International Students: Unpaid Rent And Us Entry

International students make up a significant portion of the student body in the United States, and many of them opt to live off-campus. However, the process of renting an apartment as an international student in the US can be challenging due to the lack of a financial background or credit history in the country. This raises the question: can international students enter the USA if they owe rent? While there is no clear answer to this specific question, several factors come into play when renting an apartment as an international student in the US, including visa requirements, financial proof, and alternative forms of verification.

International students can enter the USA with a student (F or M) visa depending on their program

International students can enter the USA with a student visa, which is also known as an F or M visa. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows entry to the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, school, seminary, conservatory, or other academic institution, including language training. The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) is for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training.

To obtain either visa, students must meet the following criteria:

• Enrolment in an academic, language-training, or vocational program.
• The chosen school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
• Students must be enrolled full-time.
• Students must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
• Sufficient funds must be available for self-support throughout the entire duration of the course.
• Students must maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up.

Students can apply for an F or M visa up to 365 days before the start date of their course but will not be allowed to enter the United States more than 30 days before the commencement of their program. Students already in the United States on a Visitor (B) visa must apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to an F or M visa before their program starts.

Students must meet specific criteria, including being enrolled full-time and having sufficient funds

International students must meet several criteria to enter the USA. Firstly, they must obtain a student visa (F or M visa) before travelling to the country to study. New students can receive their visas up to 365 days before the start date of their course but cannot enter the US more than 30 days before the course commences. Continuing students can obtain their visas at any time, provided they are enrolled at a SEVP-approved school, and can enter the US at any time before classes start.

Additionally, students must be enrolled full-time and have sufficient funds to support their studies and living expenses. To demonstrate financial capability, international students may need to provide proof of financial assistance, such as scholarships, loans, grants, or parents' financial support. Obtaining a Social Security number is also advisable, although it is not always necessary.

International students planning to pursue higher studies in the USA must also meet specific academic requirements. These may include standardised exams such as SAT, ACT, GMAT, or GRE, depending on the level of study and the specific requirements of the chosen university. English language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS are also widely accepted across US universities, although some universities may waive this requirement for students from English-speaking countries or with qualifications studied entirely in English.

Furthermore, students must demonstrate their intention to depart the United States upon completing their studies. This can be done through various documents, such as providing evidence of financial ties to their home country, proof of property ownership, or a letter of employment indicating that the student intends to return home after their studies.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for international students can vary slightly between different universities and programs. Therefore, students should refer to the specific requirements of their chosen university and program when planning to study in the USA.

A US citizen or permanent resident may need to cosign the lease

If you're an international student in the US, you may need a US citizen or permanent resident to cosign your lease. This is because landlords often require credit and background checks, employer verification, and proof of income to ensure that you can pay rent throughout your lease. Without a financial background in the US, you may not meet these requirements. A US citizen or permanent resident cosigner with good credit, a stable income, and a low debt-to-income ratio can help you secure a lease by vouching for your financial responsibility.

It's important to note that a cosigner is legally responsible for repaying any debts if you, as the primary borrower, miss a payment or are unable to make one. While cosigners are often parents or family members, they can also be friends, acquaintances, or anyone else willing to take on this responsibility. If you don't have a cosigner, you may still be able to rent an apartment by providing alternative forms of financial information, such as bank statements, proof of employment or financial support, or a rental history if available.

In the US, all people are protected under the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits housing discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, religion, sex, disability, or family status. Landlords are required to treat all prospective renters equally, and there are alternative ways to verify your ability to pay rent if a standard credit check is not possible. In major cities, many landlords are accustomed to vetting international renters and can guide you through the process.

When searching for housing, be cautious of scams, especially on online marketplaces like Craigslist. Verify that any deal you engage in is legal, and only provide personal information when you trust the landlord or property manager and have confirmed that there is a legitimate apartment to lease. You can check with the property manager if you're considering a sublease to ensure that sublet tenants are allowed.

Landlords may require proof of financial support, such as a student loan or grant

International students on a visa may face challenges when renting an apartment in the US due to the lack of a financial background in the country. Landlords may require proof of financial support, such as a student loan or grant, to ensure that the prospective tenant can make regular, on-time rent payments.

International students can address this concern by providing landlords with proof of financial assistance, such as scholarships, loans, or grants. In some cases, landlords may also accept a cosigner or guarantor, such as a relative or friend, who can vouch for the student's financial responsibility. This individual would be responsible for covering the rent in case the student fails to make payments. It is important to note that any US citizen or permanent resident serving as a cosigner must provide their own financial information as well.

Additionally, international students can offer alternative forms of financial verification, such as proof of employment or income. For instance, a paycheck that is three times the amount of the monthly rent can be used as evidence of financial capability. Some landlords may also accept a large upfront deposit in lieu of a credit record.

To facilitate the rental process, it is recommended that international students be transparent about their situation, including whether their parents are paying their rent. Leasing managers are often willing to work with prospective tenants and guide them through the required documentation. It is also important to be cautious and aware of potential housing scams, as they are not uncommon.

International students may need to pay a large upfront deposit if they have no credit record

International students in the US face challenges when it comes to renting an apartment or building a credit history due to their lack of financial background in the country. While it is not a requirement for international students to have a credit score to enter the USA, establishing a positive credit history is important for various reasons, including accessing off-campus housing.

International students may encounter difficulties in renting an apartment or securing a loan without a credit history or financial background in the US. Landlords and property managers often rely on credit checks to assess an applicant's financial responsibility and determine if they are likely to pay rent on time. In such cases, international students may need to pay a large upfront deposit or find a cosigner with a good credit score who is willing to vouch for their financial responsibility.

To build a credit history, international students can consider the following options:

• Secured credit card: This option requires a deposit (collateral) that acts as the credit line. The deposit is taken by the credit card company if the balance cannot be paid. However, it is important to do your research as some cards may charge annual fees and have varying APRs.
• Authorized user: Becoming an authorized user on someone else's credit card, preferably with a strong credit history, can help build your credit score faster. However, it is important to have a conversation about financial responsibilities to avoid any issues.
• Co-signer: Finding a co-signer who is a US resident with a good credit score can help secure a loan or credit card. The co-signer takes responsibility for payments if the international student is unable to pay.
• Credit-builder loan: This option involves making fixed payments to a lender, who holds the borrowed amount in a bank account until the end of the term, at which point you gain access to the loan amount along with interest. The lender reports your payment activity to credit bureaus, building your credit score.

Additionally, international students can provide landlords with proof of financial support, such as student loans, grants, or parental support, and rental history if available. It is also important to be cautious of housing scams and only provide personal information when you trust the landlord or property manager.

Frequently asked questions