Questions about employment.
Questions about Co-Op Program (CPT).
Questions about tuition and Fees.
Questions about visas. 
Questions about admissions.

Questions about Visas:       

Q.  Do I have to apply for a visa in my own country?

A: The American consulates in each country of the world make the decision about whether or not a visa applicant must be in his/her own country in order to apply for a visa.  However, the general custom is that an international student can apply for a visa in countries other than his/her own.

Q.  Do I have to pay the Sevis fee before I go in for my interview?

A. Homeland Security is now requiring F-1 students to pay a $100 SEVIS fee before the student can apply for the visa.  Students will need a receipt showing payment of the fee before they can go to the visa interview.

Q.  How do I pay the Sevis fee?

A. Students can go to www.fmjfee.com and apply on line using a credit card which is the fastest. Students will receive an e-mail receipt which they will take to the consulate. You also may pay at a local Western Union. 

Q.  Can my spouse or children accompany me to the US ?

A. A spouse will be allowed to apply for a visa to accompany the student.  The spouse (with children) may apply at the same time the student applies, or may wait for several months to apply until after the student arrives in the U.S. and gets settled.   The spouse will need to show additional financial support or a bank statement with sufficient additional money to support him/her (and children) while accompanying the student spouse in the U.S.

Q.  Do I need permission from the INS to work off campus?

A. Students will have an F-1 student visa and, by the nature of the university's CPT program (which requires internship employment) no further permission is required by INS.   Once the student finds employment that is certified to be "curriculum related", the university through CPT Office, will issue the appropriate authorization signature allowing the student to begin working.

Q: My sponsor lives in the U.S. Will this be a problem for the visa officer? 

A: Yes, having your sponsor in the U.S. can be a problem for you when it comes to the issue of your significant ties to your home country.  It is even more important now for you to be able to explain your plan for the future as being in your home country rather than with your sponsor in the U.S.

Q:   Can I take a break during summer quarter to return to my country then return back to school for fall quarter? 

A: You must attend school full time for 3 consecutive quarters (9 months) and earn 18 credit hours before you are eligible to take a quarter off.  After you have finished 9 months of studies you are entitled to take a vacation for one quarter (about 3 months).   The vacation quarter can be any time of the year.  But, if you want to just keep on taking classes you are not obligated to take the vacation.

Q : What is required in order to bring my spouse and family?

A: In order for your spouse and/or children to accompany you, the university must issue a separate I-20 form.  Your family can apply for an F2 (dependant) visa. The university will need the following information for each family member (including spouse):  full name, date of birth, country of birth, country of citizenship and copy of passport.

Q: My visa duration is valid for only 2years  (i.e. from 22nd dec 2003 to 06th jan 2006 ). What are the chances of getting my VISA extended after the due period?

A: Having a 2 year visa does not mean that you have to go back to your home country at the end of two years.  Rather, you can stay for as long as you like beyond the two years to finish your education in the U.S.    The length of the visa just limits how long you have to cross the border into the U.S.   That is, if, during those two years you want to go home to visit a number of times you can use that visa (permission to cross the border into the U.S.) as often as you like.   But, after the two years are over, you need to renew your visa so that, if you leave the U.S. and come back, you will have a valid visa to do so.   All visas can be renewed for students who are still in the U.S. and want a longer time to come and go.  Consequently, there is nothing to worry about.   In fact, a lot of F-1 students are given a 6 month visa.   It just means they can come and go for 6 months before they apply for another permission to come and go.

Q: I am already in the US  on a B-1 visa.  Can I change to F-1?

A: Yes, you are eligible to apply for a change of status. You first need to apply for admission, finalize all admission requirements, obtain I-20 form and admission letter, and then apply. You will not be allowed to start studying until after your status is changed to F-1.