Student Visa Information:

If you plan to study in the USA, you must have a valid Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Form I-20 and a valid F-1 Student Visa. Here are the steps:

1) Apply to an INS-approved school in the USA. The minimum number of class hours per week that you must study is 18. In addition to a registration form, the school will require you to complete financial documents that show that you have the funds to cover tuition and expenses during your stay in the US. You must also show that you have medical insurance.

2) When the school approves your application, it will send you a
Form I-20. The I-20 is usually sent within 3 weeks of receiving your registration form, other documents, and fees.

3) Once you receive the I-20, you can apply for the F-1 Student Visa
at an American consulate or embassy in your country. The documents that you must have to get an F-1 Student Visa include:

· Form I-20
· Letter of Acceptance from the school
· Financial documents showing you have the funds to cover expenses
· Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
· Passport-sized, color photo
· Proof of intent to leave the US after you complete your studies
· Non-immigrant visa application (Form OF-156 -obtained at consulate or embassy)
· Machine Readable Visa (MRV--obtained at consulate or embassy)

**Please note: The time that it takes to get an F-1 Student Visa varies from country to country, so be sure to plan ahead!**

4) When you arrive at customs in the US, the customs officer will take your I-20 and return pages 3 and 4 to you. Keep these pages with your passport.

5) Welcome to the USA! After completing your studies, you have up to 60 days to leave the country. Enjoy your stay!