
As
an international student, studying in America might be kind of tough but if
finally on the long run, one succeeds to be admitted in any of the American
universities, then the individual has gotten an opportunity of a life time. 70%
of most international candidates who are admitted are often issued a document
called the 1-20 form which is the application for an F-1 Student visa also
known as the formula 1 student visa while 30% will need to personally apply for
either the F-1 or the J-1 visa in their own country, i.e. If you applied to an institution in America and
you are admitted but wasn’t issued any of the student visas, you will
personally need to go to the immigration office or an embassy in order to apply
for a student visa; The credentials needed for a successful student visa
application are: 1. A valid passport photograph of yourself, 2. A valid
admission letter issued by the institution, 3. A recommendation letter and
finally you may need to submit your top ten list in writing or oral form.
THE F-1 STUDENT VISA OVERVIEW
An F1 visa is issued
to international students who are attending an academic program or English
Language Program at a US college or university. F-1 students must maintain the
minimum course load for full-time student status. They can remain in the US up
to 60 days beyond the length of time it takes to complete their academic
program, unless they have applied and been approved to stay and work for a
period of time under the OPT Program.
F1 students are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on
their I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status)
which is provided by the US college or university that the student has been accepted
to and will attend.
F1
Visa Qualifications
In order to qualify, applicants need
to satisfy and prove several strict criteria during an F1 visa interview,
including the following:
Foreign
Residence F-1 applicants must have a foreign residence and must intend
to return there upon the completion of their studies.
Sponsoring
Institution While on your F-1 visa, you may only study at the academic institution through which the visa was
granted.
Financial
Support Applicants
must demonstrate sufficient financial support — the Study USA Financing Guide
can help you prepare for this aspect of your time abroad.
Ties to
Home Country
All applicants must demonstrate that they have strong ties to their home
country. Strong ties consist of, but are not limited to, the following:
·
A job offer letter upon completion
of studies
·
Assets (i.e., house, land, vehicle,
etc.)
·
Bank accounts
·
Family
Applying for an F1 Visa
Admission Requirements
Different universities have different admission
policies. Your university will tell you what they need to determine if you are
academically eligible. Among other requirements, you will need to show the
school that you have enough
money to
support yourself while studying without having to work and you may have to
show
health
insurance in order to cover any medical expenses should you need any
medical assistance. Once the university has determined that your application is
complete and you are academically eligible, they will issue an
I-20
form to enable you to apply for your student visa.
Where to Apply for Your F1 Visa
Applicants for student visas should generally
apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of
permanent residence. This will normally be your home country — the country in
which you live. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office
abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of
permanent residence.
Always protect yourself by keeping a copy of
everything that you fill out and send off.
Items to Provide With Your Application
Although the process may vary or require additional steps, depending on your
country and embassy or consulate, you will need the following when applying for
your student visa:
Application
Fee You will have to
pay a non-refundable application fee.
This means that if your visa does not
get approved, you will not get your money back.
Form DS-160 All applicants will need to
complete and submit
DS-160
, the online application
for
a non-immigrant visa.
Form DS-157 A DS-157 form
for all males aged 16-45.
Valid Passport A passport valid for travel to
the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended
period of stay in the United States. If more than one person is included in the
passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application.
Photos You
can upload a digital photo that is:
·
In color
·
Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1
3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from
the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
·
Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your
current appearance
·
Taken in front of a plain white or off-white
background
·
Taken in full-face view directly facing the
camera
·
With a neutral facial expression and both eyes
open
·
Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a
daily basis
F1 Visa Interview
An F1 visa interview will be
required to determine whether or not you are qualified to receive an F1 student
visa. You should arrive at the interview with all of the required documents and
receipts, and you should be prepared ahead of time to answer personal questions
about your decision to study in the US.
F1 visa interview questions often include
inquiries about your academic qualifications and choice of university. You may
be required to prove that you have ties and obligations that would guarantee
your return to your home country after your international studies. Most
importantly, you will be required to prove that you have the means to finance
your education. Education expenses in the US are higher than most countries and
being able to present a solid financial plan for the duration of your studies
is crucial to pass your F1 visa interview.
Questions to Expect during your F1 Visa Interview
International students interested in studying inside the US do
not have it easy. Not only do you have to worry about being accepted into a
desirable and competitive program at a US college or university, you also have
to convince the US government to grant you an F-1 student visa in order to
pursue your studies.
After a tedious
F-1
Visa application process international students are put through a visa
interview in English, which can be intimidating for those that use English as a
second language. Not only will the students need to ensure that they attend the
interview with all of the required documentation, they need to be prepared to
answer specific, personal questions regarding their plans for study and stay in
the US.
Knowing what questions to expect can be a huge advantage! Most questions
will be related to these 5 categories:
Here are some sample questions and tips on how to answer these questions
during your interview.
