Once you and your family have decided that you want to attend a boarding school or camp in the United States, it is necessary to obtain several government documents in order to enter the U.S. You must get these papers both from your country and from a representative of the U.S. Government. Here are steps you must take:
Apply for a passport. (Allow weeks or even months for this process) Ask what other specific exit documents are required by your country in addition to the passport to allow you to study abroad. These may include:
Legal agreements requiring you to return at a specific age, at the completion of your program or for military service. Financial disclosures verifying the amount of money you are taking from the country. Educational agreements.
Start the process for Entering the United States:
Obtain an I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for student applicants) from the school you are going to attend. Most schools will mail this form to your home upon acceptance. You will need to go to your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consular Office to apply for an F-1 student visa. In order to apply you will need to complete Form OF-156, an Application for Non-Immigrant Visa. You will be asked to present your I-20 form (which you will receive from the school). You will also need to show that you have financial support for the entire time you plan to study in the U.S. Your meeting with the consulate office could be very brief. Have all forms and documents available and fully completed. If you are turned down the first time, experienced people advise that you try again. A fee will be charged for the visa. With your passport and visa you may now enter the airplane on your way to attend boarding school or camp in the United States.
It is important to begin this process as soon as you receive the I-20 from the school. While it may only take one day to obtain a student visa, it can also take weeks.
Please note that this is a standard procedure. If you are applying under other circumstances (such as if you are funded by an agency or on a tourist visa) there will be different forms and requirements. In these cases, please contact the school's Director of Admissions.
Required documents
If not traveling under the Visa Waiver Program, the following documents are required:
2 copies of the completed application forms A passport valid for travel to the US, with an expiry date at least six months after the expected departure date 1 passport sized colour photograph Evidence of sufficient funds
Who will not be allowed to enter?
The following will not be able to obtain a USA entry visa:
Anyone who has certain serious disorders or infectious diseases deemed threatening to the property, safety or welfare of others; People who have been arrested (except for very minor driving offences) or who have a criminal record; Addicts or abusers of narcotics and drug traffickers; Anyone who has been deported from or denied admission to the USA.
Note: Disqualified people may be suitable candidates for a waiver of ineligibility.
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