Types of Visa programs and their respective program requirements
The J-1 visa in the United States is for people who wish to take part in work-and-study-based exchange and visitor programs in the U.S. These programs are sponsored by an educational or other nonprofit institution, which must be accredited through the Exchange Visitor Program designated by the U.S. State Department. J-1 exchange visitors come to the United States to teach, study, receive training, or demonstrate special skills. The J1 visa is meant for students who need practical training that is not available to them in their home country, and the training must be directly related to their academic program.
Each program available under the J-1 visa has specific requirements and regulations. Please choose the program below that you are interested in learning more about:
The Au Pair category of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program allows for childcare providers between the ages of 18 and 26 to work caring for a family’s children in exchange for room, board, and a stipend. The main priority of an au pair is to care for his or her charge(s), but he or she will also have free time to enjoy life in the US.
In order be eligible for a J-1 visa as an au pair, a potential applicant must first have received a job offer from a family. Other prerequisites include:
Applicants may need to interview in their home country by the sponsoring organization, and they may need to conduct a number of telephone interviews with potential host families. The sponsor must also provide the participant with a minimum of 32 hours of childcare training before placing them with a host family.
While working in the US, the au pair must provide no more than 10 hours of childcare services a day, with a maximum of 45 hours per week. He or she must also complete at least six hours of academic credit at a US post-secondary educational institution. The au pair’s responsibilities may include bringing the children to and from school and other activities, helping them with homework, helping to keep children’s rooms clean, and cooking light meals for the children.
The host family is required to pay up to $500 towards the au pair’s required academic coursework. The host family is also expected to provide the au pair with private room and board (three meals a day) and compensation for childcare work. This compensation must be in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Through the Camp Counselor program, foreign post-secondary students and youth workers are able to work at American summer camps. In order to be eligible for these positions, applicants must:
As a camp counselor, participants will be provided with housing and meals by the camps for which they are working, at no cost to themselves. They will receive pay and benefits proportionate to those offered to their American counterparts. Although they will occasionally be asked to perform non-counseling duties, they cannot serve as staff. This means that they cannot act as office workers, cooks, or menial laborers such as dishwashers or janitors. Participants can work as counselors for up to four months, and extensions are not allowed.
This program allows foreign students to study at American colleges and universities. Students who participate in this program must pursue a full-time course of study and must maintain good academic standing. They might also participate in a student internship program that fulfills educational objectives of their degree programs in their home countries.
Students in this program must be financed by funding from any source other than personal or family, such as directly or indirectly by the US government, their home country government, or an international organization of which the US is a member.
The program must be carried out according to an agreement between the US government and the student’s home government, of according to a written agreement between American and foreign educational institutions, an American educational institution and a foreign government, or a state or local government in the US and a foreign government.
Under this program, high school students are able to travel to the US and study at a public or private high school while staying with a host family or at a boarding school.
In order to be eligible, participants must be between the ages of 15 and 18.5 by the first day of school. They must not have completed more than 11 years of primary and secondary school (excluding kindergarten), and they must not have previously participated in a secondary school exchange program in the US.
In this program, students are allowed to take part in all school activities, though the school district and the state office in charge of deciding athletic eligibility must approve the student’s participation. Students in this program are not allowed to work part-time or full-time jobs, though they may work the occasional job such as babysitting or yard work. They are not permitted to live with relatives, and they must not stay in the US longer than one academic school year.
Through this program, distinguished international visitors selected by a US federal, state, or local government agency visit the US to develop and strengthen professional and personal relationships with their American counterparts. They are engages in observation tours, discussions, consultations, professional meetings, conferences, workshops, travel, and training.
This category is for people-to-people programs meant to develop and strengthen professional and personal relationships between key foreign nationals and Americans and American institutions. Participants must be a recognized or potential leader in a field of specialized knowledge or skill. They are selected by the US Department of States.
This program allows foreign physicians to participate in US graduate medical education programs or training at US medical schools.
In order to qualify for clinical exchange programs, foreign national physicians must have adequate prior education and training for the program in which they are enrolling; they must be competent in speaking and writing English; they must have passed either Parts I and II of the National Board of Medical Examiners Examination, the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination, Step I and II, or the Visa Qualifying Examination (VQE) prepared by the National Board of Medical Examiners. They must also provide a statement of need from their home government that states that there is a need for persons with the skills the applicant wishes to acquire in their home country. Also necessary is an agreement or contract from the US medical school, affiliated hospital, or scientific institution at which the participant plans to study, signed by the physician and the official responsible for the training.
