Top 10 Immigration Rules for International Students in the United States

Knowing the immigration rules international students coming to the United States must adhere to will make your journey a smoother one.

There is a growing interest in international students to study in the United States. This is a result of the quality of education and global exposure available to them.

In this article, we’re going to be looking at top 10 immigration rules for international students in the United States. 

First, let’s take a look at the important immigration requirements for international students in the United States. Then we’ll discuss the top 10 immigration rules for international students in the United States.

What are the Immigration Requirements for International Students in the United States?

There are immigration requirements for international students seeking to study in the United States. These requirements must be met before a student is granted authorization to travel and study in the United States

Here is a list of requirements for international students seeking to study in the US;

1. Acceptance by a SEVP-Approved Institution: 

Obtaining a student visa (F-1 or J-1) requires acceptance into a U.S. educational institution that has received approval from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). 

The school will issue the student an important document upon admission. The form will either be Form I-20 (for F-1) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1).

2. Financial Proof 

Studying in the United States is quite expensive and you must show proofs that you or your sponsor have the financial capacity to fund it. 

International students are responsible for demonstrating their ability to pay their tuition and living costs. Various financial documents, such as bank statements, affidavits of support, or letters confirming scholarship grants, may be required.

3. SEVIS Fee Payment 

International students must pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee before scheduling a visa interview. 

The SEVIS fee assists the Student and Exchange Visitor program (SEVP) in keeping accurate records of students and exchange visitors.

4. DS-160 Form Completion

Students should fill out the online DS-160 form. This serves as the visa application.  It is essential to review the form for accuracy.

5. Visa Interview 

Students must show up for a pre-scheduled, in-person interview. This interview is done at the American embassy or consulate in their home country.

This is a part of the visa application procedure. This interview provides an opportunity to discuss academic goals, financial security, and ties to their country of origin.

What are the Immigration Rules for International Students in the United States?

There are immigration rules that international students in the United States must adhere to. These rules were made to ensure international students get the best out of their studies while staying out of trouble.

1. Obtain a Student Visa (F-1 or M-1)

The first step for international students planning to study in the United States is obtaining a student visa. 

Most international students will need either an F-1 or M-1 visa. This depends on their course of study. The F-1 visa is for academic students, while the M-1 visa is for vocational and technical students. 

Before applying for a student visa, students must be accepted by a U.S. educational institution. They must also demonstrate proof of financial support, and show intent to return to their home country upon completion of their studies.

2. Maintain Full-Time Enrollment

This is a fundamental requirement for international students studying in the United States. For undergraduate students, this typically means enrolling in at least 12 credit hours per semester. Graduate students may have different requirements. 

Dropping below full-time status without prior authorization from the designated school official (DSO) can lead to a violation of immigration status and potential deportation.

3. Keep Your I-20 Form Updated

The I-20 form is also known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. It is a crucial document for international students in the United States. 

This form is a multi-purpose document issued by a government-approved, U.S. educational institution. It certifies that a student has been admitted to a full-time program of study and has the financial capacity to carry on the study. 

It is important to keep the I-20 form updated and valid at all times. Any changes to the program of study, funding, or personal information must be reported to the DSO immediately to avoid immigration complications.

4. Work Only with Authorization

International students in the United States are not allowed to work off-campus without proper authorization.

Engaging in unauthorized work can result in serious immigration consequences, including deportation.

5. Renew Your Visa if Necessary

Student visas are typically valid for the duration of the student’s program of study. You also get an additional 60 days for departure from the United States.

However, there are instances where students may need to renew their visas. If an international student’s visa expires while they are still in the United States, it does not affect their immigration status. 

But if they plan to travel outside the United States and re-enter, they will need to renew their visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Also Read: How to Pack Your Luggage for International Flights as a Student

6. Report Change of Address

International students are required to report any change of address to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 10 days of moving.

You can do this online through the USCIS website or by mailing Form AR-11. Failing to update your address can delay receiving important immigration documents and may lead to problems with maintaining legal status.

7. Be Aware of the Grace Period

Upon completing their program of study, international students on an F-1 visa have a 60-day grace period. This enables them to prepare for departure from the United States, transfer to another educational institution, or change their visa status. 

During this time, students are not allowed to continue studying or working. The government expects you to make necessary arrangements before the end of the grace period to avoid immigration violations.

8. Understand the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement

Some international students may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement. You can also call it the “212(e) rule”. 

This rule applies to J-1 visa holders and certain exchange visitors who receive funding from the U.S. government or their home government to participate in an exchange program. 

Students subject to this requirement must return to their home country for at least two years before they can apply for certain types of U.S. visas or permanent residency.

9. Maintain Valid Passport

International students must maintain a valid passport at all times while studying in the United States. 

It is the student’s responsibility to renew their passport before it expires. You will need a valid passport for travel, visa renewals, and other immigration-related processes.

10. Consult with the Designated School Official (DSO) Regularly

International students are required to maintain open communication with their DSO throughout their stay in the United States.

DSOs are trained to assist international students with immigration-related issues. Regularly consulting with your DSO can help ensure that you are complying with all immigration rules and regulations. You are also provided guidance and support when needed.

It may be challenging to navigate the U.S. immigration system. This article serves as a guide to help you navigate smoothly. The immigration rules for international students are in place to ensure that optimal learning experience for international students is achieved.