Studying and working in the United States

In general, it is not allowed to work in the United States on a student visa. Although you can get jobs within the university as a teaching assistant or assistant librarian, you will not have the opportunity to acquire additional funds from this type of work as they are highly competitive, pay very little and you can not choose them for the first year of studies.

However, just after finishing your studies in the United States is allowed to complete an internship job known as "practical training" in a local company for a year, for which you must obtain a work permit. Once this period, you could opt for an H-1B visa, or temporary employment, if the employer gets sponsorship.

If you work without appropriate authorization can be violating U.S. law and you may be required to leave the country immediately.

To get an idea of ​​the jobs available, visit the pages of the major newspapers in the cities where they are located American universities.

Permanent Residency or Green Card

You can work legally and permanently in the U.S. if you get a Green Card or "Green Card". Many of them are granted by reason of employment. However, the process of obtaining can be slow.

For there to be an alien employment-based permanent residence must show that there is a shortage of U.S. citizens who can fill the position. The process to check this shortage is getting a labor certification with the Department of Employment.
Of course you get a "Green Card" is significantly more advantageous than a temporary visa. First because they will not have to leave the country at the expiration of a specified period, will have the same rights as nationals and their family members also are granted permanent residence, with all the associated benefits.

However, as is uphill to get permanent residency, good advice is to try to first obtain a temporary work visa and once established in the country, try to seek permanent residency, with the support of the company for which you are working.
The class of permanent visas are known as "green cards," although its official name is Alien Registration Card or "Alien Registration Receipt Cards". Years ago, these cards were green and there were the colloquial name. Currently are pink.

The "Green Cards" are given only to those who become permanent citizens and granted the right to live and work for the rest of their lives in America. Carrier will be required to live permanently in the country (no matter how many then travel out of it), otherwise the card and privileges will be revoked.
There is a small limit of the amount of "green card" that are given annually. Depending on the category for which you are choosing, the waiting period and may significantly delay approval, months or even years, because of the restricted share versus the huge number of requests.

Although there are many ways to obtain a "Green Card", they all have the same inalienable rights to its bearer. These cards are granted registration for various reasons, mainly to relatives of other residents, professionals in areas of high demand in the U.S. labor market, investors, refugees or simply by random lottery.

• Residence based on Employment
You can opt for permanent residency based on employment. However, there are limited fees that vary each year and finished relatively quickly.

To request a "Green Card" for employment should have a formal job offer from an individual or company in the United States. You must possess the academic and experience for the job you have been offered, and in most cases, the employer must demonstrate that there are Americans who can fill the position.

People with skills or academic skills or extraordinary, no need to have a job. However, these cases are very limited as it must have public recognition in the area of ​​science, arts, management, education or sport, a renowned professor or researcher, or an accredited executive or manager of a multinational company.

The U.S. government has established the following table of preference in the granting of permanent residence based on job opportunities:

First preference: Priority workers who have extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business or athletics. Teachers or researchers and managers or executives of multinational companies.

Second Preference: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability.

Third Preference: Professionals or workers with skills or without.

Fourth Preference: Religious workers and other categories of workers, and individuals.

Fifth preference: Individuals who are willing to make an investment of U.S. $ 1 million in a U.S. business, or $ 500,000 in an area of economic recession.

• Through family
While most green cards are allocated quotas, there is no limit on the amount of "green cards" that can be granted to family members of citizens. Applies to:

spouses of U.S. citizens, including widows and widowers,
under 21 years with at least one parent who is a citizen,
parents of U.S. citizens, from children over 21 years,
politicians and parents-children, if the parents' marriage took place before the 18th birthday of the children,
parents and children together through a process of adoption, if the legal act took place before the child's 16th birthday.

The government has established the following table of preference in the granting of permanent residence through family:

First preference. Single people, of any age, at least one parent is a citizen.

Second Preference: Spouses of holders of "green cards" and unmarried children under 25 years. This preference also covers unmarried children (over 21 years) of holders of "green cards".
Third Preference: Married people (of any age) at least one parent is a citizen.

Fourth Preference: Brothers and sisters of citizens over 21 years.

• For Adoption
There is a limited quota and considerable waiting time for those seeking permanent residency through an adoption process. Many people mistakenly think that immigrants can obtain a "Green Card" if adopted by an American. This is practically impossible, since age is required to be under 16. Residence cards under this category are for the use of citizens and permanent residents who genuinely wish to adopt a foreign child.

• For courtship and marriage
Are well known advantages granted the request a "Green Card" through marriage to a U.S. citizen. Therefore, many applications are made under this category, which has no quota limit. However, there must be a genuine intention to perform the marriage ceremony and only in the married status can apply for permanent residence.
If marriage is to be performed in the United States, the fiance (e) will apply for a K-1 temporary visa to travel to the country to marry, in a span of less than 90 days of arrival. Your children under 21 can enter as companions with a K-2. However, if the marriage does not take place in the period, the visa will be invalid and will be forced to leave the country.

