How to apply for F-1 Visa - By: torrie lynch

If the purpose of travel to the US is for tourism and in the interim if it is decided to take a short course of not more than 18 hours per week then a visitor visa would be apt. However if the purpose of the trip is to pursue higher studies and the course of study is expected to extend to more than 18 hours per week then a student visa is in order.
Getting a Student Visa (F-1 Visa):
The DOS or Department of Homeland Security regulation has made it mandatory that all new students should be present in the US at least 30 days prior to the date on which the course begins per Form I-20. So it always advisable that the visa is applied early so that ample time is provided for processing.

Documents required while filing with the form F-1 Visa:

The following document are to be provided at the time of filing :
Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Non immigrants.
The form I-20 should be affixed with the applicants signature added with the signature of an official of the school.
DS-156, The Non immigrant Visa Application Form should be completed and submitted along with form DS-158.
All applicants will be asked to attend the interview at the embassy or consulate.
A valid passport from the country of origin for traveling to the USA, which should have a validity beyond 6 months from the date were the applicant intends to return back.
One photograph

Eligibility:
Certain qualifications are required by educational institutions like TOEFL, GRE, GMAT which would require the applicant to have an eligible score. These scores should be made available at the time of filing the application.
Duration of Stay and Extension for Holders:
Form I-94, the Arrival-Departure Record maintains all details of the applicant's stay in the US. An applicant is to depart the US on or before the date mentioned in the form, else face the risk of being out-of-status.
If an applicant has entered the US on an F-1 Visa, the applicant can stay in the US as long as he/she is a full time student. There is a provision were the applicant can stay for an extra 60 days to arrange his/her affairs before departing from the US.

Benefits of the F-1 Visa

1/. Entry into the US as a full time academic or language student

2/. Legally work part-time on campus.

3/. To take up employment as part of optional practical training.

4/. Travel in and out of the US till the completion of ones studies.

5/. To bring in dependents(spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) to live with in the U.S.

6/. Processing is much faster.
Grounds for rejection:

The following cases will lead to rejection of the F-1 Visa .
• Misrepresenting facts or committing fraud to obtain the visa.
• Belonging to the class of persons mentioned in The Non-immigrant Visa Application.
Conclusion:
Education in the US gives a person an edge from others that makes it highly beneficial.

About the Author

To get to know more about F-1 Visa or US student visa visit http://www.immigrationdirect.com/visas/student/F-1-Visa.jsp for more information

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