{"id":30197,"date":"2023-05-16T13:49:01","date_gmt":"2023-05-16T12:49:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/?p=30197"},"modified":"2024-03-05T11:26:41","modified_gmt":"2024-03-05T11:26:41","slug":"8-facts-international-students-need-to-know-about-us-visas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/8-facts-international-students-need-to-know-about-us-visas\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Facts International Students Need to Know About US Visas"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every year, approximately 700,000 international students come to the United States to study.\u00a0 Every single one must apply for and receive the F-1 student visa in their passport before coming to the US.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once international students have graduated, they can apply for US work authorization known as \u201cOptional Practical Training\u201d or \u201cOPT.\u201d\u00a0 This authorization is good for one year and allows the students to work in any role that is directly related to their course of study.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Applying for your first student visa to completing your OPT can cover as many as five years. It can be complex, confusing, and stressful. That\u2019s why my team is here\u2014to help every student at Hult International Business School<\/a> navigate this complicated but necessary process to studying and gaining work experience in the U.S.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before we get into what the visa team at Hult can do for you, let\u2019s answer some of the most common FAQs we get from international students wanting to study at a US campus:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a01.<\/strong> <\/span>Do I need a student visa to study in the US?\u00a0 I have a 10-year tourist visa, can\u2019t I use that?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

All students, regardless of country of origin, must obtain the F-1 visa in order to study in the US.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. How long does it take to get an F-1 Visa?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

The process to get the visa can take as little as 3-4 weeks or as long as 4-6 months.\u00a0 If you have your passport and financial documentation in order and it has been submitted to your visa coordinator (VC), the I-20 can be generated quickly.\u00a0 Where we see delays is in securing visa appointments.\u00a0 Even with COVID fading, there are still long wait times at <\/span>some<\/span><\/i> embassies and consulates around the world.\u00a0 Your VC can help you strategize a plan to best secure your visa.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Can the Visa Team guarantee a five-year multiple-entry visa?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

The US Visa team only controls the issuance of the I-20.\u00a0 The dates on the I-20 will reflect the beginning and end of your academic program.\u00a0 It is up to the discretion of the Consular officer to determine your visa dates.\u00a0 It could be a five-year visa or a visa just for the length of the program.\u00a0 You cannot request a certain amount of time.\u00a0 Some decisions on visa issuance depend on your country of origin.\u00a0 The important thing to remember is that once in the US, <\/span>your I-20 keeps you here legally<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0 If you have questions about your visa and any travel you anticipate during your program, always consult the visa team prior to departure.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Can I work while studying in my Hult program?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

A good question!\u00a0 Work authorization is HIGHLY restricted for F-1 students.\u00a0 They may work on campus if there is an available on-campus job, but no work off campus is permitted.\u00a0 Students are also NOT permitted to do \u201cremote\u201d work for a company in their home country, while in the U.S.\u00a0 \u201cVolunteering\u201d is also restricted.\u00a0 Anyone considering a volunteer opportunity in the US must first get permission from the visa team.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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5. When will I hear more about doing internships and working after graduation?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Once students are welcomed to campus and classes are underway, the US Visa Team will provide information sessions about internships, OPT and STEM OPT, on campus.\u00a0 We also maintain daily, Monday through Friday, advising hours for any visa-related questions.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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6. How will Hult support me on OPT or STEM OPT?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

All of Hult\u2019s international students benefit not only from support of the visa team but also from Hult\u2019s careers team.\u00a0 Evidence clearly shows that those students who sought advice from both teams, consistently during their degree program, are those who are most successful.\u00a0 Learning how to navigate the US employment landscape and understanding how to communicate your own value to a US employer is the key to securing a job that meets or exceeds your professional aspirations.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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7. Can my family members come with me during my academic program?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Yes.\u00a0 The U.S. Government allows legal spouses and children to accompany the F-1 student, should they choose to do so.\u00a0 There is an extra funding requirement of 5,000$ per dependent.\u00a0 A student\u2019s parent, sibling, or any other relative is not permitted nor are caregivers (Nannies) allowed to apply for dependent visas.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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8. Can I attend school part-time on an F-1 visa?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

All students with F-1 status must be enrolled full-time to maintain their legal visa status. Part-time study is not permitted.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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