Ibrahim Gardner
Clark University is a popular university that accepts students from around the world. The university offers more than 70 programs in various fields, including engineering, sciences, mathematics, social sciences, computer science, arts, economics, languages, and psychology. For international students, Clark University will sponsor their F-1 visa status if they have been accepted into a full-time undergraduate or graduate program, certificate, or English-language program. To obtain an F-1 visa, international students must first receive a visa document (Form I-20 or DS-2019) from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) and then apply for a visa with this document. It is important to note that maintaining F-1 status while in the US is the responsibility of the international student, and they must notify the International Programs office of any changes that may affect their immigration status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | To study, work, or conduct research at Clark University, international students need a visa document from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) |
| Visa document | Form I-20 or DS-2019 |
| Visa category | F-1 or J-1 |
| Visa eligibility | Full-time undergraduate and graduate programs, certificate, or English-language programs |
| Visa maintenance | Students are responsible for maintaining their F-1 status and must notify the International Programs office within 10 days of any changes |
| Travel | Students travelling outside the U.S. must request a travel signature on their I-20 form and carry relevant documents, including evidence of enrollment and financial ability |
| Visa fees | F-1 and J-1 students are required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee |
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What You'll Learn
Clark University F-1 visa requirements
To obtain an F-1 student visa for Clark University, international students must meet several requirements and adhere to certain rules and regulations to maintain their visa status. Here is a comprehensive guide to the F-1 visa requirements for Clark University:
Obtaining an F-1 Visa:
- Full-time Enrollment: To be eligible for an F-1 visa, students must be enrolled full-time, which means enrolling in at least three units (courses) per semester at Clark University.
- Financial Resources: Students must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to cover the estimated costs for their first academic year of study. This includes tuition, fees, health insurance, living expenses, and support for any dependents.
- Visa Document from ISSO: After paying the enrollment deposit, students will receive instructions on requesting a student visa document (Form I-20 or DS-2019) through the ISSO Portal. This document is necessary for applying for the F-1 visa.
- Visa Application: With the visa document from ISSO, students can then apply for the F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate outside the United States.
- Supporting Documents: When applying for the F-1 visa, students must provide supporting documents, including proof of financial ability, passport, and acceptance letter from Clark University.
- I-901 SEVIS Fee: F-1 students are required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee when applying for the visa for the first time.
Maintaining F-1 Visa Status:
- Valid Passport: F-1 students must maintain a valid, unexpired passport at all times. They should renew their passport if it will expire within the next 12 months.
- Valid Form I-20: Students must have a valid, unexpired Form I-20 from Clark University with accurate program details and the expected program end date. Any changes to the I-20 should be reported to the ISSO.
- Full-Time Course Load: To maintain F-1 status, students must maintain a full course load. Taking a leave of absence (LOA) will usually require leaving the U.S. unless the LOA is for a recognised study abroad program or approved by the director of study abroad.
- Address and Information Updates: F-1 students must report any changes in their situation, such as a new address, email, or phone number, to the International Programs office within 10 days.
- Travel Signatures: When travelling outside the U.S. and returning, F-1 students must have a valid travel signature on their Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. Travel signatures are generally valid for one year or until the program end date, whichever comes first.
- Dependent Requirements: F-1 students can bring their spouse and unmarried minor children under 21 on F-2 dependent visas. They must demonstrate sufficient resources to support their dependents, and F-2 dependents cannot work.
- Transfer Requirements: International students planning to transfer to another U.S. institution must submit a SEVIS transfer release form and maintain their F-1 status by continuing their studies.
It is important to note that the requirements and regulations for the F-1 visa are subject to change, and students should always refer to the official Clark University website and the U.S. Department of State for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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J-1 visa eligibility
To be eligible for a J-1 visa, one must first be eligible for an exchange visitor program. The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for educational and cultural exchange programs designated by the Department of State. The first step in obtaining a J-1 visa is to submit a Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, provided by a sponsoring agency. This form is required for J-1 visa applicants and their spouse and/or minor children, who will each receive a separate form.
The J-1 classification is authorized for those intending to participate in an approved program for teaching, instructing, lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or receiving graduate medical education or training. The J-1 category is specifically designated for exchange visitors, recipients of U.S. or home country scholarships requiring J-1 status, and students who are receiving most of their funding from a government, university, or other non-personal or family source.
J-1 visa applicants participating in Trainee and Intern categories also need the DS-7002 form. Additionally, J-1 visa holders are generally required to work only for their program sponsors, although they may work for non-sponsors if they meet certain eligibility requirements. J-1 students are eligible for on-campus employment if it is pursuant to scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship, or off-campus employment if it is a summer work/travel exchange program, or if it is necessary due to unforeseen economic circumstances.
The Au Pair category of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program allows for childcare providers between the ages of 18 and 26 to work for a family in exchange for room, board, and a stipend. To be eligible, applicants must first have received a job offer from a family and complete a number of other prerequisites.
J-1 visa holders' spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be able to apply for J-2 visas to accompany or join them during their stay. While they do not need to pay an additional SEVIS fee, they will need separate DS-2019 forms and a copy of the primary visa holder's J-1 visa and proof of relationship.
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Visa application process
International students intending to study at Clark University must obtain a visa document from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). This document, either an I-20 or DS-2019, is necessary for applying for a visa and entering the United States. The ISSO issues two types of visa documents or "certificates of eligibility": Form I-20 for F-1 students and Form DS-2019 for J-1 students.
