Douglas Olsen
The definition of an international student varies depending on the country and institution in question. In the United States, an international student is generally defined as a non-U.S. citizen studying at an institution of higher education on a temporary visa, specifically an F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visa. Permanent residents of the U.S. are not considered international students. Other countries may have different criteria for classifying international students, such as Canada, which defines international students as non-Canadian students who do not have 'permanent resident' status and have obtained authorization from the Canadian government to enter the country for educational purposes. The number of international students worldwide is increasing, with China becoming a leading destination, especially for students from Anglophone African countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Anyone studying at an institution of higher education in the United States on a temporary visa that allows for academic coursework. |
| Visa types | F (student), J (exchange visitor), and M (non-academic or vocational study or training). |
| Visa issuance | The U.S. Department of State is responsible for the initial visa application process and issuance. |
| Visa holder's arrival in the U.S. | The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is responsible for granting entry and enforcing immigration regulations. |
| Visa requirements | A valid student visa is required to apply for admission into the U.S. |
| Student status | The student's Form I-20 or DS-2019 document allows them to maintain student status even if their visa expires during their studies. |
| Exceptions | Permanent residents, eligible non-citizens, and undocumented students may not be considered international students in some cases. |
| Regional mobility | According to the OECD, almost one out of five foreign students is regionally mobile, seeking global education at local costs. |
| Canada's definition | Non-Canadian students without permanent resident status who have obtained authorization from the Canadian government to pursue an education. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements
International students intending to study in the United States must obtain a valid student visa. The type of visa required depends on the nature of the course of study and the institution. The two main non-immigrant visa categories for international students are the F and M visas. The F-1 Visa is for academic students and allows them to enrol full-time in an accredited academic institution. This includes colleges, universities, seminaries, academic high schools, and elementary schools. To be eligible for an F-1 Visa, students must be enrolled in a program that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. Additionally, the chosen academic institution must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept foreign students. F-1 Visa holders may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment under certain conditions. After the first year, they may be eligible for off-campus employment, including the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT).
The M-1 Visa, on the other hand, is for vocational students and is intended for those enrolled in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. Students with an M-1 Visa may be eligible for on-campus employment or jobs related to their field of study. Both F-1 and M-1 visas require applicants to attend a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Obtaining a Form I-20, issued by the chosen institution, is a crucial step in the visa application process. This form confirms the student's program start date and dictates the type of visa required (F-1 or M-1). The Form I-20 must be presented during the visa interview and upon entering the United States.
To initiate the visa application process, students should schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. During the interview, a consular officer will assess the applicant's qualifications and may request additional documents. These documents may include evidence of standardized test scores required by the U.S. school, proof of sufficient funds to cover educational, living, and travel costs, and evidence of intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course. It is important to note that ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are typically taken during the interview. Applicants should also be prepared to demonstrate their intention to return to their home country after completing their studies. The visa application process requires a valid passport, with a validity period of at least six months beyond the intended stay in the United States. Additionally, applicants may need to submit the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page, application fee payment receipt, and a photograph that complies with the specified requirements.
It is worth mentioning that citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not require visas to enter the United States as students, but they must present a valid Form I-20 upon admission. For those already in the United States under a different nonimmigrant status and wishing to change to F or M status, the Form I-20 is also necessary when applying to the USCIS. In terms of timing, new students can obtain their F or M visas up to 365 days before the start date of their course, but they cannot enter the country more than 30 days in advance. Continuing students may obtain their visas at any time, provided they are currently enrolled at an SEVP-approved institution.
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Non-permanent residency
When it comes to determining who counts as an international student, one of the key factors considered is their residency status. International students are typically those who do not have permanent resident status in the country where they are pursuing their education. This means that they are not citizens or do not hold permanent residency visas or similar permits that allow them to reside in that country indefinitely. Instead, international students often hold temporary visas specifically intended for students studying abroad.
Typically, non-permanent resident status for international students falls under specific visa categories. These visas are usually tied to the purpose of education and have restrictions on employment and other activities. The validity of these visas varies depending on the country and the level of study, ranging from a few months to several years. It is imperative for international students to understand the terms of their visas, including any limitations on working hours, the possibility of extension, and the requirements for maintaining valid status.
To maintain non-permanent residency status, international students are generally required to comply with certain obligations. These may include enrolling in a full-time study program, maintaining satisfactory academic progress, and adhering to the rules and regulations set by the educational institution and the country's immigration authorities. Failure to meet these requirements can result in the loss of their residency status and may have implications for their ability to remain in the country.
It is worth noting that the rights and benefits associated with non-permanent residency vary across countries. International students may or may not be granted permission to work alongside their studies, and if allowed, there could be restrictions on the number of working hours or the type of employment. Additionally, access to healthcare, social services, and other benefits may differ, and it is important for students to understand what their non-permanent residency status entails in these areas.
Obtaining non-permanent residency as an international student is usually a straightforward process, provided that the individual meets the necessary requirements. This typically involves submitting an application, providing proof of acceptance into an educational institution, demonstrating financial stability to support oneself during the stay, and meeting health and character requirements. It is advisable for prospective international students to consult the official government sources and immigration websites of their intended destination country to obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding the specific non-permanent residency requirements and application processes.
