Lana Oconnell
International students can study homeland security in the United States, but they must follow a specific set of rules depending on their student type and education level. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched Study in the States to enhance national security and improve customer service tied to regulations governing international students studying in the United States. The website provides resources to help schools and international students navigate the international student life cycle, including information on the student visa process and pertinent rules and regulations. International students can also participate in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which collects and maintains information to ensure only legitimate foreign students gain entry to the United States. While studying in the United States, international students may be able to travel during their time of study, but they must take appropriate steps to ensure a smooth re-entry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student type | F, M, and J |
| Student status | Nonimmigrant |
| Student visa types | F-1, J-1, and M-1 |
| Visa application process | Managed by the U.S. Department of State |
| Visa issuance | Managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security |
| Visa validity | Depends on the student's program end date |
| Visa extension | Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students with STEM degrees |
| Travel during studies | Allowed, but must meet with DSO and ensure SEVIS record is up-to-date |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months after the date of reentry |
| Form I-20 | "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status" |
| Form I-515A | "Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor" |
| Form I-94 | "Arrival/Departure Record" |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa processes
International students seeking to study in the United States must obtain a student visa. The type of visa required depends on the course of study and the type of school the student plans to attend. The two main types of student visas for international students in the US are F visas and M visas. F visas are for academic students, while M visas are for vocational students.
To obtain a student visa, international students must typically follow these steps:
- Find a SEVP-certified school and program: International students must enroll in a school and program that are certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Students can use the School Search tool to find eligible schools and programs.
- Gather required documentation: International students will need to gather various documents, including proof of acceptance into a SEVP-certified program, financial documentation, and proof of identity.
- Complete the online visa application form: The Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, must be completed and submitted. This form collects personal information, travel plans, and other details.
- Schedule and attend a visa interview: Applicants will typically need to schedule and attend an interview with a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. During the interview, the officer will determine whether the applicant qualifies for a student visa. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are usually taken during the interview.
- Pay the visa fee: After the visa is approved, the applicant may need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on their nationality.
- Receive the visa and passport: Applicants will need to make arrangements for the return of their passport and visa.
It is important to note that the visa application process may vary depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. International students should also be aware of any country-specific restrictions or requirements, as some countries, such as China and Hong Kong, may have additional considerations.
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Rules and regulations for international students
International students who wish to study in the United States must follow a specific set of rules and regulations. These rules vary depending on the student's type and education level. There are two non-immigrant visa categories for international students: the F-1 Visa and the M-1 Visa.
F-1 Visa
The F-1 Visa is for academic students who wish to enrol full-time in an accredited college, university, or other academic institution. To obtain and maintain an F-1 visa, students must demonstrate acceptance into an accredited institution, provide proof of financial support, and remain enrolled full-time. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment, provided it is related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS. F-1 students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) may be eligible for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension.
M-1 Visa
The M-1 Visa is for vocational students or those enrolled in non-academic programs, excluding language training. To qualify for an M-1 visa, students must be enrolled in a program or course that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate, and their school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept foreign students. Under certain circumstances, M-1 students may be able to work or participate in practical training.
Other Rules and Regulations
In addition to visa requirements, international students in the U.S. should be aware of other important rules and regulations. These include understanding driving regulations and road safety rules, as well as the legal consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21, and drug possession and use are strictly regulated. International students should also familiarize themselves with campus safety, healthcare, privacy rights, and academic integrity guidelines. Staying informed about any changes in laws and regulations is essential, and resources like the Study in the States website can help keep students updated.
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Travel during studies
International students studying in the United States may be able to travel during their studies. However, they must take certain steps to ensure smooth re-entry into the country. Before travelling abroad, it is important to check in with your Designated School Official (DSO) and ensure that your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status. Make sure that your DSO has signed your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", within the last year, and that you are not leaving the country for more than 5 months.
