The U.S. Department of State has issued over 600,000 student and exchange visitor visas in this year alone. This amount is record-breaking and is approximately 10% higher than the student visas granted last year.
The US is currently granting an increased amount of student and exchange visas in order to balance out the lack of visas granted in the past due to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. According to the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Maura Harty, “the increase in visas granted is evidence of the US government’s efforts to reverse the decrease in visa applications after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.” The US State Department’s view on foreign students is a very positive one. It feels that granting foreign students visas to enter and study in the US allows them the opportunity to get to know the culture and the country as well as become potential friends, allies, and business partners with the US.
Though the US Department of State regrettably denied several visas during the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, the process has improved dramatically. Today, the US Department of State’s view of approving student visas has changed and wants to continue granting more and more of these visas. The “horror stories” of endless wait time or name checks are a thing of the past, according to Maura Harty. At this moment, almost all persons who seek a student visa from abroad and are approved, receive their visas in less than a work week.
A student visa is a great method of legally entering and living in the US. The student visa can lead to opportunities to continue living in this country and to obtaining a work permit through a change of status to a work visa after completion of studies. To qualify for a US student visa, the applicant must show the following: 1. He has applied and is enrolled in an American College or University, 2. He has sufficient money to pay for the first year of study, and 3. He intends to return to his home country after finishing his education. Also, remember that to qualify for this or any other visa, you must be in current legal status in the US or you will have to leave the country and seek your visa through consular process along with a waiver for your illegal entry or stay in the US. Make sure to seek the counsel of an experienced Immigration attorney when applying for this or any other Immigration visa.
About the Author:
Attorney Sonia M. Muñoz is the President of Immigration Legal Council, LLC. (ILC), a South Florida-based law firm, handling cases in all 50 states and Internationally. The firm is very active in protecting the rights of Immigrants and in assisting foreign professionals to legally enter and work in the United States. You can find more information about ILC and different methods of entry into the US on their website at www.ilclawfirm.com, or by calling 1-866-482-VISA(
