The United States has many prestigious educational institutions. Students from other countries sometimes come here to study at a particular institution, pursue personal enrichment or reconnect with family members who now live in the United States.
To study in the United States, students typically need special visas. There are F visas for traditional educational institutions and M visas for vocational institutions. In special scenarios, students may also apply for B visa for short-term studies.
Every visa program has slightly different requirements. A background check is a universal requirement. Sometimes, applicants also have to attend an interview. They meet with workers from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to discuss their background and their educational pursuits.
Only some students need to attend an interview
Aspiring students who want to study in the United States do sometimes need to attend a USCIS interview to qualify for a visa. The type of visa they seek is not the determining factor when it comes to immigration interviews. Instead, the main consideration is the age of the visa applicant.
Younger students who are not yet 14 years of age do not have to undergo an interview. However, students in middle school, high school or college typically do need to complete an interview to secure a student visa.
There is also an interview exception for those pursuing an education in their golden years. Applicants over the age of 80 do not need to attend a USCIS interview to secure a student visa. Anyone between the ages of 14 and 79 may need to prepare for an interview as part of the visa application process.
If a student visa applicant succeeds, they can potentially study in the United States for a set amount of time. They may be able to renew their visa if they continue studying at qualifying educational institutions after their initial visa expires. In some cases, students who study in the United States for long enough may eventually qualify for a green card or for other immigration programs.
Learning about the requirements for a student visa can benefit those who want to study in the United States. While interviews may intimidate many people, they should not deter someone from pursuing their academic goals.