Student Visas
Supplemental Information on Student Visas
At The Interview
Student visa applicants must establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that they are bona fide students and that they have a residence in a foreign country which they have no intention of abandoning, and that they will depart the United States upon termination of their student status. Students must also explain how they will pay for their first year of study.
Family Members
A spouse or child of a student may also be qualified for a nonimmigrant visa to accompany or follow the principal applicant. Family members must prove their relationship to the student by showing documents such as marriage and or birth certificate(s) and meet all visa eligibility requirements, including evidence that they will have sufficient funds for their support, and that they will depart the United States upon termination of the student program.
30 Day Entry Limit
Students are advised of the Department of Homeland Security regulation, which requires that all initial or beginning students enter the U.S. 30 days or fewer prior to the report date as shown on the form I-20. Please make sure you consider this date carefully when making travel plans to the United States.
Student Employment
An F-1 student may not accept off-campus employment at any time during the first year of study. Under certain circumstances, the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) may grant permission to accept off-campus employment after one year. F-1 students may accept on-campus employment from the school without the BCIS permission. Except for temporary employment for practical training, an M-1 student may not accept employment. Spouses and children of students may not accept employment at any time.