“This is my first time, since my first time. ”
- Jim, from the movie ‘American Pie 2′
In order to acquire an education in the United States, there are several necessary documents one must have.
One needs to acquire a student visa and a certificate of eligibility and to fill up several other forms aside from the applications one is to send out to prospective academic institutions.
Ok – try not to get overwhelmed.
Let’s take this one step at a time.
First a foremost, before one can be issued a student visa, there are several requirements one must obtain, forms one must fill up and submit.
(*taken from UnitedStatesVisas.gov)
- A certificate of eligibility which you must get from your sponsoring educational institution in the U.S. If you are a regular student (an F visa) you’ll get Form I-20. If you are part of an approved exchange program (a J visa) you’ll get Form DS-1920.
- Further clarification will be made regarding student visas in an upcoming post.
- Application Form DS-156
- Form DS-158
- Current, valid passport or travel document
- Photograph. Requirements are strict for photograph size, type and quality. Please check with your nearest consulate for specifications before you get your picture taken.
- Application fees. All applicants must pay the application fee. Some applicants, according to nationality and type of visa, must also pay an issuance fee.
- Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States
- Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad
For men between 16 and 45 years of age, a supplemental visa application Form DS-157 is also required.
Applications for student visas are sent through the US Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin.
An important thing to remember about applying for a student visa is to apply early – that is, one is allowed to apply 90 days in advance of the date of enrollment stated in one’s certificate of eligibility.
Still hungry?
Savor these starters, while I brew up the next post.
Keywords:
studying overseas, study abroad, education, US
