International Students In The Us: Who Is Allowed?

International students are allowed to study in the US, but they must meet certain requirements, including having a student visa, being enrolled in an approved academic program, and having sufficient funds for self-support. In recent years, there have been reports of international students feeling targeted and concerned about their privacy and safety due to increased immigration enforcement and changing policies under the Trump administration. These students often face challenges such as adapting to a new culture and legal system, and there may be specific visa considerations for certain fields of study, such as law.

International students' rights at US airports and border crossings

International students in the US have various rights that protect them in areas like housing, employment, education, and support services. These rights include fair and equal treatment, access to student support services, privacy protections, and the freedom to participate in academic and extracurricular activities without discrimination. While rights vary depending on visa type, F1 visa holders, for example, have access to on-campus employment, academic resources, and legal support as necessary.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the federal agency tasked with patrolling the US border and areas that function like a border, such as international airports. CBP claims a territorial reach of 100 air miles from any external boundary of the US, which includes the entire US coastline. Within this zone, CBP agents can board vehicles and vessels without a warrant to search for people without immigration documentation.

At US airports and other border crossings, CBP agents have the right to search people's property, including their phones and laptops, to assess whether they can enter the US. Customs agents are not allowed to search travellers or conduct another inspection based on religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs. Travellers have the right to remain silent or request to answer questions only in the presence of an attorney. However, choosing to remain silent at an entry point could jeopardize entry.

If you are an international student seeking to enter the US, you must have a valid passport that is not set to expire within six months, as well as either a visa or, if you are from a country participating in the visa-free travel agreement, an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). It is important to note that visitors with an ESTA are prohibited from studying or engaging in permanent work and give up certain rights, such as the right to fight deportation.

The types of visas available for international students

International students are allowed in the US, but they must obtain a student visa. There are four kinds of visas available for international students in the US: the F1 visa, the J1 visa, the M1 visa, and the H1B visa. Each of these visas has specific purposes, benefits, and limitations.

The F1 visa, also known as the "student visa" or "F" visa, is the most common type of visa for international students. It is for academic students who want to enter the United States as full-time students at an accredited college, university, school, seminary, conservatory, or other academic institution. To be eligible for an F1 visa, students must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. Their school must also be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students. F1 visa holders can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) through on-campus employment and are eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training) for up to one year after completing their degree. To maintain their F1 visa status, students must maintain a full course load and make progress toward their degree, as well as maintain a valid passport and I-20 form.

The M1 visa is also considered a "student visa", but it has more limitations than the F1 visa. It is for international students who wish to pursue vocational or technical training at vocational schools, technical schools, or community colleges. To be eligible for an M1 visa, applicants must provide proof of acceptance into an accredited vocational or technical school, proof of financial support, and evidence of strong ties to their home country. M1 visa holders are not allowed to work on or off-campus while studying and can only stay in the US for the length of their training program, with exceptions for medical extensions.

The J1 visa is for exchange students participating in exchange programs, internship programs, research scholar programs, or au pair programs in the US. These programs can last for up to 12 months for exchange and au pair programs, up to 18 months for internships, and up to 5 years for research scholars. J1 visa holders must return to their home country for at least two years at the end of their program if they are part of a government-funded exchange program or if their field of specialized knowledge is deemed necessary for the development of their country.

The H1B visa program is for employers seeking to hire non-immigrant workers in specialty occupations or as fashion models. International students can transfer their F1 student visa status to an H1B status with the help of sponsoring US employers, allowing them to work and live in the US for up to 6 years.

The impact of international students on US research output

International students are allowed in the US, and they make up around 6% of higher education enrollment in the country. The US has the greatest capacity to host international students, with almost 4,000 higher education institutions.

International students have a positive impact on US research output in several ways. Firstly, they contribute to the diversity of campuses, which enhances the learning and educational experiences of all students. This diversity also brings international perspectives into US classrooms, helping to prepare American undergraduates for global careers.

International students also contribute directly to research breakthroughs and innovations. For example, during the 2019-2020 academic year, there were 3,331 international students enrolled in degree programs at MIT, with an additional 644 exchange, visiting, cross-registered, and special international students on campus. These students and scholars hailed from over 90 countries and conducted scholarly activities in over 70 MIT courses and laboratories.

The presence of international students in US universities also has economic benefits, contributing $40 billion to the US economy and supporting 368,333 jobs during the 2022-2023 academic year. These students often receive the majority of their funds from sources outside of the United States, including personal, family, and government or university assistance from their home countries.

Overall, the impact of international students on US research output is significant, contributing to both the quality of education and the country's global competitiveness.

The employment prospects for international students in the US

International students in the US are usually enrolled in an F-1 or M-1 visa category, which requires them to be full-time students at an accredited academic institution. While employment is typically not the primary focus of these visas, international students can certainly work during their studies, provided they navigate certain administrative hurdles.

On-campus employment is a popular option for international students, as the process is relatively straightforward. They must simply inform and verify their eligibility with the Designated School Official (DSO), and ensure they work no more than 20 hours per week during the school session. On-campus jobs often involve extensive interaction with the campus community, helping international students feel more connected and promoting valuable soft skills.

For off-campus employment, the process is more complex. Prior authorization from the DSO and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is required. Any off-campus training or employment must be related to the student's area of study. Students may also need to apply for a Social Security number, which requires permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The job market for international students in the US can be challenging due to shifting economic and legislative environments. Changes to immigration laws and visa requirements, such as those surrounding the H-1B visa program and OPT extensions, can negatively impact an international student's ability to find long-term employment in the US. It is crucial for international students to stay updated on immigration regulations and explore alternate routes to work authorization if necessary.

To enhance their employment prospects, international students can leverage online platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, and LinkedIn to find job openings and network with recruiters. Participating in career fairs, informational interviews, and industry-specific groups can also broaden horizons and reveal hidden work opportunities. Building resilience, adaptability, and strategic vision are key traits for international students to succeed in the US job market.

The documentation international students need to carry

International students travelling to the US need to carry several documents with them. These documents are necessary for identification, immigration, and customs purposes. Here is a list of the essential documents that international students should have on hand when entering the US:

• Passport: A valid passport is required for identification purposes when entering the US. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in the US.
• Visa: International students typically need a valid F-1 student visa to enter the US as a full-time student. A photocopy of the approved visa should be carried, and the original visa will be required at the airport.
• Form I-20: This is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. It is required for international students and can be obtained from the designated school official.
• Immunization Report: Carrying proof of immunization or vaccination records is essential for international students.
• Acceptance Letter from University: Students should carry an official letter of acceptance from their US university or educational institution.
• Proof of Funds: International students may be required to show proof of financial support or payment cards (credit or debit cards) to cover educational, living, and travel costs while in the US.
• Custom Declaration Forms: It is recommended to fill out any customs declaration forms or immigration cards provided by the airline before arrival to streamline the process.
• I-94 Form: The I-94, or Arrival-Departure Record Card, is used by US Customs and Border Protection to track the arrival and departure of non-citizens. It serves as proof of legal entry and allowed stay time.

It is important to note that this list may not be exhaustive, and there could be additional documents required based on specific circumstances or the university's requirements. It is always advisable to check with the university and relevant US government sources for the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of required documentation for international students entering the US.

Frequently asked questions