Questions about your study plans
These questions will be similar to your university application essays and
interviews. Simply enough, they are interested in your choice of pursuing
higher education rather than joining the workforce. They are also interested in
your choice to study in the US versus your home country or any other place.
-
Why
are you going to the US?
- What will
you specialize in for your degree?
- What will
be your major?
- Where did
you go to school now?
- Who is
your current employer? What do you do?
- Why are
you planning to continue your education?
- Can you
not continue your education in your home country?
- How will
this study program relate to your past work or studies?
Questions about your university choice
Similar to your study plans, your choice of university is of interest to
your interviewer. These questions will look to shed light on your
qualifications as a student and future professional. Higher caliber university
choices will be better regarded than little-known colleges or universities.
-
How
many colleges did you apply to?
- How many
schools did you get admitted to?
- How many
schools rejected you?
- Have you
been to the US before?
- Do you
know your professors at that university? What are their names?
- What city
is your school located in?
Questions about your academic capability
Not surprisingly, you will need to prove your capability to succeed in a US
university during your interview. Your test scores, previous GPA, and previous
study abroad can all be evaluated to determine your likelihood of success
during your program.
- What
are your test scores (GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS)?
- What was
your previous GPA?
- How will
you manage the cultural and educational differences in the US?
- How good
is your English?
- Why do
you want to pursue a degree in the US?
- Why not
study in Canada, Australia or the UK?
- what do
you know about US schools?
- Can I see
your high school/college diploma?
Questions about your financial status
This is the most important piece of obtaining your F-1 visa. Regardless of
your academic qualifications, you cannot be awarded an F-1 student visa without
the means to
finance
your education. The cost of education in the US is much higher than other
countries. It is important to investigate and have a solid financial plan. This
plan should include more than just tuition expenses. You should consider
housing,
food,
transportation,
health insurance, and all other relevant expenses.
- What
is your monthly income?
- What is
your sponsor’s annual income?
- How do you
plan to fund the entire duration of your education?
- How much
does your school cost?
- How will
you meet these expenses?
- Who is
going to sponsor your education?
- What is
your sponsor's occupation?
- How else
will you cover the rest of your costs?
- Do you
have a copy of your bank statements?
- Did you
get offered a scholarship at your school?
- Can I see
your tax returns?
Questions about your post-graduation plans
Technically, the F-1 student visa is only granted to those who plan to
return to their home country after graduation. Although it is not impossible to
stay in the US after your graduation, through programs such as OPT and H1B, it
will be important for you to prove that you have ties and obligations,
including family, property, or a job offer, that will lead to your return to
your home country.
-
Do
you have relatives or friends currently in the US?
- What are
your plans post-graduation?
- Do you
have a job or career in mind after you graduate
- Do you
plan on returning back to your home country?
- What are
your plans after graduation?
- Are you
sure you won't stay in the US?
- Will you
continue to work for your current employer after you graduate?
The most important thing to remember during your F-1 visa interview is to
remain calm! Being well prepared is extremely important. Be sure to have
all
of the required documents and receipts with you so that you can focus on
your interview questions. Answer all of the questions asked of you, and
remember to be open and honest!
F-1 Visa Denials
If your F1 visa application is denied, it is
based on US immigration law. If you are denied, the reason and section of law
you are denied under will be given to you in your paperwork. Some applications
are denied because the applicant failed to provide necessary information or
supporting documentation as required. Sometimes, however, you can be found
ineligible for other reasons.
Of course, if you do not meet the F-1 Visa
Qualifications as stated above, you can expect to be found ineligible. For
example, if you do not sufficiently demonstrate that the strong ties to your
home country will influence you to return home after your stay in the US, you
will be denied under INA section 214(b), Visa Qualifications and Immigrant
Intent.
Other common reasons for denial include Fraud or
Misrepresentation, Unlawful Presence in the United States, Health-related
grounds, Criminal-related grounds, or Security-related grounds. To learn more
about visa denials and to see if you are eligible for a waiver or to reapply,
the
US Department of State website is a great resource.
Maintaining Valid F-1 Status After You Arrive
After you are approved for your F1 visa, you are
able to enter the United States as an international student. However, after you
arrive, you will need to stay aware of your obligations as an F1 visa holder.
If you do not maintain your valid F-1 visa status, you will not be allowed to
return to re-enter the US if you leave and you will not be eligible for
practical training (OPT or CPT) or on-campus employment. Here are some tips to
assure you’re in good standing during your study abroad:
Upon Arrival
Make sure you arrive in the US no more than 30
days prior to the first day of classes. Check in with your international
advisor as soon as possible before your program begins.
