| You need to apply for the non immigrant F-1 student | | | | further enhance their talent and capability. A student's |
| visa if you are planning to attend academic studies, | | | | qualification for these exchange programs are usually |
| including language courses, in the United States. It | | | | determined by the visiting country. It is important to |
| should be noted however that the visa can only be | | | | note that the student visa only good up to the |
| obtained directly through the various academic | | | | extent of the program and once the program is |
| institutions all over America. Foreigners can choose | | | | completed; the visa holder is required to return to his |
| from among several academic fields of study most | | | | or her own country. A visa holder can enjoy tax |
| colleges and universities in the United States offer. | | | | exemption from two to five years depending on |
| The visa aspirant can receive both an undergraduate | | | | their student visa category. |
| and graduate degree from any academic institution in | | | | Another type of student visa is given to those who |
| the U.S. provided he/she can show exemplary | | | | have successfully entered a vocational or technical |
| academic performance and meet the required | | | | skill enhancement study program. This is called the M |
| student qualifications. The first step towards the | | | | student visa. In the U.S. embassy or consulate of the |
| elusive scholastic dream begins with the many ways | | | | country of origin, the M type visa applicants need to |
| to apply for a student visa. | | | | present the Form I-20. This is the form required in |
| It is important to note that F-1 student visa holders | | | | acquiring the M student visa and this form is issued |
| are prohibited to engage in paid employment while | | | | by the technical school adviser upon completion of all |
| staying in the United States, although they may be | | | | academic admission requirements by the applicant |
| allowed by the United States Citizenship and | | | | along with evidence that he/she has financial |
| Immigration Services (USCIS) to labor for Curricular | | | | capability to uphold his/her entire stay in the United |
| Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training | | | | States. With this type of visa, the student visa holder |
| (OPT) for about 12 months granted that the total | | | | is bound by a fixed time and is only allowed of up to |
| number of months do not exceed 12 and the | | | | one month practical training for every four months |
| student maintains outstanding academic performance | | | | within a period totaling 1 year. This can only be |
| and standing. | | | | extended if there are any medical reasons or |
| F-1 visa holders can bring their families along to the | | | | limitations. Usually, a grace period of 30 days is given |
| United States on an F-2 (dependent) visa. However, | | | | if the student visa holder has completed a full study |
| this type of visa forbids them to apply for any kind | | | | course. |
| of gainful employment. Minor children are allowed to | | | | Nowadays, foreigners have the equal opportunity and |
| attend public schools though. | | | | advantage to acquire the excellence of an Ivy |
| If visitors to the United States wish to attend a | | | | League education. Earning a degree in the United |
| cultural exchange program, entry to the United | | | | States can open many doors of opportunity for |
| States is permitted through the J student visa. Many | | | | foreign graduates not only in his/her country of origin |
| of these kinds of programs are | | | | but also from all over the world. This is the main |
| government-sponsored or given by private entities to | | | | reason why more and more foreigners strive to |
| deserving students to give them the opportunity to | | | | obtain their education from the United States. |