Non-clinical exchange programs allow foreign national physicians to come to the US for observation, consultation, teaching, or research purposes. These may be sponsored by a US university or medical center than has been designated by the US Department of State to conduct an exchange visitor program. The sponsor must sign and append to the Form DS-2019 a certificate that states, “This certifies that the program in which [name] is to be engaged is solely for the purpose of observation, consultation, teaching, or research and that no element of patient care is involved,” or the dean of the medical school in question (or his designee) must certify the following five points:
This program allows participants the opportunity to engage in research, teaching, and lecturing at American schools. The program encourages the exchange of ideas, mutual enrichment, and linkages between research and educational institutions in the US and foreign countries. The maximum duration of these programs is five years.
Participants in these programs are subject to several conditions. They must not be a candidate for a tenure track position; they cannon have completed a professor or research scholar program within the last 24 months preceding the beginning of the program; they cannot have participated in a J-visa program for any part of the 12-month period preceding the professor or research scholar program. There are three exceptions to this condition:
The participant must have the education and credentials necessary to carry out the activity for which they are coming to the US, and must have sufficient English skills to function in an English-speaking environment.
These programs fall into two categories: professor and research scholar. The professor category is for participants who wish to teach, lecture, observe, or consult at a post-secondary school, museum, library, or similar institution in the US. The research scholar category is for participants who wish to conduct research, observe, or consult in connection with a research project at research institutions, corporate research facilities, museums, libraries, post-secondary schools, or similar institutions in the US.
This program allows professors, research scholar, or people with similar education or accomplishments to lecture, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary schools, or similar institutions in the US.
The maximum duration of this program is six months, with no extensions, and no possibility of changing category. The minimum program duration (3 weeks) is waived for participants in this program. Exchange visitors who have recently participated in a professor or research scholar exchange program in the US are not permitted to reenter the US as a short-term scholar to rejoin the original sponsor. Participants are allowed to return to the US for another short-term scholarly stay, after a substantial break between visits, and may return using the J-1 Research Scholar/Professor category without being subject to the 12 and 24 month bars.
This program allows experts in a field of specialized knowledge or skills to travel to the US for the interchanging of knowledge and skills among foreign and American specialists.
The duration of this type of program is one year. While in the US on this type of program, specialists may not fill a permanent or long-term position of employment. Categories covered under this program include international education exchange, labor law, environmental science, mass media communication, museum exhibitions, public administration, and library science.
Under this program, post-secondary students are allowed to travel to the US to work and travel over the summer.
In order to be eligible for this type of program, participants must have sufficient English skills to interact in an English-speaking environment; they must be post-secondary students who are enrolled in a full-time course of study at a post-secondary educational institution outside the US; they must have completed at least one semester of post-secondary study; and they must have a job offer in the US, unless the participant is from a visa waiver country.
The length of this program may not exceed 4 months, and must be completed during the participant’s summer vacation. Participants in this program mostly work in positions at resorts, hotels, restaurant, and amusement parks, but may also work for organizations such as architectural firms, legal offices, scientific research organizations, advertising agencies, graphic art/publishing and other media communication businesses, computer software and electronics firms. Participants who do not have prearranged employment must have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during a search for employment.
Through this program, foreign teachers can come to the US to teach in primary and secondary schools for up to three years.
In order to be eligible for this program, a teacher must meet the qualifications for teaching in primary or secondary schools in his or her home country, have a minimum of three years of teach or related profession experience, satisfy the teaching standards of the US state in which he or she intends to teach, and possess the English skills necessary to participate in the program.
Participants in this program will learn US teaching methods while bringing international perspectives to US classrooms. They will need to submit references from both colleagues and current or former employers attesting to their good reputation, character, and teaching skills. After a participant receives and accepts a written offer for a teaching position at a US institution, the designated sponsor will issue a completed Form DS-2019; the location of the institution will be indicated on that form. Participants may only teach at that institution.
These programs allow foreign professionals to gain exposure to receive training in US business practices in their chosen occupational field.
