Students from all over the world opt for universities in the USA for better higher education opportunities. Serving as a home for various prestigious educational institutes and universities, the USA every year welcomes thousands of students to study on a dedicated student visa. However, getting access to a study Visa requires the fulfilment of various rules and decorations. Students have to follow the necessary formalities and complete documentation to obtain a study visa for the USA. The following are some of the mandatory guidelines and regulations that students have to follow to maintain the status of their USA study visa:
1. Fulfilment of the full-time enrolment rule
Every student with a USA study Visa has to fulfill the dedicated full-time enrolment rule as prescribed by every educational Institute and university in the USA. Undergraduate students have to complete 12 credit hours per semester to be eligible for full-time enrolment. This timeline can be more or less depending upon the specific educational institute or university. However, students with serious medical conditions or family emergencies can obtain permission from their respective universities to prevent the determination of a USA study visa.
2. Possession of valid documentation
International students with a study Visa must maintain their valid documentation throughout their stay in the USA for the completion of their course. The dedicated I-20 form lists the proper timeline for the course completion as opted for by an international student which they must adhere to. Students have to submit a written application to their designated school officer for extension of the program completion time. Moreover, students must ensure their passport is completely valid for the total time of stay in the USA.
3. Fulfilment of work rules
There are certain restrictions on international students with an F1 visa concerning the freedom to work in the USA. Students are allowed to work part-time during the course of their education and full-time during school breaks with proper authorization. Students can even work on campus under various programs like US citizenship and immigration services with complete authorization and approval. Failure to adhere to all the necessary rules related to work, students can be subjected to immediate deportation and termination of their study Visa.
4. Timely upgradation of information on the SEVIS database:
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System or SEVIS is an online database that consists of information of international student studying in USA. All international students must therefore keep their personal information updated on the database regarding their addresses and timeline of education programme. In case of any changes, the update must be made within 10 days to prevent any action from the USA government.
5. Adhering to the travel rules:
Students even require proper authorization and approval if they wish to travel outside the USA. Moreover, they must even ensure their study Visa is valid at the time of re-entry into the USA. With complete approval from the designated school official along with ensuring the validity of the study Visa, students are allowed to travel without any worry.
6. Adherence to grace period rules
After completion of their study program, international students receive an increased period within which they must apply for a new type of visa or transfer to a different school or university for further education. Moreover, students must make necessary changes and update info on SEVIS database.
International students are subject to various regulations and strict rules that they must follow to avoid any complications concerned with their study visa in the USA. One can take the support of professional USA study visa consultants who can offer both pre-and post-arrival assistance thereby reducing the hassle. With a complete understanding of various guidelines and regulations, students can study in the USA without any issues.