When travelling internationally, it is the student's responsibility to know the visa requirements for their destination country. Students should also be mindful of safety and security concerns. The US Department of State provides country-specific information and travel advisories to help students make informed decisions about their travel plans. It is recommended to follow the social media accounts of the nearest US embassy or consulate in your destination and review safety and security information, such as the Country Security Report. Students can also subscribe to receive up-to-date safety alerts.
Upon returning to the United States, international students must present their required documentation to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at a port of entry. This may include a passport valid for at least six months after the date of re-entry, Form I-20, and evidence of student status such as transcripts or class schedules. If a student has applied for practical training, they must also present their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to re-enter the US. It is important to note that CBP officers have the authority to decide whether or not an individual is admissible into the country.
Additionally, students should be aware of the rules and regulations regarding their student status. For example, F-1 students can refer to the Special Student Relief (SSR) notices on ICE.gov/SEVP for information on their options during annual vacations or school breaks. Students should utilise resources such as the Study in the States website, which provides information on maintaining nonimmigrant student status and understanding the rules and regulations of the international student life cycle.
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Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a program within the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which falls under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The SEVP is responsible for managing foreign students and exchange visitors in the United States through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
The SEVP encompasses three visa statuses: F status for foreign students in academic programs and their dependents, J status for exchange visitors and their dependents, and M status for foreign students in vocational programs and their dependents. It is important to note that the SEVP does not manage the issuance of visas, which is handled by U.S. consulates and embassies in other countries under the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Schools seeking to host students on these visas must report certain information to the SEVP, including changes in U.S. address and any violations of the international visitor's visa status, such as academic suspension, criminal conviction, failure to enroll, or unauthorized employment. Schools can apply for SEVP certification by submitting Form I-17, "Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student," through SEVIS. If approved, the school can then use SEVIS to issue Forms I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," to eligible nonimmigrant students.
The SEVP works closely with government partners such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the U.S. Department of State to enforce federal rules and regulations governing schools certified to enroll F and M nonimmigrant students. The program also provides resources and information to help schools and students understand the rules and regulations associated with the F and M student process.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SEVP temporarily allowed international students to take more online coursework in the spring and summer semesters of 2020 to accommodate state-mandated school closures. However, by the fall 2020 semester, ICE issued a regulation limiting online coursework to a maximum of one class or three credit hours online for international students to remain in the country.
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Working or practical training
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched the Study in the States initiative to enhance national security and improve customer service related to regulations governing international students studying in the US. The website provides resources for international students to understand the process of becoming a nonimmigrant student and the rules for studying in the US as an F, M, or J student.
F and M students can, under certain circumstances, work or participate in practical training. There are specific rules and requirements that must be followed, which can be found on the Study in the States website. Optional practical training (OPT) is available for F-1 students with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees.
The DHS also offers a range of internships, scholarships, and training opportunities for students interested in gaining practical experience in homeland security. The Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) Internship Program is designed for current undergraduate and graduate students seeking a career in homeland security and intelligence. The I&A Internship Program provides students with the experience and skills needed to become capable DHS intelligence professionals.
The DHS also offers Law Enforcement Programs that provide practical training for students pursuing degrees in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or related fields. These programs offer hands-on experience in federal law enforcement. Additionally, the DHS has Legal Programs that provide practical training for aspiring legal professionals in support of the General Counsel's Office. The Office of Public Affairs (OPA) Internship Program is one such opportunity, where students can gain experience in communications, media relations, website management, and event coordination.
The DHS also has a Recent Graduates Program for individuals who have recently graduated and are seeking career development with training and mentorship. Furthermore, the Secretary's Honors Program Cyber Student Intern Program offers undergraduate and graduate students pursuing cybersecurity-related fields the chance to learn about DHS's cybersecurity mission, gain hands-on experience, and build technical skills.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can study in the US. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched Study in the States to help international students understand the rules and regulations governing the nonimmigrant student process.
F students are academic students, while M students are vocational students.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) collects and maintains information on foreign students and exchange visitors to ensure only legitimate individuals gain entry to the US.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a system that collects certain information about individuals who enroll as F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant students.
International students contribute to the US economy, create ties between the US and their home countries, and facilitate better research and discoveries.
