Archive for January 30th, 2012

Are student visa’s available for Academic Students in grades 9-12?

Immigration, United States Immigration | Posted by Herman Dhade
Jan 30 2012

Are student visa’s available for Academic Students in grades 9-12?

 

Yes.  F-1 Student Visas are available for academic students in high school.  This visa allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, conservatory, academic high school, or other academic institution.  It is not available for persons seeking to enter the U.S. in order to attend a public primary/elementary school or a publicly funded adult education program.

 

The requirements for an F1 Visa for secondary schools:

  •             Secondary School (grades 9-12) visas are limited to 12 months of study;
  •       F-1 Students are required to pay the full cost of education:
  • Costs normally between $3,000 and $10,000;
  •            The F-1 student seeking a visa needs to be proficient in English or needs to be enrolled in courses leading to English Proficiency.

The consular officer will determine whether a student is eligible for an F-1 Visa.  Additionally, the applicants must demonstrate that they properly meet student visa requirements including:

  • The student has a residence abroad, with no intention of abandoning that residence;
  • The student intends to depart from the United States upon completion of course study, and;
  • Possesses significant funds to pursue the proposed study.

To apply for an F1 Visa: the student needs to apply to an SEVP approved school in the United State, and once accepted to the school the student needs to obtain Form I-20 from the school. The next step is to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. After paying the fee and receiving a receipt, the student needs to apply for a visa at any American Embassy.

 

Requirement documentation for an F-1 Visa:

  • Form I-20 (which is provided by the school)
  • Online Non-Immigration Visa Electronic Application, Form D-160;
  • A passport;
  • One 2×2 photograph;
  • An MRV Fee Receipt to show payment of Visa Application Fee;
  • The SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt;
  • Transcripts from previously attended institutions, and;

Financial evidence that shows you or your parents have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses.

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Benefits and Responsibilities of Citizenship

Immigration | Posted by Herman Dhade
Jan 30 2012

Benefits and Responsibilities of Citizenship

 

Gaining a citizenship to the United States is a great honor.  The status of permanent resident brings with it many benefits with it, but there are a few benefits that only come with citizenship.  The biggest benefit is the ability to show patriotism.  Some of the other rights only for citizen are:

  1. Voting in a federal election (most states also have a citizenship requirement);
  2. Ability to participate in politics and becoming an elected official
  3. Eligibility for federal funds;
  4. Obtaining citizenship for children born abroad;
  5. The ability to bring family member to the U.S. under a priority category;
  6. Being able to travel abroad using a U.S. passport which brings with it the assistance from the U.S. Government.

 

The rights listed above are not all the benefits but they are some of the most important.  However these rights also bring certain responsibilities.  Citizenship through naturalization is difficult to take away but not impossible.  It is important to keep in mind the following responsibilities both before naturalization and after naturalization for one to avoid losing their citizenship.

 

Before Naturalization:

  1. Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. to support and defend the constitution and laws of the U.S. as well as to serve the country when required;
  2. Participate in political process by registering and voting;
  3. Tolerance for differences of others;
  4. Participating in jury duty when called upon to serve.

 

Events that could lead to Denaturalization of a U.S. citizen:

  1. Lying to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) during the Naturalization process
  2. Conviction for an Act of Treason against the U.S.
  3. Serving in your Native (non-U.S.) country’s armed forces as an officer or serving while native country is engaged in hostilities or at war with the U.S.;
  4. Refusal to testify before Congress about your subversive activities;
  5. Holding a Policy level position in a foreign country or a high level administrative position where you make government policy.

 

Again it is important to keep in mind, this is not an exhausted list nor is it easy to take away a person’s citizenship.  A person’s citizenship cannot be arbitrarily revoked.  If you are not sure whether an act will put your citizenship at risk it is important to check with the proper channels before you act.   The USCIS offers many different resources to those who have question about their citizenship.

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