F-1 students are full-time students who must maintain their F-1 status while in the US. J-1 students, on the other hand, are designated as exchange visitors, recipients of US or home country scholarships requiring J-1 status, or students primarily funded by a government, university, or non-personal/family source. J-1 students can bring their spouse and unmarried minor children under 21 with them on J-2 dependent visas, provided they demonstrate sufficient resources to support their dependents.
To qualify for either the I-20 or DS-2019 form from Clark University, you must receive an offer of admission and pay the enrollment deposit to confirm your plans to attend. The visa application process typically involves the following steps:
- Interview: Schedule an interview appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Interviews are generally required for visa applicants, and wait times vary by location, season, and visa category. Thus, it is advisable to apply early. For new students, F and M visas can be issued up to 365 days before the course start date, but entry into the US on these visas is only permitted 30 days before the course commences.
- Fingerprint Scans: During your interview, ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of the standard application process.
- Visa Processing: After the interview, the consular officer will determine if further administrative processing is needed. If your visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality.
- Travel Signatures: F-1 and J-1 students are required to have valid travel signatures on their Form I-20 or DS-2019 when entering the US. These travel signatures are generally valid for one year or until the program end date, whichever comes first.
- Supporting Documents: Ensure you carry the necessary documents when returning to the US, including an unexpired passport, valid for at least six months after your return. Additionally, you'll need an unexpired Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a recent travel signature, evidence of current enrollment at Clark University, and proof of financial ability.
- Visa Renewal: If you plan to stay in the US but not for study purposes, you may be eligible for a vacation term after studying for three consecutive terms. You will need to renew your passport or visa to return to the US.
It is important to note that Clark University and the ISSO cannot guarantee entry into the United States. The visa application process and requirements may vary depending on your specific circumstances and nationality. Therefore, it is recommended to consult the official university website and relevant government sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Visa renewal and re-entry
To come to Clark University as an international student, you will need a visa document from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). This document will allow you to apply for a visa and enter the US in your intended visa category. The ISSO issues two types of visa documents or "certificates of eligibility": Form I-20 for F-1 students and Form DS-2019 for J-1 students. F-1 students are full-time students, while J-1 students are exchange visitors or recipients of scholarships requiring J-1 status.
To renew your visa, you will need to follow a similar application process as your initial visa application. This includes completing the DS-160 online visa application form and, in some cases, scheduling an interview appointment. Consular officials will seek evidence of your ties to your home country, such as family, property, employment, or bank accounts. If you are renewing an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must also have a valid travel signature on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. Travel signatures are generally valid for one year or until the program end date, whichever comes first.
When travelling outside the US, it is important to carry certain documents with you if you plan to return to the US in F-1 or J-1 student status. These documents include an unexpired passport, an unexpired Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a recent travel signature, evidence of current enrolment at Clark University, and evidence of financial ability.
If you are returning to the US after a temporary absence, your expired passport with a valid visa can still be used if you present it along with your new passport. However, you will not be able to re-enter the US without a valid passport. In most cases, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after your re-entry date.
It is important to note that automatic visa revalidation may occur if you meet certain criteria, such as returning from a visit of fewer than 30 days to Canada or Mexico. On the other hand, if you have been out of the US for more than 30 days, you may not be able to revalidate your visa automatically and will need to apply for a new one.
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Travel on a non-US passport
Clark University offers F-1 and J-1 student visas. To obtain a student visa, you must first receive an offer of admission and pay your enrollment deposit, confirming your plans to attend Clark. The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) issues two different kinds of visa documents (or "certificates of eligibility"): Form I-20 for F-1 students and Form DS-2019 for J-1 students.
F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors (students and scholars) are required to have a valid travel signature on their Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 when entering the United States. If you do not have a Clark-sponsored visa, you must request your travel signature from your program sponsor. Travel signatures are generally valid for one year or until the program end date on your I-20 or Form DS-2019, whichever comes first. However, the ISSO recommends getting a travel signature every six months.
If you are travelling on a non-US passport, you must determine whether you need a visa to enter the country you are visiting. Visit the embassy website of your destination country for more information. It is important to carry certain documents with you if you plan to return to the United States as an F-1 or J-1 student after a temporary absence abroad. These documents include:
- An unexpired passport that will be valid for at least six months from the day you return to the United States.
- An unexpired Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature from an ISSO adviser dated within the past year.
- Evidence of current enrolment at Clark University, such as an enrolment verification letter or transcript.
- Evidence of financial ability to cover your estimated costs, such as a bank statement.
If you are a dual citizen of the US and another country, you are required to present a US passport when entering and exiting the US. However, if you are travelling to a country other than the US or your other passport country, you must determine the visa requirements of your destination country.
In general, when travelling internationally, it is important to carry acceptable identification, such as a passport or a state-issued REAL ID-compliant driver's license.
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Frequently asked questions
To study at Clark University, you will need an F-1 or J-1 visa. Most international students come to the U.S. on an F-1 visa. Clark University will sponsor your F-1 visa status if you have been accepted to a full-time undergraduate and graduate program, certificate, or English-language program. However, F-1 students cannot study part-time. If you already have another U.S. visa, such as a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, you will still need an F-1 or J-1 visa to study full-time at the university.
To obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must first receive a visa document (I-20, DS-2019) from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). This document will allow you to apply for a visa and enter the United States in your intended visa category. To qualify for this document, you must receive an offer of admission and pay your enrollment deposit, confirming your plans to attend Clark University.
Both the F-1 and J-1 visas allow students to bring a spouse and unmarried minor child under 21 with them on F-2 or J-2 dependent visas. Additionally, the J-1 visa is designated for exchange visitors and students who are receiving most of their funding from a government, university, or other non-personal source.