In order to be eligible, a trainee must be a foreign national with either a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least one year’s work experience in his or her occupational field, or five years of work experience in the occupational field in which he or she is seeking training. Participants must have their English skills evaluated or verified by a recognized English language test, by signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school, or through an in-person interview conducted by the sponsor, or by video conference or webcam. They must be at least 20 years old.
Participants might find work in a number of fields, including:
These programs allow foreign professionals to receive training in their occupational field in the US.
Interns must be foreign nationals who are currently enrolled in a foreign degree or certificate granting post-secondary institution outside the US or who graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months before his/her program’s start date. Participants must be at least 18 years old, and must have their English skills evaluated or verified by a recognized English language test, by signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school, or through an in-person interview conducted by the sponsor, or by video conference or webcam.
Generally, J-1 visa holders are required to work only for their program sponsors. However, in some cases J-1 holders may work for non-sponsor employers if they meet certain eligibility requirements. The requirements vary depending on the program. J-1 students are eligible for on-campus employment if it is pursuant to scholarship, fellowship or assistantship, or off-campus employment if it is a summer work/travel exchange program, or if it is necessary because of serious, urgent, and unforeseen economic circumstances that have arisen since acquiring J-1 status. Students must have good academic standing, and may not exceed 20 hours of labor per week except during holidays and vacations.
The J-2 visa is intended for non-immigrant spouses or children of J-1 exchange visitor who accompany or later join their spouse or parent in the United States. J-2 eligibility depends on the specific program in which the J-1 exchange visitor is enrolled. For example, the exchange categories of au pair, camp counselor, secondary work student, and summer work travel do not allow for J-2 eligibility. In addition, some specific programs within categories that generally permit J-2 visas do not.
The application procedure for J-2 visas is the same as the application process for J-1 visas. The sponsor of the program must approve the accompaniment of the spouse or child, who will be issued their own Form DS-2019. The J-2 visa holder can accompany their J-1 spouse or parent into the United States, or they may choose to join them later.
In most cases, a J-2 visa holder can work in the United States. In order to do this, he or she must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Money earned by a J-2 visa holder cannot be used to support the J-1 visa holder.
As a non-US citizen, you will generally need a visa to enter the United States. The J-1 exchange visitor visa allows participants to come to the United States for a temporary stay, if participating in one of the J1 Visa programs. If you are interested in pursuing one of these programs, you will need to find a sponsoring organization and apply for the J1 visa. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a J1 visa:
When applying for a J1 visa, you will need to find a designated sponsor to accept you into their program. Regardless of their physical location, many of these sponsoring organizations can place participants throughout the United States. The United Stated Department of State has the official list of designated sponsor organizations here. Keep in mind that many organizations screen their participants and look for those with proficient English language skills. Your sponsoring organizations can also help you with how to apply for a J1 visa.
Once you have applied and been approved by a designated sponsor organization, the next step is to submit the DS-2019 Form, also known as the “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchanger Visitor (J-1) Status”. This form is the official documents used by the US Department of State that will permit you to get an interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate. If you will be accompanied by your spouse or child(ren), they will also be given a separate DS-2019 form. This two-page form is issued by your designed sponsoring organization and will include a description of the exchange program, including the start and end date, as well as the cost of the program (with a breakdown on financial support).
You will be required to pay a SEVIS I-901 fee to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of your J-1 visa application - or this fee may already be part of your program fees to your sponsoring organization. It’s important to check with your sponsor to confirm whether it will be paid by you, or for you. If the sponsor pays the SEVIS fee on your behalf, be sure to get a receipt confirming payment.
Another fee you will be required to pay is the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Processing Fee, which is $160 and can be paid by visiting the Department of State’s Fees for Visa Services. Those participants who are part of a program with the U.S. Government, Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), or a U.S. Government funded educational and cultural exchange program are exempt from the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Processing Fee as part of their J-1 visa application.
In order to have your J-1 visa application accepted, you will need to have final approval by a consular officer at a US embassy or consulate. Depending on where you are located, waiting times to get an appointment can vary so it’s important to schedule early to ensure that you have sufficient time before your program begins.
If you will be traveling with a spouse and/or child, you can schedule an appointment for those family members who will be accompanying you. At the interview, you will be asked about the program, your intentions after the program, how you plan to cover your expenses, etc. It is important to stress that your intention is to complete the program and return to your home country upon termination. Be prepared to show your binding ties to your home country and bring any documentation that can further show your ties back home.
