Visas & Advice Detail
US study visas
US study visas are temporary permits to live in America, but many people make the leap from being a student to a long-term resident or worker. Lana Clements explores the possibilities
For a long time I had wanted to experience a different way of life, so when the opportunity to go on a year study exchange in America arose I grabbed it with both hands.
It turned out that attending a college in the US was the perfect way to become accustomed to the culture of America, whilst protected by the bubble that was the university institution and campus.
Immigration attorney Norma Henning hails from Germany but studied in the US. She says, "Studying here allows you to get to know the United States much better and to understand Americans. It also allows you to 'try on' the country before making a huge commitment in terms of a permanent move. At university, you can forge friendships that last a lifetime – the key is to get involved in student activities." If you have been hoping to work in America, studying in the country could be the key to getting your foot in the door. Going to study in the US will provide a wealth of opportunities and will give you the inside track with many US employers. Although Henning correctly points out, "Student or trainee visas are not intended as vehicles to enter the US permanently. The applicant must show non-immigrant intent (in other words, the intent to return to their home country). However, often plans change over the course of a few years, and students then take advantage of other visas available after their studies are complete."
Whilst studying you can better research the job market where you are hoping to settle, become familiar with local employers and also make possible contacts. Like universities in the UK, US establishments have extensive resources to help students find jobs after study, they form relationships with local and national employers, provide interview, resume (CV), and job hunting tips and skills. Henning agrees: "Often students meet prospective employers at job fairs on campus or through other means. An employer can file an application to hire a recent graduate into a position requiring a bachelors degree in the same field ( for example, an IT graduate into an IT job). The appropriate visa here is the H-1B. The employer must pay a prevailing wage set by the Department of Labour. Visas are issued for three years and can be extended up to six years or seven if a more permanent solution is pending."
Before you are able to gain a US study visa you will need to have a place confirmed with the university, who will then give you the I-20 form necessary for visa and entry to the US. American universities are of a good international standard but, compared with the UK, tuition fees are very high. It depends upon the university but you can expect to be paying out thousands of dollars per semester, which explains why many American parents start saving for college education the moment their child is born. As an out of state student you will be charged more than 'normal' American students. When enrolling you will need to provide adequate documentation (bank statements etcetera) to prove you can support yourself whilst there. If you go on an exchange, as I did, you will get a better deal as you pay for fees in the UK and the student you swap with pays theirs.
It is also typical for the university to request your medical history. Henning asserts, "If only financial aid were also available to foreign students. Unfortunately, they are limited to private merit scholarships, usually based on exceptional ability in academics, sports or the arts." In terms of choosing a course that will be suited to the US market place, you will need to do your research. Labour markets are continually changing. However, there is much buzz around the next stage of the internet [web 2.0], which is expected to be generating capital and jobs for the next few years. Professions like teaching and nursing also look to be a sturdy option. Returning to university may not be instantly appealing to those who have already been working for years, and see studying as a step back. Henning studied when she was a mother, having already been in the labour market. She enthuses, "Here, everything is logistically set up to deal with a student's children. The day care centres are staffed by enthusiastic, early childhood education students. My kids had a great time so I did not feel guilty leaving them. The system is very friendly here, much more student oriented. It's almost coddling compared to its often larger and colder European counterparts." "Of course, you get what you pay for and an education in the States is not cheap. However, if you run into a problem there are clubs, groups, student counsellors and all kinds of avenues for help."
F visas
I studied at the University of Miami on a F-1 visa. According to Henning, "This is the classic student visa, which allows youngsters to attend school in the US. It is also the main choice for university students. Age does not matter for university students, and the usual term is a four-year course of study. This can be extended if the student wants to do post-graduate work. A student can bring his/her family, but the spouse cannot work." She continues, "I have suggested the F-1 student visa to many older people where one of the spouses goes to school and the other enjoys life in the US and then they switch when the first spouse's visa runs out. As an added bonus, the F-1 visa comes with a waiver of worldwide taxation, no matter how much time you spend here. That's why a lot of wealthier foreign people love it." "Sure, they have to actually spend at least 12 hours per week in class and have to take exams, but how can that be boring?" "Age discrimination is a violation of the constitution, so you really can't be turned down because you're too old. The Americans with Disabilities Act makes it mandatory for all universities to be wheelchair accessible."
Henning has in fact had very personal experience with older people studying on the F-1. She says, "One of my best friends, a lady in her 50s, was looking for a way to come to the US and chose a student visa. A year later, she fell in love with a professor and they have been married for over five years now. You never know what life brings and an education is always a good investment."
M Visas
M visas are more vocational study visas. Henning explains as follows, "The M visa can be issued to international students who are coming to the US to pursue a full-time course of study at an established vocational school or other non-academic school that has been approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Vocational schools or junior colleges would be a good place to enquire. However, first check to see if your intended field of study is vocational or academic in the US. You may be surprised to learn that your chosen profession is not considered to be vocational in America." "Nursing is a university course of study in the US, the same goes for early childhood education and many other careers that are often considered as vocational in Europe. Research is the key here. Colleges and universities are not all of equal focus or quality, so do your homework (no pun intended!) before you choose."
J Visas
These are more vocational visas integrated with study. Henning explains, "If a student simply wants to get some experience and intern in a given job, the J-1 visa for trainees is a good choice for up to 18 months. A logical step (before or instead of a J-1) could also be an H-1B visa for professionals." As you can see there is more to studying in America than meets the eye. It can open up a whole new set of choices for you and your family. In any case, it makes for a great way to experience life in the US, whilst gaining qualifications that can in the long-term be very useful. American universities are such creative and dynamic places that you are guaranteed to have a great time – just make sure that you get saving earlier rather than later.
For further information:
Henning Law
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