Clark University: Certificate Programs And Student Visas

Clark University offers a range of certificate programs for international students, and obtaining a student visa is a crucial step in the enrollment process. To study at Clark University, international students must obtain a visa document, either Form I-20 for F-1 students or Form DS-2019 for J-1 students, from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). These documents are essential for applying for a visa and entering the United States in the appropriate visa category. Most international students at Clark University have F-1 visa status, which requires full-time enrollment in a certificate program. Obtaining the necessary visa documents involves several steps, including receiving an offer of admission, paying the enrollment deposit, and submitting the required financial and immigration documents. International students should carefully review the guidelines provided by Clark University to ensure a smooth visa application process.

Clark University's International Student Welcome (ISW)

Clark University is home to a diverse community of students, faculty, and scholars from over 80 countries. The university's International Student Welcome (ISW) is a program designed to help international students transition smoothly to life at Clark. The ISW is held for undergraduate and graduate students a few days before Orientation begins.

Obtaining Your Visa

To study at Clark University, international students will need a visa document from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). The ISSO issues two types of visa documents, also known as "certificates of eligibility":

• Form I-20 for F-1 students
• Form DS-2019 for J-1 students

These documents allow students to apply for a visa and enter the United States in their intended visa category. It's important to note that even if you already have a U.S. visa, such as a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, you will need an F-1 or J-1 visa to study full-time at Clark University.

Visa Application Process

To qualify for a Form I-20 or DS-2019, you must first receive an offer of admission from Clark University and pay the enrollment deposit to confirm your plans to attend. After paying the deposit, you will receive instructions on how to initiate the request for your student visa document through the ISSO Portal. It is crucial to pay attention to any deadlines to ensure you receive your documents on time for your student visa application.

Financial Requirements

As part of the visa application process, you will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to cover the costs of your first academic year at Clark University. These costs include tuition, fees, health insurance, living expenses, and any dependents you may have. While you only need to show financial resources for the first year, it is essential to plan your finances carefully for the entire duration of your program.

Clark's Support for International Students

Clark University's International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is dedicated to supporting international students throughout their time at the university. They provide guidance on visa requirements, immigration issues, and other aspects of life in the United States. Additionally, Clark offers a range of student clubs and organizations that celebrate diverse cultures from around the world, allowing international students to connect with their community and share their experiences.

F-1 and J-1 student visas

F-1 and J-1 visas are both available to international students who want to study at Clark University. However, there are some key differences between the two visas.

F-1 Visa

The F-1 visa is the most common visa status used by students in the US. To be eligible for an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in a full-time program of study at any grade level at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. This means that you cannot study part-time on an F-1 visa. Most international students come to the US on an F-1 visa, and Clark University will sponsor your F-1 visa status if you have been accepted to a full-time program.

To obtain an F-1 visa, you must first receive an international student admissions packet and Form I-20 (official immigration document) from Clark College. You will then need to pay the SEVIS fee and prepare for your visa interview. The admissions packet contains information on how to do this.

F-1 students must demonstrate that they have sufficient resources to support any dependents (a spouse and unmarried minor child under 21) who will be joining them in the US. Dependents in F-2 status may study part-time but are not eligible for employment.

J-1 Visa

The J-1 visa is generally used for students in specific educational exchange programs or degree programs. To be eligible for a J-1 visa, at least 50% of your total financial support must be from a source other than personal or family funds, such as a scholarship, fellowship, or government sponsorship. The J-1 College and University Student Program offers study in all fields and opportunities to gain career-related training as a student intern.

J-1 students must pursue a full course of study at a postsecondary, accredited academic institution in the US to maintain their J-1 status. J-1 students, like all J-1 visa holders, also have a cultural component to their program, which gives them the opportunity to engage with US citizens and share their cultures with their host communities.

J-1 students can bring a spouse and unmarried minor child under 21 with them on J-2 dependent visas. Dependents in J-2 status may study full-time and may apply for employment authorization.

Obtaining a visa document from the ISSO

The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) issues two different kinds of visa documents (or "certificates of eligibility") to students: Form I-20 for F-1 students and Form DS-2019 for J-1 students. These documents allow you to apply for a visa and enter the United States in your intended visa category.

To qualify for a Form I-20 or DS-2019 from Clark University, you must receive an offer of admission and pay your enrollment deposit, confirming your plans to attend. Check with your admissions counsellor for more information on the process and any deadlines.

After you pay your enrollment deposit, you will receive an email with instructions on how to initiate a request for your student visa document through the ISSO Portal. Pay attention to any deadlines to receive your documents in time to apply for a student visa.