When applying for a J1 visa, you will need to submit the following documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate:
It’s important to check with your particular embassy or consulate to confirm the necessary documents when applying for a J1 visa. How to apply for a J-1 visa will be determined based on your embassy or consulate, as well as your personal situation, so it’s important to make sure you’ve read about what you need to do prior and during your interview.
Please Note: This article is designed to provide guidance around the J 1 visa application process, however you will need to consult your embassy or consulate for the latest requirements to apply for a j 1 visa as these can vary depending on your location and the department of state can change the rules and regulations for the exchange visitor program from time to time. Always check for the latest information with the department of homeland security (DHS).
If you are planning to get a J1 visa to come to the US, you will need to schedule a j1 visa interview with a consulate officer at the US embassy or consulate. Interviews are generally required for anyone between the ages of 14 and 79, while those who fall outside this age bracket are not required to conduct a J1 visa interview. With that said, however, that makes up a large portion of individuals who want to come to the US under a J1 visa.
It’s important to learn about the process, prepare your documents, and be informed about what J1 visa interview questions might be asked. This article will provide you with an overview of that very process so that you can prepare for your J1 visa interview.
The first step in preparing for your J1 visa interview is scheduling it with the US embassy or consulate. It is much easier to schedule an appointment in your place of permanent residence. While it is not impossible to schedule it in another country, it can prove to be quite difficult. Wait times can vary by location, visa type, and time of year, so schedule early so that you have adequate time prior to the start date of your program. It is best to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will conduct your interview to obtain all the instructions on what documents to prepare for the day of your interview.
Prior to your interview, you will need to pay your non-refundable visa application fee to the Department of State. This fee is based on the type of visa you are applying for, and the current fee for a J visa is $160 USD. Individuals and their family members who are participating in a program through the Department of State, Agency for International Development (USAID), or a Federally funded educational or cultural exchange program are exempt from this fee. Make sure to print out a copy for your receipt as you will be required to show this documentation at the time of your J1 visa interview.
There is nothing worse than waiting for your scheduled interview, showing up, and finding out that you were denied because you didn’t bring the correct paperwork. Use this check-list to prevent this from happening and to help you prepare for your J1 visa interview:
This is an outline of the frequently requested documents however every consulate has their own procedure so make sure to double check prior to your interview date.
On the day of your J1 visa interview, be sure to arrive prepared with your documents in hand. A consular officer will be talking with you and reviewing your paperwork to make the final decision as to whether you qualify for the J1 visa. It’s important that during your interview you are honest and stress that you plan to return back to your home country upon completion of the program.
Here are some common J1 visa interview questions:
Typically done during your interview, you can also expect to get a digital fingerprint scan as part of your application. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay an additional visa issuance fee depending on your nationality. At that time they will process your passport that will either be returned by picking it up at the consular/embassy or delivered by the courier.
Congrats, you have successfully prepared for your J1 visa interview!
An F1 visa is issued to international students who are attending an academic program or English Language Program at a US college or university. F1 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.
In order to qualify, applicants need to satisfy and prove several strict criteria during an F1 visa interview, including the following:
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.
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.
The process of obtaining a visa can be difficult. If you’ve decided you need help from an immigration lawyer, explore working with a professional legal firm like F1 Visa Advisors, Inc. Founded by an experienced immigration lawyer in the US, F1 Visa Advisors offers a limited access program that provides students with personalized visa assistance and guidance to help increase their chance of getting approved an F1 visa.
Always protect yourself by keeping a copy of everything that you fill out and send off.
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:
Any international student wanting to study in the USA will need to obtain a student visa for the USA. Most students are issued with an F1 visa, and the general outline/process flow for obtaining an F1 visa is as follows:
Now that you have an initial idea of the process flow, lets go into more detail on each stage:
Before you can apply for your F1 student visa for the USA, you must apply to and be accepted by a school approved by the SEVP.
Once you’re accepted, you will be required to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee in order to be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Then, your school will provide you with a Form I-20. This form will be presented to the consular officer when you attend your F1 visa interview. If your spouse and/or children plan to reside in the USA with you while you study, they will be required to have individual Form I-20s, but they will not need to be enrolled in the SEVIS.
