Published: March 10, 2023
Besides stable job opportunities, the United States is known for its prestigious schools and educational programs. No wonder students from around the globe desire to have a US student visa. Fortunately, the US government welcomes international students and fosters their academic development. Statistics show that 948,519 international students studied in the US during the academic year 2021-2022.
In 2022, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued 442,531 student visas, 437,018 for the F student category and 5,513 for the M vocational student category. Based on this count, the number of student visa issuance has been rising since the pandemic. Experts expect more students to apply for US student visas.
Finishing in an American university with a distinguished degree can be life-changing. But before imagining the possibilities after graduation, interested students should comply with the prerequisites. One of the essential steps is acquiring a student visa. International students cannot stay or study within the country without it.
Applicants should be keen on the requirements to qualify for a student visa. One of the most common is to possess a specific level of English proficiency. Besides speaking English, those intending to get a student visa may also need to exhibit documents to prove their language proficiency.
Available Student Visas in the US
A student visa is an indispensable requirement for nonresidents and noncitizens to study within the United States. Neither visitor visas nor the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) could enable foreign nationals to enroll in US schools except for recreational and non-credit programs that may form part of tourist visits.
Before learning how to apply for a student visa in the US, it is advisable to be familiar with the different kinds of student visas.
F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 or academic student visa enables immigrants to enter the US as full-time students in accredited colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, elementary schools, and other educational institutions. The F-1 visa students’ program should issue a degree, diploma, or certificate at the culmination. Further, the educational institution should have the US government’s authority to cater to international students.
M-1 Student Visa
The M-1 visa is for vocational and nonacademic students, except those taking courses for language training. M-1 students should take full courses in accredited colleges and other educational institutions.
J-1 Exchange Visa
The J-1 visa is not exclusively a US student visa. It is a non-immigrant visa covering research scholars, professors, and exchange visitors participating in exchange programs within the US. The sponsors of J-1 visa students should be accredited educational or other nonprofit institutions. In addition to completing their exchange programs, J-1 visa holders may study within the country
Note: You can work in the US with a student visa with proper work authorization such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Discuss this matter with your school’s Designated School Official (DSO).
English Language Proficiency Requirement for US Student Visa
Parties interested in getting an international student visa in the US should comply with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) requirements. Since it can be challenging to study within the country without understanding English, several SEVPs impose a minimum level of English proficiency among non-American students. Most of the time, the English prerequisites form part of the overall school admissions process. Expect that each school and program will impose unique sets of requirements.
The USCIS will then inspect the English proficiency levels of applicant students before processing their visa eligibility documents. It is among the most integral US student visa requirements. An immigrant may only acquire a student visa after exhibiting satisfactory English proficiency.
Student Visa Proficiency Tests
As mentioned earlier, applicants interested in acquiring a US visa for students must possess a specific level of English proficiency. Applicants should pass an English proficiency test to prove they can read, write, listen, and speak English. The USCIS does not prescribe a specific test.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The TOEFL is ideal for college students. It is a test based on American English used in a university setting. The examination has sections that test your reading comprehension, listening, speaking, and writing skills. Examinees may finish the test within 4 hours.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
IELTS is recommended for those wanting to establish proficiency in British English. It covers the same four sections as the TOEFL. However, in comparison to the latter, the former is shorter. In IELTS, an examinee can choose between the academic and general training tests. They may finish the test within 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
The PTE Academic test covers Australian, Canadian, British, and American English. It is a computer-based test that has essays and grammar-related tasks. Students can finish the test within three hours.
English Proficiency Test Waiver Eligibility
Schools can issue a waiver for taking and passing English proficiency tests. However, the conditions for such a waiver may vary per school and program.
Most of the time, schools may waive the test in favor of students from countries whose primary language is English. It is presumed that citizens of these countries are already well-versed in the English language. Also, schools waive the English proficiency test for post-graduate students who took an undergraduate course with English as its primary language of instruction.
Coordinate with school representatives to learn if your school grants English proficiency test waivers.
Student Visa Holders After Graduation
US student visa holders should leave the country at the end of their program. For example, F-1 visa holders should leave within 60 days after their program’s end date unless they apply for OPT change their status or apply for or an extension.
After graduation, students may choose to work within the United States if they apply for OPT or a work visa. Choosing this option requires in-depth understanding of immigration policies, too. Coordinate with a trustworthy immigration lawyer to discover your legal options.
Expert Los Angeles Immigration Lawyers Here to Help You
Being an international student in the United States can be challenging. Besides adjusting to social and cultural norms, one should also be mindful of the legal implications of their US student visas. There is no need to carry all these burdens by yourself. ALG Lawyers and the rest of our legal team will be there for you.
We can help you figure out visa requirements and processes so that you can focus more on your studies. We are more than happy to provide clarifications to matters you find confusing. Let us know when is the best time to set a meeting.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)