Student
Visas
(F1 Visa, J1 Visa, M1
Visa)
The United States has
focused particularly on foreign students and programs offered by educational
institutions for exchange visitors and foreign students since the tragic
events of September 11, 2001. In light of the Immigration Reform and
Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRAIRA) of 1996 and new measures like the USA
PATRIOT Act and the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of
2001, maintaining lawful student status has become absolutely critical to a
student's ability to remain in the U.S., accomplish his or her academic
goals, accept a period of practical training, or change to H-1B or lawful
permanent resident status.
SEVP and SEVIS: The
Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the
Secretary of Education, has developed a program entitled the Student and
Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to collect information pertaining to F
(Academic Students), J (Exchange Visitors), and M (Vocational Students)
nonimmigrant visa holders. The program requires educational institutions to
participate in the information collection program as a condition to its
continued approval. The operating system used to collect the information,
entitled the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS),
monitors and verifies the various steps involved in admitting foreign
students to the United States, such as the issuance of the I-20 or
IAP-66/DS/2019, visa issuance, admission to the U.S., and academic
enrollment.
PLEASE NOTE:
Since the tragedy that befell the U.S. on September
11, 2001, and the recent Iraqi conflict, security is extremely tight at all
ports of entry and throughout the United States. The Department of Homeland
Security and other government officials are warning travelers to expect
delays at all U.S. ports, whether by land, sea or air. Customs and
immigration officials are placing extra scrutiny on travel documents,
enhancing identification checks and asking more questions. Recently, the
Department of State announced a worldwide alert to American citizens,
especially those overseas. All U.S. embassies and consulates remain at a
heightened state of alert and more than 20 offices have already been closed.
Additional facilities may temporarily close or suspend public service from
time to time for security reasons. This could seriously inhibit foreign
students and exchange visitors from entering the United States.
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