During Your Program
You must remain enrolled full time. Go to class
and maintain passing grades. If you are having difficulty in your classes,
notify your international advisor. If you are unable to complete your program
by the date listed on your Form I-20, your international advisor can help you
request a program extension.
Your passport should be valid for at least
6-months in the future. Your country’s consulate or embassy can help you extend
your passport if needed. Carry a copy of your passport with you along with your
I-94 card for identification purposes.
Always notify your international
advisor or office if you make changes to your address, study plans, or visa
status.
Working
F1 visa students are not allowed to work
off-campus. However, you may have some
on-campus
work or curricular practical training options if you qualify. Check with
your international advisor to see if this is a possibility for you. If you
choose to work without proper authorization, your visa will be revoked and you
will be forced to leave the United States.
Upon Program Completion
You have 60 days upon completion of your program
to leave the United States under your F1 visa. To remain in the US, you will
need to re-enroll in a higher program, transfer to another school to receive a
new I-20 form, or apply to change your visa status. Your international advisor
can give you more information regarding your options.
ON-CAMPUS
WORK IN AMERICA
First
and foremost, I will start by explaining what an on-campus work means.
On-campus work is a type of part-time work employment offered to most
international candidates who hold a valid F-1 visa. On-campus work features so
many types of less strenuous and less time consuming activities a student can
do while still attending classes; this aids most campus students to be able to
support their education. Most American universities offer on-campus work with
payment that ranges from $15-$20 per hour. A student with an on-campus work is
required to work a maximum 20hours a week.
·
The work must
take place either at your school or at an educationally affiliated (associated
with the school’s established curriculum or part of contractually funded research
projects at the postgraduate level) off-campus location. Work that takes place
at your school location could be for an on-campus commercial business, like a
bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for
students.
- Employment located
on-campus that does not directly involve services to students (such as
construction work) does not qualify as on-campus employment.
- Work with an employer that
is contractually affiliated with the school is on-campus employment even
if the work site is not located on the campus (such as a research lab
affiliated with your school).
·
Jobs that do not displace a U.S.
citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR)
An F-1 student has three main employment-related guidelines:
- May
work at any qualifying
on-campus job that does not displace a
U.S. citizen or LPR.
- May work up
to 20 hours per week while school is in session ( full-time during those
periods when school is not in session or during the annual break)
- Should
report their work to you and receive a certification letter to present to
the Social Security Administration in order to be able to receive a Social
Security number.
Not complying with these guidelines for on-campus employment may be a
violation of status that could result in the F-1 student having to leave the
United States.
An F-1 student may begin working as much as 30
days before the start of a program of study. They should have permission from
you before they begin work.
If an F-1 student finishes a program (such as a
bachelor’s degree) and starts another program of study at the same campus, the
student may continue on-campus employment as long as the student plans to
enroll in the new program of study for the next term.
Yes. However, the F-1 student’s total work hours
for all jobs cannot exceed 20 hours during the school term. The F-1 student may
work full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the
student’s annual break.
BREAKDOWN OF AN f-1 STUDENT’s INCOME
In 15years at America
An
international student from Nigeria was admitted to study medicine in America
and was issued an F-1 visa by the university he applied to, he stayed in America
5years for his academic program and prior to the end of his academic program,
he renewed his visa and spent an additional 10years in order to practice his
career at America; Here is a breakdown of his on-campus and career jobs while
he stayed in America.
On-campus
job
He earned $20 per hour which is
equivalent to $100 per day, equivalent to $500 per week, equivalent to $2,000
per month.
In a full year = 12months (7months
academic session, 5months holiday)
During
the 7months academic session, he makes $4,100 per month which is equivalent to
$28,700 in 7months.
Then,
during the holiday period, he works full-time (8hours a day, 40hours per week),
he is paid $30 per hour which is equivalent to $240 per day, equivalent to $1,200
per week (excluding Saturdays and Sundays), then on Saturday and Sunday, he
works at a restaurant that pays $35 per hour and he works for 10hours each day,
which is equivalent to $700 on Saturdays and Sundays, if you add up his weekend
income plus his weekdays income, it is equivalent to $1,900 per week,
equivalent to $7,600 per month which is in total, equivalent to $38,000 in
5months. Generally, he has made a total of $66,700 in a year as a student.
His academic program takes him 5years
to complete; therefore, $66,700 in a year is equivalent to $333,500 in 5years
(excluding tax and normal expenses).
Career job
He starts a totally new job based on his
career after graduating from college, he does this work for 10years and during
this 10years, he was paid $150,000 per annum, which is equivalent to
$1.5million in 10years. The total of everything he earned in America was
$1,833,500 ($1.8million in his 15years stay in America).
On returning to Nigeria where $1 is
160Naira, he converted $1,833,500 to Naira and it gave him about 293,360,000Naira.
This made him want he is today.
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By Emmanuel Nwokoma.
