Study in the States in 2021-2022

Getting an education in your home country is an easy thing to do. But stepping out of your home country to get a more certified education is quite hard. People often face anxiety when they are away from their family and friends to earn or get knowledge. But in both of these circumstances, we get to learn about the new culture and new lifestyle. Studying in the U.S is something that all students desire. This article will be a helpful guide to anyone who is planning to study in the U.S. People often ask what is it like to study in the States and which process helps them achieve their ambition of studying abroad?

Brief Introduction

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched Study in the States website to help the International students with their admission process. It aims to improve national security and controls the rules and regulations that need to be implemented for the students studying in the United States. Another purpose of this website is to help the students with the visa process, coordinate among the government agencies. Moreover, informing them about the penalties and rules and regulations of the States.

Student and Exchange Visitor Program

SEVP acts as a bridge for government organizations. This organization shows interest in accessing the information of non-immigrants whose basic reason for coming to the U.S. is to get an education. For the sake of DHS, SEVP deals with the schools, nonimmigrant students in the F and M visa classification, and their relatives. SEVP provides all the data related to the foreigner which is confidential and used only for national security purposes. Moreover, SEVP also administers the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). While studying in the U.S. if you plan to marry a citizen or get an offer of employment there, you can request U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to change your status of non-immigrant. For the students willing to participate in post-completion practical training, they should take guidelines from the SEVP portal about the resources required.

Applying Process

The first step of entering the U.S. as an International Student is to meet the eligibility criteria of your desired SEVP- certified school.

After being accepted, the designated school will issue two types of forms which you need to keep safe throughout your international cycle. These will be:

The Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status – For Academic and Language Students.”

SEVIS I-901 Form, “Remittance for Certain F, J and M Visa Nonimmigrants.”

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for all the foreigners to apply for study in the USA is based on their previous academic record and test scores. The universities will approve the admission on the basis of marks of tests like SAT, ACT, and TOEFL. Whereas, if you are willing to apply to graduate schools, you need to get good scores in GRE or GMAT tests. The admission office will send a complete guide about the academic programs and application forms. The student should consider the fee structure well before applying to any specific school or program.

Visas for Students

After receiving the forms, you need to apply for a student visa. At the education level, there are three categories of visas for students i.e. F1, F2, and M1 visas. The F1 visa is simply a study visa for students who want to study abroad in universities, schools, and colleges. The F2 visa is for the dependents of F-1 students. And lastly, the M-1 visa is for those who are interested in vocational studies like language training programs. Though, both F-1 and M-1 students share the same primary sources to enter the United States and enroll themselves in various programs. In case the F-1 students are planning to extend their program of study, they should consult with DSO first. After entering the United States with your visa, you should keep in mind to stay firm on your intended purpose.

STEM OPT Hub – It is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student’s program study’s program of study in an approved STEM field. The students of different programs who finish their degrees have the opportunity to further apply for STEM OPT Extension.

Program of Study

The next step you should take after entering the U.S. is to contact your school officials and get information about your program of study. The international students are advised to enter U.S. 30 days before the start of the program to avoid skipping classes. The United States is offering a wide variety of programs for both F and M students. But it is considered for foreigners to apply in the programs which are SEVP-certified. Some of the programs offered by the SEVP-schools for F and M students are given below:

• K-12 Schools
• Community Colleges
• STEM
• Undergraduate and Graduate Schools
• English Language Training

Study in the States in 2021-2022

In the current year 2021-2022, studying in the United States has become quite more difficult. It is because Coronavirus has impacted the international student life and SEVP-certified schools as well. Due to the outbreak, SEVP is closely monitoring the key developments and updating the students about the changes. The main aim of SEVP during this time period is to ensure that the F and M students can continue their normal progress by following the required federal regulations. SEVP will work to provide more flexible and special adaptations as the COVID-19 has created drastic environmental changes.

SEVP is getting hundreds of calls and emails on daily basis about the study in the States. And for this purpose, it is utilizing all of its time to initiate some safe methods to provide students with abroad education along with safety. The current status of studying in the States is summarized in the following points:

It is obligatory for every student to get their Corona Test first. Hence, if they are applying to get their student visa to the U.S.

The schools with F and M students are advised to submit their procedural documents to SEVP as per their guidance.

Due to the hurdles in flight availability, the students who are planning to study abroad should apply remotely. Hence, they should delay their schedule and wait for the updates.

The international students who are stuck in the U.S. and are unable to return home because of the delay in flights are advised to consult with their DSO for guidance. They can also apply remotely for further alternative study arrangements to avoid wastage of time.

For the students who are applying online to get admission to universities, and schools in the U.S.

It takes 3-5 days to get their approval mail.

Conclusion

Studying in the United States is a great opportunity for students who want to achieve a successful career. Along with the studies, students should avail all the opportunities they get regarding employment purposes. Because that might help them in getting a permanent U.S. visa. To enter studying in the States, the given eligibility criteria should be fulfilled.

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The student should follow the applying process step by step. Make sure to keep your I-20 and I-901 forms with you because only that will allow you to continue your education internationally. Choose your desired program of study by keeping in mind the certification of SEVP schools. Keep determined on your purpose of education while you are living in the U.S. because it will determine your maintenance status. If you are planning to apply for study in the States during this time period, take all the precautions given in this article.