Guidelines for International Students

Published May 25, 2008
Many students from countries outside the United States want to attend American private schools. Peterson's Private Secondary Schools offers admissions information for several dozen schools which accept international students. As you can see from the various languages in which those pages are written, these schools are keen to have overseas students apply. These pages also give you an idea of typical admissions requirements for foreign students.
 
Be aware that not every private school is certified by the Immigration Service to accept foreign students. If in doubt ask the school.
 
Pay Attention To The Deadlines
It is important to stay organized and on top of deadlines throughout the admissions process. In addition non-Americans need a student visa to enter and stay in the United States in order to attend the private school which accepts them. Getting a student visa takes time and requires detailed documentation in support of your application.

Here are some points to consider:
 
1.  Complete and submit your school application.
The normal admissions process for each private school must be followed. Once you are accepted by the school, it will give you a Form I-20 which allows you to apply for a student visa. The Form I-20 is part of the Student  and Visitor Exchange Information System (SEVIS) which tracks information about all students coming to the United States.
 
2.  Complete and submit your visa application.
The student visa application and interview is a detailed process requiring you to attend an interview with a U.S. Consular official. You will have to complete many U.S. Immigration Service forms. Check with your local U.S. Consulate for details of payment information.
 
3. Schedule your visa application interview.
The student applying for the visa must meet with a U.S. Consular official. That means that you must spend time preparing for that interview. Know what questions will be asked. Understand how serious this part of the process is. It is often necessary to schedule visa interview appointments well in advance.
 
4. Have all documentation in order.
 A passport valid for at least six months is required. Academic documentation such as TOEFL test results, SSAT scores and transcripts of your high school work will also be reviewed. Documentation of adequate financial resources is required.
 
5. Pay attention to your visa restrictions.
Student visas have strict time limits. Adhere to those. Overstaying your visa by even one day can void your visa. In other words you cannot decide to change anything about your visa terms without serious consequences.

These two links will give you important information to help you prepare for a student visa application:
 

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