The Student Visa Application Process

Presented by Rachel Brunette-ChenAmerican Institute in Taiwan

Spring, 2004

Source: Institute of International Education

International Students Facts

• 586, 323 foreign students enrolled 2002-03• Asian students over 56% of total • 2002-03 Taiwan ranked 5th worldwide in

number of students studying in the U.S.• 28,017 Taiwan students in U.S. 2002-03• Most popular field are business and

management, engineering, and computer science

Student Visas Issued at AIT

10309 10679

13425 14042 1310914466

1554714878

13767

11373

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Student Visas

• Student visas are Non-Immigrant Visas

• 3 types: F-1, J-1, M

• Student applicants must:– Have a well-established residence outside the

United States.

– Intend to return to Taiwan.

– Be bona fide, full-time students.

Full Course of Study Requirement

• Undergraduate Students– 12 credit hours Fall and Spring Semesters

• Graduate Students– 8 credit hours Fall and Spring Semesters

– With Assistantship: 6 credit hours Fall and Spring Semesters

• Exceptions: academic need for reduced course load, medical emergency, final semester, thesis/dissertation

Duration of Status

• Completion of program for F-1: 60 days to depart

• Completion of program for J-1: 30 days to depart

• Approved withdrawal from classes: 15 days to depart

• Those who withdraw or reduce to less than full time without approval: Immediately

ALL Students must have a valid SEVIS I-20

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS is a tracking system for international students implemented in January, 2003.

SEVIS links colleges and universities, U.S. embassies and consulates, U.S. ports of entry, Department of State, and exchange visitor programs.

SEVIS information from educational institutions is downloaded at Consular Offices that issue student visas.

Dependents

• F-2, M-2, and J-2 visas are derivative status visas for spouses/children of student visa holders.

• F-2, J-2, and M-2 dependents must have their own SEVIS I-20.

• F-2/M-2 dependents, except children attending K-12, are not allowed to attend classes full time and may not work in the U.S.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• OPT is a program to allow F-1 students to get 12-months of work experience in the U.S.

• Students apply for OPT at their school before completing studies

• Students are eligible for OPT if they:– Have been in full-time student status for at least 9

months prior to submission of OPT application– Are in F-1 full time status at time of application– Intend to work in a position related to their field of

study

Suggestions for F-1 Students

• Take 15 credit hours per semester. Don’t drop below a full course of study.

• Dissertation and thesis students should enroll every semester.

• Inform school of name or address changes.

• Practical training must be applied for BEFORE completion of academic program.

Also Remember...

• Students can apply at AIT up to 90 days before school starts.

• Students can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before school starts.

• Students cannot work without approval.

• Students must present a current I-20 when reentering U.S.

Documents Required at Interview

Necessary Items• Application form

(DS 156)• Current and old passports

or EER• I-20• Current photo • Financial Evidence• Receipt for application

payment

Optional Items

• GRE/TOEFL/GMAT Score

• Student ID

• School transcript (for returning students

• Household Registration (for spouse/children)

Tips for the Interview

• Don’t be nervous

• Organize your supporting documentation

• Have a photo that is less than six months old

• Clearly explain your educational goals and what you want to do after studying in U.S.

• Prepare to speak in English if English proficiency is listed on I-20

Why are students refused visas?

• Discrepancies between SEVIS/I-20 and passport biographical data

• Students who are failing academically in Taiwan

• Students lack strong ties to Taiwan

• Student lacks English proficiency stated on I-20

• Previous immigration or criminal violations in the U.S.

American Institute in Taiwan

• Check our website for interview appointment information: www.ait.org.tw

• Application form must be in English• Interview hours are every day from 8:00 to 3:30,

Monday - Friday, except holidays and the first day of the month

• OF-156 application form is available online or at the Consular Information Window on Hsin Yi Road

Common Questions

If I change schools, do I need a new I-20?The only time the I-20 and the visa need to have the same name is on the initial entry into the U.S. After that, you can change schools and use the same visa.

No, you just need a new passport and an endorsed I-20.

If my passport expires, do I need a new visa?

Common Questions #2How do I reapply for a student visa?

Follow the same procedures that you did in the first application. You will need to show transcripts from the U.S. to show your progress towards a degree.

Do I need a new visa for OPT? No. Students are eligible for OPT after completing 9 consecutive months of college-level courses. Application is through the student’s academic institution. Training must end within 14 months of completion of study.

Common Questions #3When will AIT begin bio-enrollment

procedures?All applicants at AIT will be required to take finger scans upon application for U.S. non-immigrant and immigrant visas beginning in September, 2004.

For further information…

Visa Information

http://www.ait.org.tw

Study in the United States

http://www.educationusa.state.gov

http://www.ief-usa.org

http://fulbright.saec.edu.tw/

留學生出國前之準備與國外生活適應

陳明賢台大財金系

出國前之準備• 盡量早決定住處，預訂宿舍• 準備隨身物品 (電腦，衣物，書籍，其他 )• 盡量提早赴美，至少兩週，多者兩個月– 開學前有很多事情需要提前準備– 熟悉環境，料理雜事– 見指導教授，預排課程– 提前書店購書，預先準備功課– 熟悉英文環境，電視，廣播，書報– 心理建設

國外生活適應 • 課業方面

– 及早約見指導教授，決定課程內容，熟悉系上規定

– 及早排定課程，購書預習– 排課注重策略– 預習，聽講，複習– 報告提早完成，二修文稿，甚至三修– 個案討論，口頭報告預演– 注重同學之間關係

國外生活適應• 語言方面– 作長時間交談，熟悉英文語言思考模

式– 大聲交談，更正錯誤– 閱讀書報小說，增加了解口語化英文

，以及習慣用法

國外生活適應• 飲食及生活

– 注重營養均衡，盡量適應美國食物，小心酒精類飲料

– 注意運動，有助於學業及冬天氣候所引起之壓力紓解

– 人際關係及感情生活所扮演的角色

國外生活適應• 交友

– 節制與國內同學交往，減少是非。– 大方與美國當地同學交往，增加學習

語言文化機會。– 虛心向其他國際同學學習。

留美的金錢管理 • 留學基金三大來源－獎學金、助學貸款、個人所得

• 搶錢大作戰－不要放棄申請任何獎助學金的機會

• On-Campus兼職工作－量力而為

那一段跟錢計較的日子 • 學校宿舍或校外住宿 • 均衡營養的飲食 • 是否購車 • 預定回程機票好處多多 • 如何穿著 • 善用學校提供之免費資源

最後建議

• 黑暗期終會過去，不要太早放棄。• 唸書最重要，不要因為次要因素而忽略此重要目標；但也不忘生活及文化上的學習。