It's no secret that many people who can not get permanent residency through other categories, resort to "fix" a marriage to a citizen of the country, for convenience. The law states that "Green Cards" must not be granted to marriages performed solely on the basis of obtaining residence.

The statistics that handle immigration authorities show that more than half of the cases of applications for residency by marriage are fraudulent. This act is considered a criminal offense and is punishable by years in prison, deportation and a lifetime ban to opt for a "Green Card". The U.S. citizen may also be punishable by imprisonment for taking part in the deception.

That is why the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services United States is so strict with these requests, investigates newlywed couples who choose one residence for foreign spouses and require a minimum of two years of marital cohabitation before granting a "Green Card" definitive.

• Residence by ethnic diversity (Lottery)
You can live and work legally in the U.S. if the call is favored by American Visa Lottery, which awards a number of visas to persons from countries with the lowest rates of immigration to the United States. The purpose of this program is to ensure ethnic diversity of those who migrate to this country, through a random selection process.

The number of participants is huge and is increasing every year, making it more difficult possibilities. Moreover, as it depends on luck, there is no guarantee that one day out favored.
The only advantage is that it is not required to have any special skill or competence in the academic or professional, to qualify.

Details on this program in section Visa Lottery .

• Residence for Investors
This category to get the "Green Card" has become very popular in recent years. They are very famous cases of American entrepreneurs who have sold their properties in the country and have raised their own businesses in the United States. The disadvantage is that it requires a significant investment dollars, which is difficult to achieve for most.

10,000 are granted green cards a year for investors, reserving 3 000 of them for investments in rural or high unemployment. Those interested must be willing to invest a minimum of U.S. $ 1 million to create a company or business, or expanding an existing one. It also requires that the investor employed, full time, at least 10 U.S. workers.

If the investor decides to locate in economically depressed region, you will require an investment of only U.S. $ 500 000.

Study in USA : Duration and Renewal

Student visas are granted for a period equal to the expected date of completion of studies. This date may be extended, if not yet culminated matters, taking into account the official date, delivered by the university. However, always delivered in the first edition with enough time, even for the internship.

If immigration officials can demonstrate that the delay is due to a student's academic malpractice is suspected and will not reach graduation, may decide to reject the extension and suspend visa.

If you want to stay in the U.S. after the expiration date of the authorization, it is important that the appropriate visa paperwork, which can be interpreted as you lied on your initial application and that your intention was always emigrate. This may affect your legal situation and create problems for your future in that country.

Having a student visa does not grant any advantage when applying for permanent residence or "Green Card" . However, having obtained a university degree (especially if it is in an area of ​​high demand in the United States) can afford to deal with a temporary worker visa or a green card based on employment.

Study in USA : Processing Costs

When submitting an application for a student visa must pay the required fees or "fees" as are known in English, by way of processing the file.

These costs are not refundable even if the visa is denied. The fee for processing a student visa to the United States is $ 160. Family members included in the application, must also pay this fee.

It is essential to include in the budget estimate of tuition and living expenses of the student :

http://studyinusauniversityandukuniversity.blogspot.com/2013/01/study-in-usa-tuition-and-other-fees.html

Study in USA : Tuition and other fees

The cost of studying in the United States may vary significantly, depending on the state or city where you make. Maintenance costs will also be different in each region.

These amounts are only approximate reference and what it can mean life as a student in the United States and do not include the price of tuition can vary considerably depending on the type of institution you choose. We recommend seeing dollar exchange rate, a day.

• Application for student visa $ 160
University Housing $ 700 per month

• Off campus housing per month U.S. $ 800-1500

• Monthly Phone U.S. $ 50-100

• Food Monthly $ 150-200

• Books semester $ 200

• Other (monthly) $ 100

Study in USA :Student visa in the U.S. Part 2

• Letters of reference and recommendation: Most colleges require the submission of at least three letters of personal and academic references, sent mainly by one of your teachers or even an employer. However, references supported policies vary from college to college. Each institution shall report on the features that should have these references.

Choose teachers who really know and can issue a valid opinion about your academic abilities and even personal skills. It is recommended that the teacher chose to speak and write in English, because the references should be written in that language, and in most cases letters must be submitted by the recipient completely closed, with no possibility that the student can read and send translate.

• Passport: The passport must be current and valid, with at least 6 months validity.

• Proof of studies: All documentation proving that you have passed previous studies in your country: titles legalized and translated, certified and legalized notes, achieved academic rank (the number you occupy in your promotion) and other details of received academic merit.

• Validation of academic credentials: As not all countries in the world operate with the same standards or academic systems in terms of levels, degrees or forms of assessment, it is likely that the university will undergo a credential validation to determine the equivalent of each title and reached the professional experience gained in the home country. This is extremely important, especially in pursuing admission to a university for postgraduate studies.

