1.To get a student visa... | 2.If I already have a visa... | 3.Transfer | 4.Change of Status | 5.Reinstatement

FAQs

1.To get a student visa...

What is an I-20?

An I-20 is a three-page document that is issued by American colleges and universities for international students entering the U.S. on an F-1 student visa. It is proof that a student has been admitted to a recognized school and allows the student to apply for a visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy. It contains several "blocks" of information that include:
1.Personal information (name, date of birth, and nationality)
2.Information about the school you will attend, your field of study, level of study
3.How long it should take you to complete the program
4.Your proficiency in English
5.Total cost of attending the school
6.Sources of income/sponsorship while you are in the U.S.
7.Date by which you must enter the U.S.
8.A SEVIS barcode along with a SEVIS identification number.
What is SEVIS?

SEVIS Stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). It tracks and monitors schools and programs, students, exchange visitors and their dependents throughout the duration of approved participation within the U.S. education system.
What is an F-1 visa?

An F1 student visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign students to enter into the U.S. to attend a full course of study at colleges, universities, conservatories, academic high schools (subject to strict regulations) and institutions with language training programs.
What is a visa-waiver?

The United States has agreements with a number of countries to waive the need for a visa for business and leisurely travel. Nonimmigrant students cannot enter using the visa waiver program. A non-immigrant who enters the United States using the program is not allowed to stay for more than 90 days and cannot change to another nonimmigrant status.
How do I qualify for an F-1 visa?

To qualify for an F-1 visa, you must:
1.Be proficient in English, unless you are coming to the U.S. to participate in an English language training program
2.Prove that you have sufficient funds to complete your education
3.Come to attend a full course of study by a school approved by the USCIS
4.Have an I-20 Form issued by the school you plan to attend
What privileges do I enjoy with an F-1 visa?

On an F-1 visa, you may:
1.Come to the U.S. as a full time academic or language student enrolled in a program leading to a degree or certificate
2.Transfer from one school to another or switch academic programs by notifying the change to the USCIS
3.Legally work part time on-campus. You may even seek off-campus employment if it is economically necessary or if it involves practical training after approved by USCIS
4.Travel in and out of the U.S. or remain in the U.S. until the completion of your studies
How do I get an F-1 visa?

You must apply at the embassy or consulate office in your country. You will need to provide the US embassy with your I-20, completed application form and proof of financial support. Some countries may have additional requirements. You can get the latest information from the US embassy in your country.
In what situation can my F-1 visa be denied?

Your F-1 visa application may be denied if:
1.You intend to submit an application in a 'third country' (e.g., you are from People's Republic of China, but you intend to go to Canada to obtain an F-1 visa)
2.This is your first application for an F-1 visa
3.You are returning home after a long stay in the U.S. (Three or more years)
4.There is a serious political or economic crisis in your home country
5.You have limited time to obtain your visa.
6.You are waiting for the results of an application for permanent residency (immigrant status) or you are married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
What can I do if my visa request is denied?

If your visa application is denied, visit the Embassy or Consulate before you leave and obtain an explanation of the specific reason you are denied the visa. Ask about the re-application procedures.
What is an I-94 Form?

An I-94 is a form used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to denote the arrival/departure of foreign citizens with nonimmigrant status.

You received an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record when you entered this country. It is a white form, usually stapled inside your passport. Your visa status and the duration of your visit are located on the form. It also has a number that the Immigration Office will use to keep track of your records, so make sure you do not lose it. Every time you leave the US, your current I-94 will be replaced by a new one. However, if you travel to Canada, Mexico, or to certain adjacent islands for 30 days or less, you should keep your current I-94 form.
What is Duration of status?

In certain nonimmigrant categories such as diplomats, academic students (F-1), and exchange visitors, the person may be admitted into the United States for as long as he or she is still doing the activity for which he or she was admitted, rather than being admitted until a specific departure date. This is called admission for duration of status. The duration of status notation can be found on the I-94.
What is an affidavit of support?

It is a form that your sponsor signs promising to support you financially during your studies.
How long does it take to get a student visa?

The amount of time to obtain a visa varies and is affected by many factors.
Do I have to go to the embassy or consulate to get a visa?

No, every country has different requirements. You must check with the American embassy in your country for the latest information. Currently all F-1 visa applicants in all countries must apply for an interview. You must call the U.S. Embassy in your country to make an appointment for this interview.
What should I bring to the embassy or consulate?

