Douglas Olsen
International students are required to obtain a student visa and possess basic knowledge of immigration rules and regulations before moving to a new country for their studies. In the United States, international students must apply for a visa through the Department of Homeland Security, and maintain their student status with a Form I-20 or DS-2019 document. In the UK, international students can seek advice from organisations such as UCAS, which provides information on topics like visa rules, part-time jobs, and accommodation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Complete a full course of study |
| Student visa types | F-1, J-1, F, M, F-2, M-2 |
| Visa requirements | Valid student visa, Form I-20 document (F and M visas), or DS-2019 document (J visas) |
| Visa issuance | U.S. Department of State |
| Visa status and purpose | Reflected by both visa and status |
| Visa rules | Rules for part-time jobs |
| Visa maintenance | MyISSS platform |
| Visa information | Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) |
| Visa approval | Department of Homeland Security |
| Visa accreditation | Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for international students
International students are required to obtain a visa to study in the United States or the United Kingdom. The type of visa is determined by the course of study and the type of school the student plans to attend. In the US, the two most common types of visas are F-1 and M-1. F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while M-1 visas are for those pursuing vocational studies. Students on an F-1 visa may be eligible to work in the US, but only on-campus or in a job related to their studies. J-1 visas are also available for exchange programs, allowing foreign nationals to take part in work-and-study-based exchange programs.
To obtain a US student visa, international students must first apply to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school. Once accepted, students will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The school will then issue a Form I-20, which is required for the visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. Students must also pay a non-refundable visa application fee and, if their visa is approved, a visa issuance fee. Additionally, students need to have a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and proficiency in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
In the UK, international students can use Clearing and choose a university or degree subject in the same way that UK students do. They are also able to find part-time work while studying, provided they follow visa rules. While specific visa requirements for international students in the UK are not outlined, it is mentioned that every international application requires a student visa and a basic knowledge of immigration procedures.
International students at the University of Washington (UW) can use the MyISSS platform to manage their F-1 or J-1 visa status, request benefits, and receive updates. The platform is accessible through their UW NetID and password.
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Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a program within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is 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 the 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).
The SEVP does not manage the issuance of visas themselves; visas are issued at United States consulates and embassies in other countries, which fall under the United States Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs. However, the SEVP does work closely with its government partners involved in the foreign student process, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the U.S. Department of State. The SEVP administratively enforces federal rules and regulations governing schools certified to enrol F and M nonimmigrant students.
Schools and programs approved to host students and scholars on these visas are required to report certain information, including any changes in U.S. address and events that constitute a violation of the international visitor's visa status, such as academic suspension, criminal conviction, failure to enrol, or unauthorized off-campus employment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the SEVP program allowed international students to take more online coursework in the spring and summer semesters of 2020 to accommodate state-mandated school closures and stay-at-home orders without penalizing the students.
U.S. schools apply for SEVP certification by using SEVIS to submit their initial Form I-17, "Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student." Once a school is certified, designated school officials use SEVIS to update their school's Form I-17 and apply for SEVP recertification every two years. They also use SEVIS to fulfil the school's legal reporting responsibilities and transfer student SEVIS records to other institutions.
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Finding part-time work as an international student
International students often take up part-time work to earn extra money, meet new people, and build professional skills. While the specifics of visa rules and work permits vary by country, there are several ways to find part-time work as an international student.
Firstly, university faculties sometimes hire student employees for administrative, research, or tutoring tasks. Check the official university page for open applications, and ask faculty employees about any available jobs for international students.
Online job search tools can also be useful. LinkedIn and Indeed are popular platforms to find part-time work, as they allow you to use filters to refine your search. Additionally, freelancing sites like Fiverr or Upwork offer flexible opportunities to sell your skills as a service to companies. However, be mindful of the legal requirements for freelancing in your location.
Retail is another popular sector for part-time work. Examples of retail jobs include grocery store cashier, clothing store representative, and bookseller. If you are proficient in social media, you could also seek a position as a social media administrator, as these roles are often part-time.
Finally, internships are a great way to gain professional experience and earn money. To be eligible for an internship, you typically need to be enrolled in a higher education institution. Check with your university for any available internships, and ensure you understand the visa requirements for international internships.
Remember to be careful and selective in your job search, and always consider the legal implications of part-time work as an international student.
