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» STUDENT VISAS
Visa requirements imposed on foreign students
since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks are confusing, redundant
and causing more problems than they solve, witnesses appearing
before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said last
month. They noted that if current policy trends continue,
many students--particularly those from Middle Eastern countries--may
still be waiting for visa approval in their countries of
origin even after their academic programs have begun in
the United States.
Controls put in place since Sept. 11,
2001, have been done on a mostly piecemeal basis, according
to Marlene M. Johnson, executive director of NAFSA, the
Association of International Educators.
"In their totality, they are now
hindering international student and scholar access to the
United States, to an extent that itself threatens our security,"
Johnson said.
Because new guidelines from the U.S. Department of State
have required U.S. Consulate officials to scrutinize student
visas more carefully, through both personal interviews and
security checks, what was once a fairly routine process
has become, according to many, a cumbersome and time-consuming
ordeal frustrating both consulate employees and students.
Persons coming to the U.S. to pursue education
at a U.S. school will obtain a temporary visa which will
be valid throughout the period of study.
The first step in acquiring the visa is getting accepted
by a U.S. school. The student must demonstrate that he or
she will have enough funds available to undertake studies
in the United States WITHOUT WORKING.
Students are able to work under a very limited set of circumstances
during the program of study.. Once a foreign student does
graduate, he/she is eligible for a year of optional practical
training during which employment in the field is permissible.
If the student desires to remain in the U.S. beyond the
period of practical training, he or she may be sponsored
for a Professional Work Visa.
Letter of admission from your school.
Financial documents, such as a bank statement.
Documentation that helps to establish how your U.S. studies
will be funded.
Evidence to prove that you intend to return to your home.
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