Description: Person who enters the United States as a student, temporarily and solely for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study at an established institution of learning or other recognized place of study in the United States, and has no intention of abandoning his/her foreign residence.

Limitation: Only allowed to study at an institution particularly designated by him/her and approved by the Attorney General of the United States, and applied for by the educational institution. “Off-campus” employment is prohibited during the first academic year (i.e. first 9 months). Student I-20 Form must by signed by a school official (Foreign Student Advisor) prior to departure to the United States.

Special: After the first school year, off-campus employment is permitted only for 20 hours/week and as part of Practical Training (Curricular or Optional) as approved by the INS and the educational institution. On-campus employment is permitted during the first school year but limited to 20 hours/week and as long as it will not displace U.S. citizens or residents.

Application: You can not apply for this visa by yourself. You must have an educational institution issue a Certification of Eligibity (I-20) Form for you.

Duration of Stay: As long as the foreign student maintains his/her status in the U.S. (i.e. fulltime enrollment in classes and no unauthorized employment)