Obtaining residence status in the United States as a foreign student can be a complicated process, but it is possible. Here are the steps to follow to obtain residence status as a foreign student:
Apply to an accredited U.S. school
To obtain residence status as a foreign student, you must first apply and be accepted into an accredited U.S. school. This includes universities, colleges, and vocational schools. You must provide proof of your academic qualifications and English language proficiency.
Receive your I-20 form
Once you have been accepted into a U.S. school, you will receive an I-20 form from the school’s designated school official (DSO). This form certifies that you have been accepted into the school and that you are eligible to apply for an F-1 student visa.
Apply for an F-1 student visa
With your I-20 form in hand, you can apply for an F-1 student visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to provide your I-20 form, proof of financial support, and proof of ties to your home country, among other documents. You will also need to pay a visa application fee.
Arrive in the United States
Once you have been issued an F-1 student visa, you can travel to the United States and present your visa and I-20 form to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. The CBP officer will review your documents and ask you questions about your visit to the United States.
Maintain your F-1 status
To maintain your F-1 status, you must follow the rules and regulations set forth by the U.S. government. This includes enrolling in a full-time course of study, not engaging in unauthorized employment, and keeping your passport and visa documents up-to-date.
Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
After you have completed your studies, you may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work in the United States for up to one year in a field related to your studies. You must apply for OPT through your school’s DSO and receive authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Apply for permanent residence
If you wish to stay in the United States permanently, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through employment-based or family-based categories. You must meet certain eligibility requirements and follow the application process set forth by USCIS.
In summary
Obtaining residence status in the United States as a foreign student requires applying to an accredited U.S. school, receiving an I-20 form, applying for an F-1 student visa, arriving in the United States, maintaining your F-1 status, applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT), and applying for permanent residence if eligible. By following these steps and working with the appropriate officials, you can achieve your goal of obtaining residence status in the United States as a foreign student.