Related News Stories

Perjury Case Against Jordanian Student is Dismissed 5/03/2002 On April 30, 2002, a federal judge dismissed a perjury indictment against a Jordanian college student who knew two alleged Sept. 11 hijackers. more...

New BCIS (a.k.a INS) Regulations Restrict Students and Visitors 4/23/2002 The BCIS (a.k.a INS) recently published new regulations imposing significant changes and restrictions on foreign visitors and students in the US. more...

Upcoming Changes in Laws and Regulations Affect Foreign Students 4/15/2002 Upcoming changes in law and regulations affecting foreign students create a whirlwind of information and activity. more...

Maintaining Student Status 1/15/2002 How to maintain a student status, while many foreign students get blocked from the spring semester. more...

BCIS (a.k.a INS) begins work on Foreign Student Tracking System 1/8/2002 BCIS (a.k.a INS) outlines a system of how student visas will be monitored in the future. more...

Related FAQs

• Student Visas

• J-1: Two Year Foreign Residency Requirement

Related Forums

• Student Visas

• Consular Processing

Related Downloads

• Preliminary Enrollment in SEVIS
  Preliminary Enrollment in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
  On July 1, 2002, BCIS (a.k.a INS) published an interim rule for access to the SEVIS. Find out how U.S. schools will be affected in enrolling foreign students.
  PDF - 157Kb

• Form I-538
  Certification by Designated School Official.
  This form is used to certify persons seeking off-campus employment as a student and that the employment is related to the student alien's field of study.
  PDF - 9Kb

• Form I-539
  Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
  This form is used by some nonimmigrants to request extensions of stay or changes from one nonimmigrant category to another nonimmigrant category. Please see the form's instructions for your specific nonimmigrant visa category.
  
  It is used by F and M nonimmigrants seeking reinstatement of status.
  PDF - 672Kb

• Form I-612
  Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement.
  For certain exchange workers (J-1 and J-2 visas) and their families to apply for a waiver of the requirement that they reside outside the US for at least two years prior to returning or leaving the US.
  PDF - 169Kb

• Tracking International Students In Higher Education: Policy Options and Immigrations For Students
  Statement of Michael Becraft, Acting Deputy Commissioner, U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (a.k.a. INS), before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
  PDF - 23Kb

• Know Your Rights
  A brochure written by American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and available in English, Spanish and Arabic, that helps you understand some of your rights if you are questioned by government agents.
  [English] PDF - 47Kb
  [Spanish] PDF - 47Kb
  [Arabic] PDF - 47Kb

Related Links

• BCIS (a.k.a INS), colleges cooperate in new student tracking system
  SAN-DIEGO -- Some 70 representatives of local colleges and universities attended a conference held by immigration authorities in preparation for an overhaul of the way schools keep track of foreign students. North County Times.

• Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
  A web site dedicated to the foreign student tracking system. EDUCAUSE.

• Anti-Immigration Fervor Is Un-American
  While Europe is rising in anger against foreigners, the U.S. should remember that they're vital contributors to the economy. BusinessWeek.

• Colleges Bracing for Tighter Immigration Rules
  The BCIS (a.k.a INS) wants to stop would-be terrorists from hiding as students. Community-based schools fear an enrollment loss. The Philadelphia Inquirer.

• Foreign MBA Students Beware
  Even if you're admitted to a U.S. B-school, getting a visa these days is no snap, especially for those from certain countries. BusinessWeek.

• Foreign Student Body Grows
  Despite the terror attacks, an aftermath of uncertainty and a slumping economy, even more international students are headed for the U.S. this year. Detroit Free Press.

• Student Visas Aren't Making the Grade
  It's relatively easy to get a visa to study English in the U.S. Some in Congress see the process as a security loophole that needs closing. BusinessWeek.

Check out VisaPortal.com - our new U.S. immigration web portal dedicated to bringing more transparency, justice and accountability to U.S. immigration and providing information and other resources to immigrants and other interested parties.