I. BEFORE SCHOOL:

1. I want to study in the states!

If you are interested in studying in the United States, research the school or program that interests you the most. The Department of State’s EducationUSA helps prospective students learn about the types of education available in the United States, including community colleges, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and more.

Once you determine the level of education and degree you would like to earn, you can apply to schools. Only schools certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’s) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) can accept international students. You can use the Study in the States school search page to make sure the school you are interested in is SEVP-certified. You can also view the SEVP 101 tutorial to learn more about the various U.S. government roles in the international education process.

2. I have been accepted!

After your acceptance to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, you need to follow these steps before arriving in the United States:

• Get a Form I-20: Once you receive acceptance to an SEVP-certified school and provide evidence of financial support, as well as any other supporting documents, that school’s designated school official will send you a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status.” You will receive a Form I-20 from every school that accepts you.
• Pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information Service (SEVIS) Fee: All international students must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. You can pay your fee at FMJFee.com. For more information, view the Form I-901 Fee Payment tutorial.
• Apply for a visa to travel to the United States: You can apply for a visa to travel to the United States at your designated U.S. embassy or consulate. Make sure you bring all required documents with you.

Learn more about how you can get ready to go!

3. I have arrived in the United States.

Arriving in the United States should be a smooth experience if you have all of your documents with you.

You cannot arrive more than 30 days before your program start date. When traveling, always hand-carry all of your documents (such as your passport, Form I-20 and Form I-94). Do not pack any documents in your checked baggage.

Once you arrive, remember to contact your designated school official as soon as possible.

II. DURING SCHOOL:

1. How do I maintain my status?

There are important things you need to do in order to maintain your student status while you are in the United States:

• You must enroll in a full course of study within 30 days of arriving in the United States.
• You must make progress toward your educational objective (e.g., diploma, degree or certificate).
• Speak with your designated school official about any issues or if your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System information changes.

Learn more about maintaining your status.

2. How do I apply for benefits?

You may be eligible to work or drive while you are in the United States.

Driving: Every state has different rules for obtaining a driver’s license. Check out our Driving in the United States page to learn more.

Working: You may be eligible to work while you are in the United States. Check out our Working in the United States page to learn more about the rules and regulations pertaining to international student employment.

Social Security Number: In order to work in the United States, you will need a Social Security number (SSN).

Talk with your designated school official to find out more information.

III. AFTER SCHOOL;

I finished my program.

Status Change

Departure

Nguồn: http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/