Applying for the F1 student visa may vary depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate you are dealing with. You will be required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee. There is an online visa application available, which allows you to complete and print the Form DS-160 to take to your F1 visa interview.
You can schedule your F1 visa interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. An F1 student visa for the USA can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date. You will only be able to enter the US with an F1 visa 30 days before your start date.
The following documents are required for your F1 visa interview:
Additional documents may be requested to prove your eligibility for the F1 student visa, including academic transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates. Test scores such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT may also be requested, as well as proof of your intent to depart the U.S. after your program is complete and proof of your financial stability.
Your F1 visa interview will determine whether you are qualified to receive an F1 student visa for the USA. Assuming that you have prepared the appropriate documents and meet all of the F1 visa requirements, your visa will be approved at the discretion of the consular officer.
You may be required to pay a visa issuance fee. Digital fingerprint scans will be taken for records. Your passport will be taken so that you can get your visa and you will be informed when you can get it back, either by pick-up or in the mail.
Keep in mind that visa issuance is not guaranteed. Never make final travel plans until you have your visa approved. If your visa is denied, you will be given a reason based on the section of law which applies to your ineligibility. Filing a waiver of ineligibility is possible in some cases.
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. There are a number of common F1 Visa interview questions which we will look at below.
If you've been denied your visa and would like to learn more about how to increase your chance of getting F1 visa approval, explore F1 Visa Advisors, Inc.
International students interested in studying in the United States 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 F1 student visa in order to pursue your studies.
During the F1 Visa application process international students are put through a visa interview in English, which can be intimidating for English as a second language speakers. 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 leaving in the US. Below we have tips on answering these questions, however, if you need more personal assistance explore consulting an immigration law firm.
Knowing what questions to expect can be a huge advantage! Most F1 visa interview questions will be related to these 5 categories:
Below are some sample questions the visa officer might ask, and tips on how to answer these questions during your interview. If after you review this information you think you need personalized guidance, explore F1 Visa Advisors, Inc for one-on-one help and mock interview practice.
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.
Similar to your study plans, the university you will attend is of interest to the 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.
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.
This is the most important piece of obtaining your F1 visa. Regardless of your academic qualifications, you cannot be awarded an F1 student visa if you cannot demonstrate that you will be able 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.
Technically, the F1 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.
It is important to remember during your F1 visa interview 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!
Want more guidance on getting your F1 visa to the United States approved? Through F1 Visa Advisors, Inc. you can get one-on-one guidance on how to succeed in your F1 visa interview.
Find Help Getting Your F1 Visa
If approved, you may be required to pay a visa issuance fee. Digital fingerprint scans will be taken for records. Your passport will be taken so that you can get your visa and you will be informed when you can get it back, either by pick-up or in the mail.
Keep in mind that visa issuance is not guaranteed. Never make final travel plans until you have your visa approved. If your visa is denied, you will be given a reason based on the section of law which applies to your ineligibility. Filing a waiver of ineligibility is possible in some cases.
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 F1 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
F1 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 F1 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.
Denied your visa? If you need more information on the F1 visa process and tips on passing the F1 visa interview, see how F1 Visa Advisors, Inc can help.
Studying in the United States can positively impact your career and bring you numerous opportunities and success, however, before you can study inside the US you must first go through the student visa process. International students who have already gone through the F1 visa process are familiar with the stress of applying and interviewing during this time and find it to be overwhelming, tedious, and require a lot of paperwork and patience. Some candidates can prepare for months, only to have their student visa denied. What happens if this scenario happens to you? It’s important to stay calm, gather information on your denial and then try again
After receiving your F1 student visa denial it is important to understand why it was denied. Keep in mind that there is not an appeal process, but reapplying is an option. You would receive news about the rejection from the embassy or consulate you applied to, and it is possible to ask the consular officer the exact reason for the denial. If the problem is something that can be fixed then you can start over and submit a new application.
This is the most common reason why a visa officer may reject your F1 visa application, and the most important factor they look at during the interview. If the visa officer has the slightest thought that you have no intention of returning to your home country, that is grounds for rejection. Be prepared to express your family ties, immovable property, or businesses that you have in your home country. Do your best in your second interview to clarify that you will return to your country after graduation.
