What Type of Visa is Required For An International Student in US?

For international student-athletes who wish to pursue their athletic dreams in the United States, obtaining the right visa is crucial. The type of visa required depends on several factors, including the length of stay, the purpose of travel, and the athlete’s level of competition. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of visas available to international student-athletes and the steps required to obtain them. For our signed athletes our expert team are there to support our athletes and ensure they get the right visa and help them through the process of obtaining one.

F1 Visa

1. The F1 visa is the most common visa for international students who wish to pursue academic programs in the United States. This visa allows students to study at an accredited institution in the United States and work on-campus for up to 20 hours a week. In addition to academics, F1 visa holders are also permitted to engage in authorised practical training, which can include internships or other work experience related to their field of study. However, the F1 visa also allows for participation in intercollegiate athletics as student-athletes. In order to book this visa the school you plan on attending will administer an I-20 document.
   

   J1 Visa

2. The J1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals to participate in exchange programs in the United States. The J1 visa is available for a wide range of exchange programs, including those related to education, culture, and research. Student-athletes may be eligible for the J1 visa if they are participating in an exchange program that involves athletics. However, the J1 visa does not allow for participation in professional sports or in competitions that offer cash prizes.
   

   M1 Visa

3. The M1 visa is designed for non-immigrant students who wish to pursue vocational or technical training programs in the United States. This visa is typically used by students who are enrolled in technical schools or vocational programs, such as aviation or cosmetology schools. However, the M1 visa can also be used by student-athletes who are enrolled in training programs that are not part of a degree-granting program.
   

   O1 Visa

4. The O1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that is available to individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics. To qualify for an O1 visa as a student-athlete, the athlete must demonstrate a high level of achievement in their sport and provide evidence of international recognition. The O1 visa is typically reserved for professional athletes, but it can also be obtained by amateur athletes who are considered to have exceptional ability.
   

   Steps to Obtain a Visa as an International Student-Athlete

   Step 1: Choose an Institution. The first step in obtaining a visa as an international student-athlete is to choose an institution that is authorised to sponsor international students. The institution must be accredited by a recognised accrediting agency and must have an approved Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification. It is also important to ensure that the institution has a strong athletics program that will provide the athlete with the opportunity to compete at a high level.

   Step 2: Apply to the Institution. Once you have chosen an institution, you must apply for admission to the institution and be accepted before you can obtain a visa. International student-athletes must meet the same admission requirements as domestic students, including academic and athletic requirements.

   Step 3: Obtain a Form I-20. After being accepted to the institution, the international student-athlete will receive a Form I-20 from the institution’s designated school official (DSO). The Form I-20 is a document that verifies the student’s enrolment and outlines the cost of attendance. The student-athlete must then pay the required SEVIS fee and obtain a receipt to include with their visa application.

Step 4: Schedule a Visa Interview. The next step is to schedule a visa interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. It is important to schedule the interview as early as possible, as visa processing times can vary depending on demand. During the interview, the student-athlete will be required to provide documentation of their acceptance to the institution, proof of financial support, and evidence of their intention to return to their home country after completing their studies.

Step 5: Submit the Visa Application. The final step is to submit the visa application and required documentation to the U.S. embassy or consulate. The application will include the Form DS-160, which is the non-immigrant visa application, along with the SEVIS fee receipt and any other required documentation. It is important to ensure that all documentation is accurate and up-to-date, as any errors or omissions could result in delays or denial of the visa.

Conclusion

Obtaining a visa as an international student-athlete requires careful planning and preparation. It is important to research the different types of visas available and choose the one that best suits your needs. Once you have chosen an institution, it is important to apply for admission and obtain the necessary documentation, such as the Form I-20 and SEVIS fee receipt. Finally, scheduling a visa interview and submitting the visa application with all required documentation is essential for obtaining a visa to compete as an international student-athlete in the United States. With the right visa and the right preparation, international student-athletes can achieve their athletic dreams while studying in the United States. For our signed athletes our expert team are there to support our athletes and ensure they get the right visa and help them through the process of obtaining one.