The Student Visa

Application Process

Presented by Rachel Brunette-Chen

American Institute in Taiwan

Spring, 2004
 International Students Facts
586, 323 foreign students enrolled 2002-03
Asian students over 56% of total
2002-03 Taiwan ranked 5th worldwide in
number of students studying in the U.S.
28,017 Taiwan students in U.S. 2002-03
Most popular field are business and
management, engineering, and computer
science

Source: Institute of International Education

 Student Visas Issued at AIT
15547
16000 14466 14878
13425 14042 13109 13767
14000
11373
12000
10309 10679
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
 Student Visas
Student visas are Non-Immigrant Visas
3 types: F-1, J-1, M
Student applicants must:
Have a well-established residence outside the
United States.
Intend to return to Taiwan.
Be bona fide, full-time students.
Full Course of Study Requirement
Undergraduate Students
12 credit hours Fall and Spring Semesters
Graduate Students
8 credit hours Fall and Spring Semesters
With Assistantship: 6 credit hours Fall and Spring
Semesters
Exceptions: academic need for reduced course
load, medical emergency, final semester,
thesis/dissertation
 Duration of Status
Completion of program for F-1: 60 days to depart

Completion of program for J-1: 30 days to depart

Approved withdrawal from classes: 15 days to depart

Those who withdraw or reduce to less than full time

without approval: Immediately
ALL
Students
must have a
valid SEVIS
I-20

Student and
Exchange
Visitor
Information
System
 What is SEVIS?
SEVIS is a tracking system for international students
implemented in January, 2003.

SEVIS links colleges and universities, U.S. embassies

and consulates, U.S. ports of entry, Department of
State, and exchange visitor programs.

SEVIS information from educational institutions is

downloaded at Consular Offices that issue student
visas.
 Dependents
F-2, M-2, and J-2 visas are derivative status
visas for spouses/children of student visa
holders.
F-2, J-2, and M-2 dependents must have
their own SEVIS I-20.
F-2/M-2 dependents, except children
attending K-12, are not allowed to attend
classes full time and may not work in the
U.S.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is a program to allow F-1 students to get
12-months of work experience in the U.S.
Students apply for OPT at their school before
completing studies
Students are eligible for OPT if they:
Have been in full-time student status for at least 9
months prior to submission of OPT application
Are in F-1 full time status at time of application
Intend to work in a position related to their field of
study
 Suggestions for F-1 Students
Take 15 credit hours per semester. Dont
drop below a full course of study.
Dissertation and thesis students should
enroll every semester.
Inform school of name or address changes.
Practical training must be applied for
BEFORE completion of academic program.
 Also Remember...
Students can apply at AIT up to 90 days
before school starts.
Students can enter the U.S. up to 30 days
before school starts.
Students cannot work without approval.
Students must present a current I-20 when
reentering U.S.
Documents Required at Interview
Necessary Items Optional Items
Application form GRE/TOEFL/GMAT
(DS 156)
Score
Current and old passports
or EER Student ID
I-20 School transcript (for
Current photo returning students
Financial Evidence Household Registration
Receipt for application (for spouse/children)
payment
 Tips for the Interview
Dont be nervous
Organize your supporting documentation
Have a photo that is less than six months old
Clearly explain your educational goals and
what you want to do after studying in U.S.
Prepare to speak in English if English
proficiency is listed on I-20
 Why are students refused visas?
Discrepancies between SEVIS/I-20 and passport
biographical data
Students who are failing academically in Taiwan
Students lack strong ties to Taiwan
Student lacks English proficiency stated on I-20
Previous immigration or criminal violations in the
U.S.
 American Institute in Taiwan
Check our website for interview appointment
information: www.ait.org.tw
Application form must be in English
Interview hours are every day from 8:00 to 3:30,
Monday - Friday, except holidays and the first day
of the month
OF-156 application form is available online or at
the Consular Information Window on Hsin Yi
Road
 Common Questions
If I change schools, do I need a new I-20?
The only time the I-20 and the visa need to have
the same name is on the initial entry into the U.S.
After that, you can change schools and use the
same visa.
If my passport expires, do I need a new visa?
No, you just need a new passport and an
endorsed I-20.
 Common Questions #2
How do I reapply for a student visa?
Follow the same procedures that you did in the
first application. You will need to show
transcripts from the U.S. to show your progress
towards a degree.

Do I need a new visa for OPT?

No. Students are eligible for OPT after
completing 9 consecutive months of college-level
courses. Application is through the students
academic institution. Training must end within 14
months of completion of study.
 Common Questions #3
When will AIT begin bio-enrollment procedures?

All applicants at AIT will be required to take

finger scans upon application for U.S. non-
immigrant and immigrant visas beginning in
September, 2004.
For further information

Visa Information
http://www.ait.org.tw

Study in the United States

http://www.educationusa.state.gov
http://www.ief-usa.org
http://fulbright.saec.edu.tw/






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