Your financial situation may have played a part in your rejection in your first application. Having a lack of proper financial support would mean you would need a job to fund your studies, which contradicts the reason for having a student visa. The visa officer wants to make sure that you have the funds to sponsor your education and living expenses during your stay in the country. When applying for your visa the second time, make sure you show you have the necessary funds to become an international student. There are multiple ways you can fill the financial aid gap such as scholarships and loans.
It is important that your academic credentials are genuine and do not lead the visa officer to become suspicious. The visa officer looking over your application may question the credibility of the university, program, or degree that you have applied for. They want you to demonstrate your credibility as a student. Having low test scores and low-level English skills often calls for immediate rejection. Also, during your interview you will be asked questions regarding your academic plans. Failing to explain why you chose your course and university is strong grounds for rejection. Make sure you explain your goals as clear as possible to the consular officer and that they are in congruence with your previous studies or work.
The interview is a large part of the application process. There is a lot at stake which means your visa interview should be taken seriously. If your interview was the reason you were rejected, you will want to perform a self-evaluation and make a list of ways you can improve your interview skills. For example, perhaps you need to practice making eye contact and being able to answer questions in well thought-out sentences on the spot.
In general, visa officers expect candidates to be well-mannered and self-assured, so any inkling of nervousness or lack of confidence could mean another rejection of your F1 student visa. Identify your weak spots and work on them prior to your next interview.
It is crucial that all your information is current and correct. A lack of documentation shows that you do not take the process seriously and that you may have something to hide. Therefore, make sure you have all the necessary documents asked for by the consulate or embassy. These documents also must contain real and honest information. The last thing you want to do is lie to the visa officer. False information or documents would call for immediate rejection. Be sure that all your information is correct and consistent.
If you want to apply for an F1 visa again then a new application must be created, the visa fee must be paid again, and another interview needs to be scheduled. There is generally no rule for when you should reapply for your student visa. However, after your initial rejection it is best that you spend time understanding why you were denied and then take the necessary steps to solve this problem. You can re-apply when you have new information that can convince the officer that you are a worthy candidate for the visa. If you schedule your second visa interview too soon and your situation has not changed since your denial, you risk receiving another denial.
If your student visa was denied due to a lack of important documentation or information needed by the visa officer, your application will be reviewed again. You will be given a letter that contains a list of the documents that are needed to continue with the process. Follow the directions of the letter and turn in the necessary documents. If your visa was denied due to administrative processing, then there are no other actions to be done except for periodically checking your application status.
The key to success will be understanding why your F1 visa was denied and correcting the problem. However, to help ensure the rest of your application process goes as smooth as possible, here are some additional ways to strengthen your application:
There are no restrictions to the number of times you can reapply for a visa, so candidates can apply as many times as they deem necessary. However, those who reapply should provide the visa officer with new information and solutions to problems seen in the previous application. Reapplying with no new information would be a waste and a sure way to be refused again for the same reasons.
Some students may face delays due to “administrative processing,” which occurs when your name is similar to another candidate. The consulate will have to contact other government agencies about your status and background. This may also occur when your field of study requires sensitive or important technology. Some visa officers may require letters from academic advisers explaining what you are studying or researching and what technology you will be working with. You may be asked to talk about past visits to the United States or any prior visa statuses held by family members. Also, different countries have different requirements for obtaining visas. You should research your country’s requirements on their U.S. Consulate’s website.
We understand that it can be discouraging to have your visa request denied. But it’s important not to give up as many students have faced the same challenge as you. If you’re looking for extra guidance, you may want to consider working with an immigration service like F1 Visa Advisors, Inc.
The F-1 visa is your gateway to studying in the United States, but the application process can be both exciting and complex. Begin your study abroad journey by mastering the F-1 visa application process. Catalyst GEM offers an expertly designed F-1 visa preparation course to ensure your path to studying abroad is clear and successful.
The F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for those looking to engage in academic studies in the U.S. Our guide provides clarity on the requirements and steps involved in securing your student visa, laying a solid foundation for your educational ambitions.
Starting your journey toward studying in the U.S. involves detailed planning. Ensure you gather all the items in the checklist below before your F-1 visa application to ensure a smooth process.
Catalyst GEM's tailored course offerings include:
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Catalyst GEM's F-1 visa preparation course is an investment in your future. At a competitive price of US$149, you'll receive accredited, high-quality visa preparation that can be the deciding factor in your application's success.