You should bring your passport, I-20 form, highest diploma/certificate of academic completion/transcript (with any translation and notarization if applicable), and bank statement or affidavit of support. Remember, all the documents must be original.
When can I arrive in the USA with a student visa?

You may arrive up to 30 days before the start of school as indicated on your I-20.
How do I improve my chances to get a visa?

1.You need proof or evidence showing that you will return to your home country after completing your studies.
2.You must have a minimum amount of money in your account to pay for school and your living expenses while you are studying.
3.It is helpful to submit proof of social, economic and familial connections to your country such as an employment, continuing education, family, etc.
4.A tuition deposit can also be helpful to show proof of advanced payment
5.Arrange for accommodation. Some officials may want to know where you plan to stay. Proof of advance payment for accommodations can also be helpful.
If I don't get a visa, can I get tuition refund?

Yes, any amount of deposit you put toward tuition will be refunded to you.

2.If I already have a visa...

When must I renew my F-1 visa?

If you decide to travel outside of the U.S. and your current F-1 visa will expire before you re-enter the U.S. then in order to continue your program you must renew your F-1 visa. If this is the case, you will need to apply for another F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Students traveling to Mexico, Canada and islands adjacent to the U.S. (except Cuba) for less than 30 days are not required to have a current F-1 visa in their passport to re-enter the US as their visa gets automatically revalidated at the border with a valid I-20.
If I am in the US and my visa expires, what can I do?

F-1 students are allowed to remain in the U.S. with an expired F-1 visa stamp provided that they are maintaining their status and that their passport and SEVIS I-20 form are valid. Although you may remain in the U.S. with an expired F-1 visa, it will be necessary to apply for a new visa during your next trip abroad. You will need a valid F-1 visa in order to reenter the US. Students needing to apply for a new visa during a trip abroad should inform the DSO (Designated School Official) before travel. Remember that new security checks and supplemental visa application forms developed since September 11, 2001 have significantly delayed the visa application process in many countries.
How long can I stay in the US after I graduate?

F-1 students can remain in the United States 60 days after completion of their studies. It is called the "60 Day Grace Period" and you can spend this time traveling within the US and preparing for your return home. If you would like to remain in the US more than 60 days after commencement as a tourist, you will need to apply for change of status to tourist during the grace period.
Is it possible to obtain an F-2 visa if student's parents want to come and stay with theirs student in the USA?

No. An F-2 Visa is for a student's spouse and children only, not for his/her parents.

3.Transfer

What is a transfer?

If you want to change schools, you need to transfer. Students have the right to transfer to another school but there are some rules that must be followed. Usually you will have to complete you current term before transferring and give your school advanced notice. Your school may also require that you fill out a transfer form.
How do I transfer to Bluedata?

If you are currently studying at another school, you can transfer to Bluedata upon meeting our admission requirements (see Admission-Transfer Students).
What are the requirements in order to transfer to another school?

In order to transfer to another school, you must:
1.Be a full-time student, and you intend to be a full-time student at the new school
2.Prove that you have the financial resources required for your education
3.Don't exceed the "60 Day Grace Period" between your last date of attendance and the date of transfer
How long will it take to transfer from another school to Bluedata?

The time to transfer to our school is varied among individual cases, but you can shorten the time by talking to us before you make the decision to transfer.

4.Change of Status

What is a change of status?

F-1 student status is appropriate if you intend to pursue full-time studies in the United States. If you are currently in the United States as a temporary worker, diplomat, exchange visitor or any other non-immigrant classification (EXCEPT Visitor in WT or WB status) you can change your status to F-1 student visa.
How can I apply to change my status?

1.Complete an I20 application form
2.Complete the I-539 form (download here)
3.Provide personal documents
4.Provide financial documents

Please see AdmissionChange of Status Students for more details.
What is an "in-status"?

An In-status means you are in good standing at your school and meet all the requirements to be an F-1 student.
What is an "out-of-status"?

This means that you are not meeting the requirements to be an F-1 student. For instance: you are not enrolled as a full-time student, you have a job outside the school, etc.
What happens if I am "out-of-status"?

There are two ways to deal with an "out-of-status" situation. You can either seek reinstatement with the USCIS or go back to your own country immediately. If you have finished your school program and do not plan to extend your course, you can only stay in the US for 60 days before returning to your home country.

5.Reinstatement

What is reinstatement?

An F-1 student who has overstayed his or her authorized period of stay or has otherwise failed to maintain an F-1 student status may be reinstated to a lawful F-1 status at the discretion of a USCIS District Director.
Does Bluedata Reinstate?

No, but an "out-of-status" student may seek reinstatement from other schools.