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Who is an International Student?
All persons who are not U.S. citizens or nationals who wish to come to the United States for a specific, limited activity are considered nonimmigrant aliens and require a visa to enter the country. There are several categories of nonimmigrant aliens, each with special benefits and requirements. All nonimmigrant aliens who seek to achieve a specific educational or professional objective, such as a degree, through a full course of study require an F-1 student visa. Students in F-1 status fund their education through personal funds, a financial sponsor(s), or scholarship funds.
F-1 International Students
An F-1 student is a nonimmigrant who is pursuing a "full course of study" to pursue a degree or learn English. F-1 students require an I-20 to enter and remain in the United States.
F-1 student status is acquired in one of two ways:
- If the student is abroad, an I-20 will be mailed to you. Students must then obtain an F-1 visa with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to enter the United States. Please note that some countries are exempt from the visa requirement.
- If the student is already in the United States on a valid visa (not an F-1), they must submit an Application to USCIS for a Change of Status.
WARNING: Since you have already contacted Bloomfield College in regard to becoming a student, entering the U.S. on a B-1 or B-2 tourist visa would be considered “fraudulent entry”. Pursuing a full-time course of study in the U.S. as a B visitor is prohibited by federal regulations and would put you in violation of status. Do not listen to people who say it is easy to enter the country as a visitor and change your status to F-1 student status. A change of status takes up to 6 months to process and students are not permitted to study while their application is pending with USCIS.
Once the student’s educational objectives have been attained, the F-1 student is expected by the U.S. government to return to his or her residence abroad.
What is an I-20 Form?
The form I-20 is a U.S. government document issued for the purpose of obtaining an F-1 visa to enter the U.S. under the F-1 status. It certifies that you are a “bona fide” student; have met all of our admission requirements; will pursue a full course of study at Bloomfield College; and have proven that you have sufficient funds to study and live in the U.S. without working unlawfully.
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