How Sponsoring An International Student Works And Benefits You

If you are an international student hoping to study in the US, you will need to apply for a student visa. There are several types of student visas, each with its own specific conditions and requirements. The most common type of student visa is the F-1 visa, which permits students to study at SEVP-certified institutions. To obtain an F-1 visa, students must demonstrate that they can afford tuition and living expenses. This can be done through a sponsor, who may be a family member, a US citizen, a private company, or another source. The sponsor will need to provide financial documentation, such as bank statements, to show that they can cover the student's expenses. J-1 visas are another option for international students and are often used for exchange programs or internships. To obtain a J-1 visa, students must apply for sponsorship through the US Department of State or a state department-sponsored organization.

Characteristics of Sponsoring an International Student

F-1 student visa requirements

To obtain an F-1 student visa, several requirements must be met. Firstly, applicants must be enrolled as full-time students at an accredited academic institution, such as a college, university, academic high school, or language training program. The institution must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept foreign students and be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a Department of Homeland Security program.

Secondly, F-1 visa applicants must demonstrate English proficiency or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency. They must also provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover their tuition and living expenses for at least 12 months. This can be done through bank statements from a financial sponsor, such as a grant, family member, government organization, or private company.

Additionally, F-1 visa holders are permitted to work on-campus without a work permit, but they need authorization for off-campus employment, which must be related to their area of study. Dependents of F-1 students, such as spouses and unmarried minor children, can apply for F-2 visas and are permitted to enroll in part-time study programs, but they cannot engage in work.

The application process for an F-1 visa involves completing the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and uploading a photo that meets the specified requirements. A visa interview is generally required, and applicants should schedule an appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. During the interview, applicants must provide the required documentation, including the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility, and proof of financial sponsorship. It is important to note that any misrepresentation or fraud in the visa application process may result in permanent visa refusal or denial of entry into the United States.

J-1 visa requirements

The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for international students who want to take part in study and work exchange programs approved by the Department of State Bureau. The duration of your stay in the US on a J-1 visa depends on the program you choose to pursue. For example, a Camp Counselor program might require a stay of four months, while an Au Pair or Research Scholar program could require a J-1 visa that is valid for several years.

The J-1 visa is distinct from the F-1 visa, the other common student visa. While F-1 students have access to a Designated School Official (DSO) at their college or university, J-1 students are required to coordinate with a Responsible Officer from their program sponsor. Responsible Officers are responsible for checking up on the health, safety, and welfare of J-1 visa students and ensuring they are complying with all visa requirements.

To apply for a J-1 visa, you must first apply for a J-1 Visa sponsorship through the U.S. Department of State or a state department-sponsored organization. The program sponsor will then provide you with a DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status form, which includes important information about your degree, such as the program you plan to study, the start and end dates, and your funding sponsors. All exchange visitors must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database.

Once you have obtained your DS-2019 form, you may then apply for a J-1 visa through the U.S. You will also need to submit a DS-7002 Training and Internship Placement Plan, which includes details about where and when you will train, as well as information about your employer host. Additionally, you will need to provide a passport valid for travel to the United States, valid for at least six months after your period of stay in the country.

It is important to note that J-1 visa holders are required to return to their home country after graduation and live there for at least two years before being allowed to return to the US.

Who can be a sponsor?

When it comes to sponsoring an international student, there are various options for who can act as a sponsor. Here are some of the most common options:

Parents and Relatives:

This is often the first option for students seeking sponsorship. Both parents and blood relatives are allowed to be sponsors. This can include grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Multiple relatives can combine their funds to show they can cover the full cost of the student's expenses.

Friends:

In some cases, a friend can also be a sponsor. The school or institution may allow this as long as the friend can prove they can cover the student's expenses. If the friend is a US citizen, they will need to complete the I-134 Affidavit of Support Form, committing to cover any expenses the student cannot afford.

Grants, Government Organisations, and Private Companies:

Nonprofit organisations, NGOs, and private companies may also provide sponsorship for international students. These sponsors often have specific criteria for eligibility, such as promoting global education and cultural exchange or building relationships between countries. Some companies may offer sponsorships with the goal of employing students in key job positions after their studies.

Educational Institutions:

Schools, universities, and departments within educational institutions can also sponsor international students. However, they must first receive approval from the US Department of Homeland Security and provide comprehensive details about the program. This process can take several weeks to many months.

It is important to note that sponsors are typically responsible for covering the student's educational and living expenses. Therefore, they usually need to provide proof of their financial capability to support the student.

Financial requirements

International students can receive financial support from scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, grants, or loans from their university or college, government, or personal sources such as friends or family. The type of student visa determines the eligible financial sponsors for the program. For instance, an F-1 student visa allows for personal funds, assets, or property that can be converted into cash, or funds from other people.

When applying for a student visa, the student must prove that they can afford tuition and living expenses in the US. This usually involves bank statements from the sponsor or the student if they are self-funding. Depending on the university, a list of total assets may also be required. The student is not expected to pay for every year of their program immediately, but they must prove they have sufficient funding without needing to rely on employment in the US during their studies.

Family members who are US citizens or permanent residents can also be sponsors. This can be in the form of financial support or investing in the student's visa application. However, the family member must provide proof of their financial ability to support the student and a letter of invitation.

Students can also receive financial support from cultural exchange programs, scholarship foundations, or private organizations. These sources of funding often have specific eligibility requirements and may require the submission of an application.

Visa application process

The visa application process for international students can vary depending on the country and the specific requirements of the sponsoring organization. However, here is a general outline of the steps involved in obtaining a student visa with sponsorship:

Step 1: Find a Sponsor

First, you need to identify a sponsor who is willing to support your visa application. Sponsors can be individuals, such as family members or private citizens, or organizations, including educational institutions, government bodies, businesses, or non-profit organizations. Each type of sponsor may have different motivations for supporting international students, so it is essential to research their requirements and objectives. For example, some organizations may offer sponsorships to promote global education and cultural exchange, while businesses may seek to attract top talent or expand their global reach.

Step 2: Determine the Type of Visa

The type of student visa you need depends on the program you are enrolled in and the nature of your sponsorship. Common types of student visas include the F-1 visa, which allows students to study at SEVP-certified institutions and work on campus, and the J-1 visa, which facilitates participation in training programs and internships. Another option is the H-1B visa, which is designed for professionals in specialized fields but is highly competitive and subject to an annual cap.

Step 3: Gather Required Documentation

The documentation required for your visa application will depend on the type of visa and the specifics of your situation. In general, you will need to provide proof of your ability to pay tuition and living expenses, which may include bank statements from your sponsor. If your sponsor is a family member, they will need to submit Form I-134, consenting to fund your studies. You will also need to complete the DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility and possibly additional forms, such as the DS-7002 Training and Internship Placement Plan, which outlines the details of your program or internship.

Step 4: Submit Your Application and Attend an Interview

You will typically submit your visa application to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country, and you may be required to schedule an interview as part of the process. Wait times for interview appointments can vary, so it is recommended to apply early. During the interview, a consular officer will assess your qualifications and determine whether you meet the requirements for receiving a student visa. Fingerprint scans are also typically taken during this step.

Step 5: Await Visa Approval and Make Necessary Payments

After your interview, the consular officer will inform you if further administrative processing is required. If your visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality. You will also need to ensure that you have paid the necessary fees throughout the process, such as the I-901 SEVIS fee, which is charged for entering your information into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.

It is important to maintain compliance with all visa rules and regulations throughout your stay in the host country, and you should consult with your sponsor and relevant authorities if you have any questions or concerns.

Frequently asked questions