Enrolling in Catalyst GEM's course through InternationalStudent.com is straightforward:
The "M" visa is for nonacademic or vocational studies. M-1 visa holders for technical and vocational programs are not permitted to work during the course of their studies. The M-1 student visa applicants must have evidence that sufficient funds are immediately available to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of intended stay.
You cannot enter as an M1 to just study "generally"; your program must have a goal and you must be involved in a "full course of study". A full course of study means study in a community or junior college, with at least 12 semester or quarter hours. It must be in a school where anyone attending for at least 12 semester or quarter hours is charged full tuition, or considered full-time. The only exception is where you need a smaller course-load to complete your course of study. It can also mean study at a post secondary vocational or business school which grants Associate or other degrees. Alternatively, if a school can demonstrate that its credits are, or have been, accepted unconditionally by at least 3 institutions of higher learning it can qualify. If that is not possible, study in a vocational or nonacademic curriculum, certified by a DSO to require at least 18 hours of weekly attendance or at least 22 clock hours a week (if most of your studies are in a shop or lab). If that is not possible, the last option is study in a vocational or nonacademic high school curriculum which is certified by a DSO to require class attendance for not less than the minimum required for normal progress towards graduation.
Different universities have different admission policies. Your university will inform you what they need from you in order to determine that you are academically eligible. Amongst other requirements, you will need to show the school that you have enough money to support yourself whilst 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. Always protect yourself by keeping a copy of everything that you fill out and send off.
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.
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.
When applying for a student visa, you will have to prove to the consular officer that you have strong ties to a residence in a foreign country which [this most likely will be your home country] you have no intention of leaving from, and that you will leave the United States when you have completed your studies.
You should take as much evidence as possible to show that you have ties to your home county. Such evidence can include, but is not limited to:
The Diversity Visa Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a program that provides about 50,000 green cards (a permit that allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the US) annually to people from all around the world. The Diversity Visa Lottery is a government run program through the US State Department. It is one of the easiest ways to gain US citizenship, as you simply enter the lottery then await the computer generated results. Although the Diversity Visa Lottery is one of the simplest ways to gain a green card, the eligibility requirements are strict.
To be eligible to enter the United States Diversity Visa Lottery you must meet specific requirements. First and foremost you must be from a country with historically low immigration rates as identified each year by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Individuals who were not born in a country whose natives qualify have two other ways they could be able to qualify:
A second key requirement you must meet before applying to the Diversity Visa Lottery is have adequate education or work experience. Applicants must meet one of the following:
All entries must be submitted online at dvlottery.state.gov. Individuals must submit their entry online before the deadline and are limited to one entry per registration period. Paper entries are not accepted and it’s suggested that applications are submitted before the week prior to the deadline. Applications that are not completed in full will not be accepted. Additionally, individuals who submit an application more than once will be disqualified from the lottery.
To check on your entry you must access the Diversity Visa Lottery online system. Because of this, it’s important to keep your confirmation page and unique confirmation number after submitting your entry.
The Diversity Visa Lottery does not cost to register. Any fees during the Diversity Visa Lottery will be paid directly to the U.S. Embassy or consulate cashier when you schedule your appointment. Be cautious of third party companies offering to help you register for the Diversity Visa Lottery for a fee as they’re often scams.
For complete details on the Diversity Visa Lottery including eligibility and how to apply visit the US Department of State.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals from all over the world work in the United States for a sponsoring employer. This visa type was designed specifically for workers in specialty occupations that require a higher level of education or technical experience such as science, medicine, engineering and mathematics.
For international students in the United States wishing to stay longer than their OPT period, an H-1B visa can be a great way to stay employed in the country and continue gaining experience in a given field. Generally this visa is granted for a period of three years and can be extended for an additional three years for special circumstances. Unlike other visa types where you can apply for yourself, the H-1B visa requires your employer to apply on your behalf.
To qualify for an H1-B visa you will need to meet the strict criteria listed below.
In order to receive an H-1B visa you must be able to prove an employer-employee relationship where the hiring company can hire, fire and supervise your work.
Examples:
The prevailing wage is determined based on the job you will have and the geographic location where you will be working, among other factors. To estimate the prevailing wage that may be required for your job, click here.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, there is a cap of 65,000 H-1B visas issued each fiscal year. The first 20,000 petitions filed for individuals with a master’s degree or higher are exempt from this cap, in addition to workers employed at an institute of higher education, government research organization, or a nonprofit research organization.
