Savanna Hoffman
International students seeking immigration services may contact their country's immigration services for assistance. For instance, international students in the United States can contact the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or submit an online case inquiry. Meanwhile, international students in Ireland can refer to the Immigration Service Delivery website for contact details of the relevant immigration office, and those in the UK can use the tool provided by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to find the contact details for the right UKVI team.
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What You'll Learn
Contacting USCIS
USCIS has a dedicated team to assist with immigration queries. The USCIS Contact Center provides customer service options for specific populations, including Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners, as well as those seeking T and U nonimmigrant status.
The USCIS Contact Center can be reached by phone or online chat. The toll-free number is 1-800-375-5283 (TTY: 1-800-767-1833). Live calls and chats are answered Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern, except on federal holidays.
If you have a previously filed, pending, or approved VAWA, T, or U-related case, including a Form I-751 Abuse Waiver, the USCIS Contact Center must verify your identity and confirm your eligibility to receive information. Before calling, you should have your receipt notice(s) for the particular form(s) readily available.
USCIS also provides a complete listing of international field offices and their contact information through the International Immigration Offices webpage. While USCIS may respond to case-specific inquiries and requests for assistance by U.S. mail, the preferred method of contact is through the USCIS Contact Center and online tools for timely and effective customer service.
USCIS online accounts allow applicants, petitioners, and representatives to access personalized, real-time information related to their individual cases 24 hours a day through any internet-connected device. Secure messaging can also be used to communicate directly with the USCIS Contact Center to receive email responses to case-specific inquiries.
For those with hearing or speech disabilities, a telecommunications relay service can be accessed by dialling 711.
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Reporting student visa fraud
International students are a common target for immigration fraud. This may include scams, human trafficking, or the unauthorized practice of law. If you suspect student visa fraud, there are several ways to report it, depending on your location and the type of fraud. Here are some resources and instructions for reporting student visa fraud:
United States:
- USCIS Tip Form: If you suspect immigration benefit fraud or abuse, you can submit a USCIS Tip Form online. This form allows you to report suspected fraud to USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). Provide as many details as possible to help officers review your information and take appropriate action. You can also contact the USCIS Contact Center by calling 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833).
- Executive Office for Immigration Review: To report suspected fraud or scams specifically related to immigration courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, or the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, contact the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program. You can call them at 877-388-3840 or email [email protected].
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI): For tips related to human smuggling, human trafficking, national security, or public safety, you can contact HSI by calling their toll-free number, 866-347-2423, or by using the HSI Tip Form.
Canada:
- Client Support Centre: If you are an international student in Canada and suspect document fraud related to your visa application or immigration status, you should contact the Client Support Centre. You may be eligible for a temporary resident permit if you meet certain conditions, including having a genuine intention to study and unknowingly using fake documents.
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: Report any suspicious phone calls, text messages, or emails related to your visa application to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- Local Law Enforcement: If you have inadvertently provided personal or financial information in response to a suspicious communication, report the incident to your local police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
- CBSA Web Form: You can also report immigration fraud online using the CBSA's secure web form.
Remember, it is important to provide as many details as possible when reporting suspected fraud to help authorities take appropriate action. These resources can help international students protect themselves and others from the negative consequences of student visa fraud.
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Understanding student types
The definition of an "international student" varies from country to country. In the US, an international student is defined as an individual studying in the country on a non-immigrant, temporary visa that allows for academic study at the post-secondary level. Most international students in the US hold an F1 Visa, which is for full-time students enrolled in an accredited academic institution or language training program. The F1 Visa is one of two non-immigrant visa categories for those wishing to study in the US, the other being the M1 Visa.
M1 Visas are for vocational students and those enrolled in non-academic programs. To obtain either an F1 or M1 Visa, students must be enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program, and their school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program.
In Europe, students from countries within the European Union can take part in the Erasmus Programme, which allows them to study in other countries under a government agreement. In Japan, an international student is defined as a student from a foreign economy who is receiving an education at any Japanese university or college and resides in Japan with a 'college student' visa.
