You can also obtain an F-1 Visa to attend a grammar school, junior high or high school.

You must show that you have enough money or financial support to study in the U.S. without working. You must also prove that you do not intend to immigrate to the U.S.

Call or write any school that you are interested in attending and complete their application for enrollment.

Many schools require a foreign student to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) asa a part of their application process.

Once a school accepts you for admission, they will issue a Form I-20 – Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status.

Note: Before they issue Form I-20 to you, the school must make certain you have sufficient financial resources to study full-time (without working).

Your form I-20 will tell you the estimated cost of one year’s study at the school.

Proof of sufficient resources can come from your own funds or those of close family members.

You can show proof of financial capability in several ways:

1. If you have the personal resources to pay for your own education, you should submit the following as evidence:

Bank Account Information

Trust Statement

2. If you do not have the personal resources to pay for your education, you will need an Affidavit of Support from an immediate family member:

• Affidavit of Support – A family member (parent, brother or sister) may complete the affidavit of support. It should be dated less than six months from the date of submission. The following must accompany the Affidavit of Support:

1. If a distant relative or friend will be supporting you, they should deposit the money directly into your personal bank account.

If the student is already in the U.S. on a Temporary Visa, the application for F-1 Status is submitted to the INS Regional Service Center. If the student is approved, he or she will receive an approval notice in the mail form the INS.

If the student is abroad, the student applies for the F-1 Visa at the American Consulate. If the student is approved, he or she will receive a stamp in his/her passport.

Spouse and dependent children can get the F-2 status. They can apply with the student or at a later time. If your family members apply for F-2 status at a later date, they will need their own form I-20. They will also have to show the INS substantial financial resources, as they will not be allowed to work in F-2 Status.

1. On Campus Employment – An F-1 student may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in full session and full time during vacations.
2. Curricular Practical Training – These are co-op training programs and internships. You must be participating in a work study program that is part of a regular course of study or is a degree requirement. You must receive permission from your foreign student advisor to engage in curricular practical training.
3. Pre-Completion Practical Training – An F-1 student may work off-campus in a field related to his studies for no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session. He may also work full time during vacations as long as he intends to register for the following term.

The time spent in Pre-Completion Practical Training will be deducted from the 12 months of full time employment available for Post-Completion Practical Training. For example, if you work 20 hours per week for 4 months, you will have 2 months deducted from the 12 months allowed for Post Completion Practical Training.

Your foreign student advisor must certify, by completing form I-538, that the employment is directly related to your major area of study.

4. Employment Authorization Based on Severe Economic Hardship – If unforeseen circumstances lead to a change in your financial situation, you may obtain permission to work off campus. You my work for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and full time during vacation periods.

Examples of unforeseen circumstances include: Loss of your financial aid or on-campus employment through no fault of your own, an unexpected increase in your cost of living or tuition, large medical expenses, a decrease in the value of your home country currency, or an economic loss suffered by you sponsor.

You must have completed one academic year in F-1 status to qualify.

5. Post-Completion Practical Training – As an F-1 student, you are eligible for up to 12 months of Post –Completion Practical Training.