Cap numbers are often used up very quickly, so it is important to plan in advance if you will be filing for an H-1B visa that is subject to the annual H-1B cap. The U.S. government’s fiscal year starts on Oct. 1. H-1B petitions can be filed up to 6 months before the start date, which is generally April 1 for an October 1 start date.
Your employer has two options when choosing to file for an H-1B visa on your behalf, a more affordable but longer regular process or an expedited but costly premium process. Here we will describe the regular option of filing, but if you need your visa sooner and your employer is willing to pay approximately $1,225 in filing expenses, you could have your visa in as little as 15 days. For a complete list of necessary documents and more information on submission or the expedited filing process, the Department of Homeland Security is a great resource.
As a general overview, here are the steps to file an H-1B visa:
Additional documents to submit with your petition:
If you have any questions about the forms required or the filing process in general, be sure to contact your consulate directly.
To help you best prepare for your H-1B visa interview we’ve created a list of commonly asked questions to review before heading to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Although each interview will be different, typically you will be asked a series of questions about your education and qualifications, current employer, the sponsoring company, and general questions about your purpose to the States.
Be sure to answer each question as honestly as possible and keep in mind that the more you practice, the more comfortable you will be during your real interview.
Now that you have taken a healthy step to verify the requirements, process and interview questions to obtain an H-1B visa, it’s the perfect time to start preparing! If you have yet to find an employer to sponsor your visa carry out a Student Job Search for information on various employment opportunities and once you’re ready to schedule your interview, you can do so here.
Before your interview, take some time to check out our great resources on resume writing and interview preparation to help sharpen your professional skills and learn a bit more about the professional culture in the United States.
These days, obtaining a US student visa is more difficult than ever, creating an opportunity for international students to participate in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program. An EB-5 visa is one that gives immigrant investors and their immediate family (children up to the age of 21) the opportunity to obtain a US green card and permanent residency through a one-time business investment. The US allows for 10,000 EB-5 visas to be granted per year and no single country can claim more than 7 percent of the available visas. Read further to get informed on the EB-5 visa and what the process involves.
The EB-5 Investor Visa Program was created by the US government in 1990 to give immigrant businesspeople the opportunity to invest in US businesses and simultaneously obtain lawful permanent US residence for themselves and their immediate family. Since the program began, the US economy has been stimulated through foreign investment, creating several American jobs.
The first step in the EB-5 visa process is finding an EB-5 project to invest in. EB-5 projects are sponsored by EB-5 Regional Centers and are generally involved with real estate. It’s very important to do thorough research on EB-5 projects as investments are a risk that don’t always pay off. If the project is unsuccessful the investor could end up losing money.
Once an EB-5 project is chosen, the investor will need to make a one-time minimum investment of $900,000 USD into the project. This investment must be “at-risk” for 5 years, but is set up to be paid back on receiving the Green card. The investment must create 10 or more American jobs in a Targeted Employment Area.
This form is typically prepared on the investor's behalf by the immigration attorney, and filed by the investor. This document demonstrates the investor is in the process or investing or have already invested the amount required in a suitable EB-5 project.
If the investor’s I-526 petition is approved, they will be granted 2-year conditional permanent residency in the US. During this time period, the investor cannot leave the US for more than one year.
If the investor is a resident in the US they must file an I-485 Adjustment of Status to move from the current visa to the conditional green card. If the investor is living internationally, they must complete a Form DS-230 and complete an interview with the consulate or embassy in their home country.
Finally, the investor must file Form I-829 in order to become an unconditional lawful permanent resident of the US after the 2-year conditional permanent residency period.
The investor must file this form at least 90 days before the anniversary of the day when conditional permanent residency was granted.
The timeline varies and depends on the country where you were born. For many countries, the conditional green card with full working and travel rights is received in 18-24 months. For countries with high demand (China and Vietnam) the wait can be over 10 years.
The first step in the EB-5 visa process is finding an EB-5 project to invest in. EB-5 projects are identified by EB-5 Regional Centers and the investments are designed to reduce the risk so it can be paid back after five years. It’s very important to do thorough research on EB-5 projects as the investments are “at risk” and if the project is unsuccessful the investor could end up losing money.
Contact HAMNIC Solutions for help with your Visa applications.