Canada defines international students as "non-Canadian students who do not have 'permanent resident' status and have had to obtain the authorization of the Canadian government to enter Canada with the intention of pursuing an education." The study permit identifies the level of study and the length of time the individual may study in Canada.
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Obtaining a student visa
International students must obtain a student visa to study in the United States. The type of visa depends on the course of study and the type of school the applicant plans to attend. The U.S. government offers three types of student visas: F, J, and M. Here is a breakdown of each type:
F Student Visa
The F visa is for international students pursuing full-time academic studies at an accredited U.S. college, university, or English language institute. Before applying for an F visa, students must first gain acceptance to a U.S. institution of higher education that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, the student will receive a Form I-20 or DS-2019 from the institution's international student office, which must be presented when applying for the visa.
J Exchange Visa
The J visa is for foreign nationals participating in exchange programs, including high school and university studies. Institutions designated to place participants in Academic Exchange programs (J visas) must be accredited. Recognition of course credits and degrees by other institutions and employers is linked to an institution's accreditation.
M Student Visa
The M visa is for international students pursuing full-time non-academic or vocational studies in the United States. Similar to the F visa, acceptance into an SEVP-certified institution is required before applying for the M visa.
To obtain a student visa, follow these steps:
- Apply and gain acceptance to an SEVP-certified U.S. institution.
- Once accepted, the institution will register you for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and issue you a Form I-20 or DS-2019.
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- After receiving the Form I-20 and registering in SEVIS, apply for the appropriate student visa (F or M) at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Present the Form I-20 to the consular officer during your visa interview.
It is important to note that the U.S. Department of State is responsible for the visa application process and issuing the visa. Once a visa holder arrives in the United States, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security takes over as the responsible agency for entry and enforcing international student regulations. For specific inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY: 800-767-1833) or submit an online case inquiry.
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Maintaining student status
To maintain your student status as an international student in the United States, you must fulfil the purpose for which your visa was issued and follow the associated regulations. This means that you should not take any action that detracts from the purpose of your visa, which is to study.
- Enrol in an SEVP-certified school: To maintain your student status, you must enrol in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school in the United States. You can use the School Search tool to find SEVP-certified schools and programs that are eligible to enrol F-1 and M-1 students.
- Obtain the necessary documents: Once accepted into an SEVP-certified school, you will receive a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." This form is a record of your information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database. After receiving your Form I-20, you must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before applying for your U.S. student visa.
- Maintain your visa status: If you are admitted to the United States with a visitor (B) visa, you must apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to student (F or M) status before starting your program. You may not begin your studies until the change of status is approved. Remember that your visa status is directly linked to your purpose for being in the United States.
- Follow regulations regarding employment: F students may only work when authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO) or USCIS. Working without authorization will result in immediate departure from the United States and possible re-entry restrictions. F students are eligible for curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT), which must directly relate to their major area of study.
- Maintain academic progress: To maintain your student status, you must make satisfactory academic progress towards completing your program of study. This includes fulfilling the requirements of your specific student type, such as enrolling in academic programs for F-1 students or vocational programs for M-1 students.
- Seek assistance when needed: If you have questions or concerns about maintaining your student status, your DSO should be the first point of contact. They can provide guidance and assist you in understanding the legal requirements of your stay in the United States. Additionally, you can refer to the "Maintaining Status" page on the Study in the States website for more information.
Remember that maintaining your student status is crucial to avoid complications with your visa and legal presence in the United States. Always stay informed about the regulations and requirements specific to your student visa type and seek guidance from the appropriate authorities when needed.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can call the USCIS Contact Center for help with immigration. The toll-free number is 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833).
The USCIS Contact Center answers live calls and chats Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm Eastern.
Before calling, you should have your receipt notice(s) for the particular form(s) on which you would like to request information or other services.
Yes, if your inquiry is escalated to Tier 2, you may receive a response by email or a follow-up phone call.
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