• Fluency in English: To pursue higher education in the United States must have an optimal level of English proficiency , which enables the student to understand the classes that will be taught (not applicable for English studies). Universities will not accept students who have not passed the language proficiency tests. The most common of these is the TOEFL test, which requires a minimum of 500 points, in most cases.
Although immigration authorities accept as valid the test result, whether in a personal interview, when applying for a visa, the officer doubt your abilities to speak English, has no authority to approve the visa.

• Proof of submission of academic proficiency tests: Depending on the career you choose, universities require the applicant submits standardized tests that measure academic knowledge . The most common are the GRE and GMAT.

• Funding Facts: You must supply the name and principal of the person (family) or organization that will take care of your expenses. If you wish to apply for college financial aid, this is the right time to make your request.

• Contact information: Be sure to include all data, so you can be contacted: all your phones, and email address. If you have a private postal service or PO Box sure to include, in addition to the mailbox number, physical address (ie, street or avenue) usually private shipping companies assign their clients.

Data entry of student tracking system
Once you have received the acceptance letter, the academic institution has approved you must register your details in a monitoring or automated database, known as "Exchange Visitor Information System".

You should contact the institution directly to verify that your registration information has already been registered properly in that database, before the visa application.

Importantly visa applications F, J, or M will not be processed until the embassy was able to confirm the student's record in this electronic database. This review also will apply to the families of principal applicants and students who have already begun studies in the United States.

After this verification, you can start the process of obtaining a student visa to the U.S. immigration authorities.
The documents necessary for the processing of student visa at the U.S. Embassy are:

Application Form
It should fill two different forms, the DS-158 visa application and the I-20 student permit. Both forms are handled by the embassy, ​​however, the I-20 can be applied to college (and indeed, this is what is recommended) and previously filled by the university authorities for admission.

Passport
The passport must be valid and current. With enough space to place the visa. The U.S. Embassy requires a minimum period of six months and at least 5 blank sheets available. In addition, previous visas will be reviewed to ensure that they always entered the country legally and were met with maximum stay dates.

Remember that when you fill the worksheets that delivers the Embassy, ​​on the line that says "Passport" must place the digits drilled present on all pages of the passport. A common mistake is to place the number on the biographical data page, which is usually the identification number or PIN.

Academic papers
It presents all the documentation that previous studies have approved in your country: titles, notes certified, you occupy your number and details of your promotion merit. All these documents must be legalized and translated into English by a certified public. Do not give originals of these documents but photocopies.
Proof of financial solvency
The U.S. Embassy requires proof that counts (at the time) with the amount sufficient to pay all expenses for the first year of studies. You can even ask to be paid as advance.
It must demonstrate that it has sufficient funds to pay for the remaining years or months lasting studies, regarding maintenance and tuition. To verify that you have sufficient resources, you must submit bank statements, credit cards, bank references, proof of scholarships or sponsorships, letters from parents or guardians, financial statements, etc..
Fluency in English
It is important that you attach proof of sufficient English proficiency .

Photographs
It prompted a recent photograph. The U.S. Embassy clearly specifies that should measure exactly 4 × 4 cm, with light background and without glasses.

Demonstration of incentives to return
If you travel with a student visa must prove that you have strong ties to the home country, a home, family, property, material possessions, work or a job which culminated return after studies.

Medical Exam
United States requires mandatory medical examinations only for those applying for permanent residence or being processed, however, it must be prepared if this requirement is required. The conditions and requirements of this test should be consulted before the embassy, ​​as they have their own list of physicians authorized to perform the check.

Health Insurance
The cost of health services in the United States are extremely high. It is therefore essential to have adequate health insurance, to protect you against any unforeseen. Although there are many options on the market, you can also get health insurance from the university you attend. It has an annual cost of approximately U.S. $ 600.
Charter working
In some cases, the student is required to submit a certification from the company guaranteeing immediate employment upon completion of studies. This applies especially in the case of students who have been awarded grants by the companies they work for.

Study in USA :Student visa in the U.S. Part 1

The Immigration and Citizenship of the United States government (USCIS) and the State Department have established new regulations for foreigners wishing to study in this country. The measures will be required, without exception, a student visa before school started. Previously, those interested in studying in this country could apply for a student visa and attend classes during the period of application processing.

Prerequisite is that all academic institutions, admission register their students and data by taking courses in a monitoring system in an automated database.

Schools, colleges and universities must enter data into the database known as "Exchange Visitor Information System". Applicants should contact the institution directly to check beforehand that your registration information has been properly and timely recorded in this database before you apply for the visa.

Importantly visa applications F, J, or M will not be processed until the embassy was able to confirm the student's record in this electronic database. This review also will apply to the families of principal applicants and students who have already begun studies in the United States.