You are required to demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to cover the estimated costs for your first academic year of study. These costs include tuition, fees, health insurance, living expenses, and support for any dependents who are coming with you. While you only need to show financial resources for one academic year, it is essential to plan your finances carefully for the duration of your program. Obtaining additional funding after your arrival is not guaranteed, and it may be challenging to secure on-campus employment, financial aid, or additional scholarships.

Review the estimated costs for your program and ensure your documents are less than six months old and issued in English or accompanied by an English translation. The ISSO reserves the right to request any submitted document, such as a bank statement, to be officially translated into English.

If you are submitting a bank account statement that is not in your name, your sponsor must complete the Affidavit of Support.

Acceptable documentation includes:

• Personal or family bank statements
• Scholarship letters from government sources, your Clark department, or other scholarship-granting agencies, clearly indicating your name, scholarship year or dates, and covered amounts
• Approved loan confirmation

Once you have received your visa document from the ISSO, you can proceed to apply for your student visa.

Visa application requirements

The visa application process can be daunting, but with some preparation and guidance, you can successfully obtain your student visa to study in the US. Here are the requirements and steps you need to follow:

• Institution Certification: Ensure that the college or university you plan to attend is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Clark University is SEVP-certified and can issue the necessary forms for your visa application.
• Obtain Form I-20: After being accepted into Clark University, you will receive Form I-20, the "Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student, F-1 Status". This form documents your study plans and provides information about your stay in the US. It is crucial for your visa application.
• Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for US travel and will remain valid for at least six months after your program completion date.
• Financial Resources: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your tuition, fees, living expenses, and any dependent costs during your stay. The required documents must be in English or accompanied by an English translation.
• Visa Application Fee: Pay the required visa application fee, which includes the cost of the visa and any associated processing and maintenance fees. For an F-1 visa, the total cost is approximately $535.
• DS-160 Visa Application: Complete the DS-160 visa application, which is the standard visa application form for all prospective international students. You will need your I-20 form, passport, travel itinerary, and a photo for your visa.
• Visa Interview: Schedule and attend a visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate. This interview confirms your intention to study in the US and ensures you meet the necessary requirements. Be prepared to demonstrate your financial ability and intention to return to your home country after completing your studies.
• Supporting Documents: During your visa interview, you may be asked to provide additional supporting documents, such as academic records, test scores, evidence of financial ability, and proof of your intention to depart the US upon completion of your studies.
• Visa Approval: After a successful visa interview, you will be granted your student visa, typically an F-1 visa for full-time international students pursuing academic studies. This visa allows you to enter the US and study at the accredited institution of your choice.
• Visa Regulations: Remember to comply with the regulations and requirements of your student visa. For F-1 visa holders, this includes maintaining full-time enrollment, attending classes, and adhering to any restrictions on employment.

It is important to carefully review the requirements and guidelines provided by Clark University, the US Department of State, and the US Department of Homeland Security to ensure a smooth visa application process.

Visa interview tips

Clark University does offer F-1 student visa sponsorship for international students enrolled in a full-time undergraduate and graduate program, certificate, or English-language program.

Know What to Expect

Visa interviews at U.S. consular posts are typically set up so that you are standing at a counter while others wait and watch. For security reasons, a thick piece of glass usually separates you from the interviewing officer. Before you even get to the counter, you will have to go through a strict security screening process (similar to an airport) and may wait for several hours for your case to be called. Ensure you arrive with plenty of extra time to go through security and prepare for your interview.

Bring the Right Documents

It is critical to arrive at your interview with all necessary documents. These may include:

• Passport
• Visa document (Form I-20, DS-2019, etc.)
• U.S. passport photos
• I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt
• Financial documents, such as your scholarship letter(s), bank statements, or job offer letter
• Admission letter
• Appointment letter
• Passports and proof of family relationship for any dependent family members

Dress and Act Professionally

It is recommended to wear business attire to your interview. When speaking to the officer, speak as confidently as you can and maintain good posture.

Familiarize Yourself with Your Application Materials

Most questions you will be asked at the interview will already be addressed in your application materials. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the details of your application before your appointment.

Demonstrate Nonimmigrant Intent

Most U.S. visas are granted for nonimmigrant intent, meaning that your purpose for coming to the United States is temporary, and you do not intend to stay in the country permanently. The consular officer may deny your application if they believe you intend to stay in the U.S. indefinitely. Be prepared to show ties to your home country such as family ties, employment, or property.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a visa, ask the officer for a list of documents they would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason for the denial in writing.

Frequently asked questions