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Citizenship
- Proof of Citizenship: When applying for a student visa or enrolling in an educational institution, individuals are usually required to provide proof of their citizenship status. This can be in the form of a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization documents. The specific requirements may vary depending on the country and the institution, but providing evidence of one's citizenship is generally mandatory.
- Host Country Citizenship: International students are expected to hold a passport and be citizens of a country other than the one where they intend to pursue their education. This distinction is essential, as it separates international students from domestic or local students, who are citizens or permanent residents of the host country.
- Dual Citizenship: In some cases, individuals may have dual citizenship, possessing the citizenship of two different countries simultaneously. The impact of dual citizenship on international student status can vary. Some countries may consider individuals with dual citizenship, including that of the host country, as domestic students, while others may still classify them as international students. It is important to review the specific regulations of the intended country of study.
- Permanent Residency: Obtaining permanent residency status in the host country does not typically confer the same rights and privileges as citizenship. Permanent residents may still be classified as international students, even if they have the right to live and work in the country indefinitely. However, in certain countries, permanent residents may be eligible for domestic student fees and funding opportunities, so it is important to check the specific guidelines.
- Visa Requirements: Citizenship status often plays a significant role in visa requirements for international students. The type of visa needed to study in a particular country may depend on one's citizenship. Different countries have varying agreements and visa categories for international students, so it is essential to research the specific visa requirements based on your citizenship.
- Tuition Fees and Funding: Citizenship can also impact the tuition fees that international students are required to pay. In many countries, international students are subject to different tuition fee structures than domestic students. Additionally, citizenship may influence eligibility for financial aid, scholarships, or government-funded student loans. International students may have access to specific scholarships or funding opportunities designated for their particular citizenship or region.
In summary, citizenship is a pivotal factor in determining one's status as an international student. International students are generally defined as non-citizens seeking to study in a foreign country. The specific implications of citizenship can vary depending on the country and institution, but providing proof of citizenship status is typically a fundamental requirement in the application process. It is important to consult official sources and immigration guidelines to ensure accurate and up-to-date information regarding citizenship and international student status.
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Student mobility
Several factors have transformed student mobility in the 21st century, including major global events, changing visa and immigration policies, and the rising cost of tuition in traditional destination countries like the US and the UK. For instance, the September 11 attacks, the 2008 financial crisis, and an increasingly isolationist political climate in some countries have influenced student mobility patterns. Additionally, the availability of employment during and after studies is a significant consideration for mobile students, with immigration barriers and political developments playing a role in their decision-making.
The concept of "glocal" students has emerged, referring to regionally mobile students who seek global education at local costs. This trend has led to an increase in transnational or cross-border education, where students can obtain foreign credentials while remaining in their home countries. The rise of alternative destinations, such as China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, has provided greater competition for traditional destinations, as these countries actively seek to attract foreign students.
Visa requirements play a crucial role in student mobility. For example, in the United States, an international student is typically defined as a non-US citizen studying on a temporary visa, specifically an F (student) visa or a J (exchange visitor) visa. However, permanent residents, eligible non-citizens, and undocumented students in the US are often excluded from this definition. Similarly, Canada defines international students as "non-Canadian students without permanent resident status," and these students need authorization from the Canadian government and a study permit for their intended level of study and length of stay.
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Country-specific definitions
Australia
In Australia, international students are generally defined as citizens of other countries who are required to obtain a valid student visa (subclass 500) to stay in the country for their studies. This visa allows students to stay in Australia for up to five years, depending on their enrolment. To obtain this visa, students need to provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course and submit it to the Department of Home Affairs. They must also demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover their tuition, books, and living expenses. International students in Australia are also required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
English language proficiency is an important requirement for international students in Australia. While some students may be exempt from providing evidence of proficiency due to their citizenship or prior studies, others may need to satisfy specific test score requirements, which vary depending on the institution and course.
United States
In the United States, international students typically refer to non-immigrant students who wish to study in the country and require a student visa. There are two primary visa categories for international students: the F-1 visa and the M-1 visa. To obtain these visas, students must be enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program. F-1 students may be eligible to work off-campus in certain situations, while M-1 students can engage in practical training after completing their studies.
United Kingdom
For the UK, an international student is anyone who needs a student visa to study there. This includes refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain in the country, who may require additional financial support. International students planning to study in the UK need to demonstrate a basic knowledge of immigration procedures and English language proficiency, with specific requirements varying across universities and courses.
Canada
In Canada, international students are those who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents and require a study permit to pursue their education in the country. While specific requirements may vary, international students generally need to meet certain criteria, such as demonstrating sufficient financial resources and meeting the necessary academic standards for their chosen program.
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Frequently asked questions
An international student in the US is defined as anyone studying at an institution of higher education on a temporary visa. This includes holders of F (student) visas and J (exchange visitor) visas.
Two US government agencies manage international student arrival and status: the US Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. The former is responsible for the initial visa application process, while the latter grants entry into the country and enforces immigration regulations.
There are three primary student visa types: F, J, and M. F visas are for studying at an accredited US college or university. J visas are for exchange programs, including high school and university study. M visas are for non-academic or vocational study or training.
In Canada, international students are defined as "non-Canadian students who do not have 'permanent resident' status and have obtained authorization from the Canadian government to enter Canada for educational purposes."
Yes, with the increase in tuition costs and immigration barriers, many international students are exploring alternative options. One example is transnational or cross-border education, which allows students to earn foreign credentials while staying in their home countries.