They will also be intensified verification processes and data collections, so it is advisable to review fine each of the official requirements.

The authorities of the embassy warned that in some cases applicants may have to wait "a lot longer" to get their visas and were advised that those interested in such temporary visas make the application well before the scheduled travels.
Student Visa
There are two types of student visas for the United States. The so-called F-1 and M-1, which differ in the type of tests to be conducted, but both pursue a degree, diploma or certificate. Fortunately there are no limits on the number of student visas that can be granted each year.

• F-1 Academic or Language Studies
It is the most common student visa, aimed at those who wish to pursue academic studies in higher education institutions, or long courses of languages. It should only take classes in specific institution approved the request, but is authorized career change or institution duly notifying immigration authorities. You can only work within the university facilities and practical training or internship to graduate. This visa has a duration equal to the estimated time it will take the curriculum.

• M-1 Vocational Studies
It is aimed at those who wish to pursue vocational (non-academic) offices or areas of work that the labor market. The student will be limited to taking classes only in the specific institution approved the request and never allows the change of career or area of ​​study. In most cases, only allowed to work within the university or as part of a program of practical training or internship. Is authorized for up to one year.

Both types of visas allow travel and stay at home in the company of their immediate families (spouses and children) who are granted visas F-2 or M-2. However, escorts may not work during their stay.

Procedures and requirements
The application process for a student visa, should be handled directly with the consular authorities of the United States. In the "authorities", in this chapter, you will find all the information you need on the U.S. Embassy and how to contact immigration authorities.
We will describe step by step, the steps you must take to apply for a student visa and the requirements you must meet to achieve that goal.
Letter of acceptance from a U.S. institution
Before processing the visa at the embassy, ​​you must have a letter of acceptance or proof of home study that has U.S. government approval for foreign students. Most universities and other institutions have this validation.

The first thing to do is to select at least six universities where you can pursue your degree program of interest. Then you should contact each of these houses of study to let them know your wishes of income.
This first contact with the college of your choice can be made by post or by email and should contact the Admissions Department. In a short text, you will identify mentioning your name (always write your name in the same way throughout the admissions process, especially if you translate it into English, for example, Richard, instead of Ricardo), age, nationality, grade your intentions clear academic study at the institution. It is also important that you indicate the academic program selected and the date you wish to start your studies. It is not necessary to send any type of document. This letter simply seeks to college formally request that you send the application form for admission and information documents necessary to successfully complete the login process.

If you want to get college financial aid, no reports on this first contact about your intentions. Reserve the formal request for financial support for when you submit the official application form for admission.

Universities sent to interested contacted the admissions application package, within which is the form I-20, which should be duly filled and returned to the university, accompanied by several documents for verification and approval. In many cases, the university fills out most of this return, so it is essential that the student requests a copy once completed. The I-20, must be filed with the U.S. Embassy later.

Some universities, before submitting the application packet for admission, require the applicant to complete a preliminary process of admission or "preliminary applications". In this case, the institution will send the preliminary application form for admission, which must be completed by the student. This process allows the university authorities for admission, to determine whether or not the candidate is able to continue the formal process for admission.
In their preliminary admission prompted the student information about academic conditions on their professional goals and objectives and about the reasons why you consider that such an institution could contribute to their training.

If the authorities consider that the goals, objectives and abilities of the applicant are compatible with the university, then send the admission form.
Once the applicant receives the application form or form I-20, you must complete and submit as soon as possible, because the sooner the authorities receive the form and attached documents may be sent faster response.
Generally the admission application form must be accompanied by certain documents, which must be written in English or translated into this language by a certified public. It is important to note that the information that is provided must be true and verifiable.

No original documents to be sent, but copies of each. In general, all the documents photocopied before being shipped, it is good practice to be done for security against any loss and as proof of shipment.

It is also recommended that all shipments are made via private email, to ensure the safety of shipping and effective delivery as defined lapses. In our "Essential information" pordrás find contact information necessary for companies specializing in international shipping services.

The most important documents to be prepared to apply the letter of acceptance from an American university, are:

• Personal information: This is a very important part of the application for admission. The applicant must provide information about their skills, career goals and talents (like sports or artistic abilities, for example). Many international students have a valuable cultural and academic experience to share. It is necessary to note that the personal information be provided, the authorities provide the necessary admission for your profile as a person and not just as student achievement data and precise.

• Letter of motivation: This is a short essay in which you must explain why you want to enter the university. It is convenient to relate the specific motivations own personal past. This text is a good time to describe the benefits that college offers, linking directly with the academic abilities and personal skills that must be supplied as personal information.

• Curriculum: It is recommended to attach an updated curriculum, highlighting studies, academic qualifications achieved, received academic honors, extracurricular activities and work experience made ​​with that account.