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Immigration record maintenance
When international students come to the United States to study, they must maintain accurate and up-to-date immigration records to remain in compliance with their visa requirements. Immigration record maintenance is a crucial aspect of their stay in the country and ensures that they are legally able to continue their studies and remain in the US for the duration of their program and, if necessary, for any practical training or work authorization afterwards. Proper record-keeping also facilitates smooth travel, visa renewals, and potential changes in immigration status. Here is a guide to help international students understand the key aspects of maintaining their immigration records:
One of the most important documents for international students is their passport. It is essential to keep it valid at all times. Students should ensure that their passport has a minimum validity of six months beyond their intended period of stay in the US This is a requirement for entering and exiting the country. Students should also keep their passport secure and safely stored, as it is a crucial form of identification and proof of their legal status.
The Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," is another vital document for international students. It is issued by the school and certifies that the student has been admitted to a full-time program and has sufficient financial resources to cover their expenses. Students should ensure that the information on their I-20 is accurate and up-to-date, including their degree program, funding sources, and expected completion date. Any changes to this information must be reported to the school's international student office so that a new I-20 can be issued.
Additionally, students must maintain their student visa status by enrolling in a full course of study during the academic year. They should also be mindful of the regulations surrounding online courses and ensure that they do not exceed the maximum number of online credits permitted for their visa type. Proper maintenance of their course load is essential, and any changes to their enrollment status, such as dropping below the required number of credits or taking a leave of absence, should be done in consultation with the international student office to avoid jeopardizing their visa status.
International students may also be eligible for practical training opportunities, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). These programs allow students to gain work experience in their field of study. To participate in these programs, students must apply for employment authorization and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Maintaining valid status and following the specific rules and timing restrictions associated with these training opportunities is crucial for international students wishing to benefit from this aspect of their visa.
Finally, international students should keep detailed records of their entry into the United States, including their I-94 record, which shows their arrival and departure dates. They should also retain copies of all important immigration documents, such as visa application forms, financial support statements, and proof of payment of tuition and fees. It is recommended to keep both physical and digital copies of these documents, ensuring that they are easily accessible when needed for visa renewals, travel, or any other immigration-related processes.
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Financial aid and scholarships for international students
International students can face a challenging financial situation when pursuing their dream of studying abroad. Tuition fees, housing, textbooks, health insurance, and travel can all add up, and many students need financial aid and scholarships to help make their ambitions a reality.
Scholarships
Scholarships are a great way to fund your studies, and there are many opportunities for international students to gain support. However, it is important to note that most scholarships are aimed at supporting domestic students, and there are fewer scholarships available for international students. Scholarships can be highly competitive, and it is recommended that students apply for as many as possible to increase their chances of success.
Scholarships can be need-based, merit-based, or both. Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who can demonstrate a financial need, while merit-based scholarships are awarded based on special skills, talents, or abilities. Some scholarships are also awarded based on academic achievement.
There are several websites that provide databases of scholarships for international students, such as InternationalStudent.com, InternationalScholarships.com, IEFA.org, and BestColleges.com. These sites allow students to search for scholarships based on their specific circumstances, such as their field of study, location, and country of origin.
Grants and Loans
In addition to scholarships, international students may also be able to access grants and loans to help fund their studies. Some grants and loans are provided by the institutions themselves, while others are offered by external organisations and lenders. The U.S. Department of Education, for example, offers grants and loans for international students, and there are also private lenders who specialise in student loans.
Work-Study Programs
Another option for international students is to participate in work-study programs. These programs allow students to gain valuable work experience in their field of study while earning an income to support their studies.
University-Specific Opportunities
Some universities may offer financial incentives for international students to attend their institution, particularly for graduate study. These incentives can include assistantships, fellowships, and waivers on application fees. It is always worth consulting with your chosen university to see what financial support they may be able to offer.
Country-Specific Support
Finally, it is worth remembering that your home country's government may offer financial aid for students studying abroad. This could be in the form of scholarships, grants, or loans, so it is worth investigating what support may be available to you as an international student from your home country.
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Frequently asked questions
A student visa is a document that allows someone to enter and stay in a country for the purpose of studying. In the US, students need a Form I-20 document (F and M visas) or DS-2019 document (J visas), which is issued by their chosen institution. In the UK, international students need a visa and a basic knowledge of immigration.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a US government programme that authorises schools to issue Forms I-20 to prospective international students. SEVP-certified schools are eligible to enrol F-1, M-1, and F-2 students.
F visas are for students who want to complete a full course of study at an SEVP-certified school. J visas are designated by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for Academic Exchange programs.
There are many organisations that exist to help international students in the UK, such as the UCAS Hub, which provides advice and insights from staff and students. International students can also take part in UK events or British Council events worldwide.
