Student Visas Attorney In Kansas City

J-Exchange Visitor:

The “J” exchange visitor program is designed to promote the interchange of persons, knowledge, and skills in the fields of education, arts, and sciences. Participants include students at all academic levels; trainees obtaining on-the-job training with firms, institutions, and agencies; teachers of primary, secondary, and specialized schools; professors coming to teach or do research at institutions of higher learning; research scholars; professional trainees in the medical and allied fields; and international visitors coming for the purpose of traveling, observing, consulting, conducting research, training, sharing, or demonstrating specialized knowledge or skills, or participating in organized people-to-people programs.

Q-International Cultural Exchange Visitor:

The “Q” international cultural exchange program is for the purpose of providing practical training and employment, and the sharing of the history, culture, and traditions of the participant’s home country in the United States.

What is the Process for Applying for a Visa?

In order to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, you must first be admitted to a U.S. college, university, or Department of State designated sponsor organization. After you are officially admitted, the U.S. institution or program sponsor will provide you with the appropriate SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)-generated document (either an I-20 or DS-2019). This form must be submitted to apply for a visa. Your school or program sponsor should send you information after you are admitted with instructions about what information you will need to apply for and what fees are associated with SEVIS fees and nonimmigrant student visa processing fees. You can apply for your student visa before your program begins and this is suggested however most people do not apply for this visa more than 120 days before their study or program starts because the US embassy or consulate cannot issue an F-1 or M-1 visa more than 120 days before the actual start of the program in the United States (J-1 visas may be issued at any time). However keep in mind that in order to apply for a visa you must have already been officially admitted to the institution or program.

At some point after you apply you will be scheduled for a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate nearest you. This process depends on each embassy or consulate. At this interview you will take your visa-qualifying document (I-20 or DS-2019), financial support documents, proof of payment of the SEVIS and visa fees, and a completed visa application form.

When you are issued a visa to enter the United States you will not be allowed to enter the country more than 30 days before the start of the program if you are an initial entry student. Returning students do not have this requirement.

What is SEVIS?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is administered by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This system is an internet based system that the US government uses to maintain data on foreign students and exchange visitors. The US schools or programs that are allowed to enroll foreign students are those that have been approved by the School Certification Branch of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Most US institutions of higher and vocational training receive this approval but it is your responsibility to insure that the institution is an approved institution before you apply for a visa.

What happens when I arrive in the U.S.?

US immigration law governs the entry, stay, and departure of all visitors or immigrants to the United States, including students and exchange visitors. These laws also detail what persons are authorized or prohibited from doing while in the United States during their stay. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the main agency responsible for monitoring and enforcing immigration laws.

When you arrive to the US (at the port of entry), you will receive a Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Card) and be required to complete this form before you enter within the US borders. This form is very important to you as it is the official record of your entry and stay in the United States and you should retain it in a safe place for the entire duration of your stay until the moment you depart the United States again.

What do I do when I arrive at the College, University, or Exchange Program?

When you arrive to your college, university or exchange program you should immediately report to the office that is responsible for international students, scholars, or exchange visitors. This office is usually called the Office of International Student Services, Office of International Education or International Programs Office. It is this office that you must report your arrival within the SEVIS system. This is very important to do as soon as possible after your entry in the United States as failure to do so may result in you being in violation of your immigration status. This office will also be of assistance to you to secure housing, help with local needs such as doctors, and provide you with information on immigration laws and what you are authorized or prohibited from doing while in the United States.

How Our Immigration Law Practice Helps You:

The Law Office of Jeffrey Y. Bennett, LLC assists students and exchange visitors in obtaining positive immigration results in a timely, personal, and professional manner. We carefully review your individual circumstances and provide in-depth immigration law legal analysis to determine which options are available to you. We also provide guidance and help in gathering the necessary information and documents for your visa, prepare all of the necessary application forms, and also ensure that your final application meets all government requirements.

If you would like to understand more about the application process and to find out if you qualify for a student visa or an exchange visitor visa, please contact Jeffrey Y. Bennett Law for a consultation at 816-656-3282 or schedule an appointment using our online contact form and click on Schedule an Appointment button located on the right hand side of the page.