The F1 visa is dedicated to international students who want to study in the USA in a government approved institution on a temporary basis. Essentially the idea of this visa is to give international students the opportunity to take advantage of the amazing education system in the USA before going back home. Here are the ins and outs of the visa process! Learn exactly how it can benefit your hospitality career.
Author: Chris Robinson Editor: Marina Kaleb
Every year, untold hundreds of thousands students and professionals attempt to live and work in the USA. Reasons for this range from increased opportunities in the United States or a desire to live out the American dream. Some even just to be closer to fascinating man made and natural wonders the country has to offer.
There are a number of reasons people try to make the move to the USA. Equally there are a number of hurdles in the way of achieving the goal. The main obstacle is the visa process. The visa process for the States is notoriously difficult. Those seeking to stay for a longer period or to work, may find it difficult to navigate the process.
Fortunately, there are multiple visa options available for students and professionals to take advantage of! Which can help make their American dream come true! One is the F-1 student visa, which allows you to live and work in the country.
What is the F-1 visa?
The F-1 visa is dedicated to international students who wish to study in the USA. They must be enrolled in a government approved institution on a temporary basis. The aim is to give international students the opportunity to take advantage of the USA education system.
What can you do on an F-1 visa?
The F-1 visa enables students to enter the USA and stay in the country for their studies; without the requirement of needing to return home or renew the visa. This is the most obvious allowance of the visa. However, there is an additional aspect, the CPT and the OPT.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT): a paid internship directly related to their field.
Optional Practical Training(OPT): a paid internship in a position related to the field of study. Except this can be done after your graduation as the OPT allows you to stay an extra year.
BoththeCPTandtheOPT allow you to gain paid work experience without applying for a separate visa. Sounds good right?
F-1 visa requirements
Be enrolled in an “academic” educational program, with a school approved by the US government (enrolment letter required)
Proof of English proficiency or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
Possess sufficient funds for self-support throughout the entire duration of study. You, or your immediate family, must have enough funds to provide.
Maintain a residence in your home country (or place of permanent residence) with no intention of giving it up. This proves you have a place to live in your own countr, hence there is less risk of overstaying illegally.
F-1 visa interview
Once you have all of the documents and have them submitted to the embassy, you will have to go through an interview. The questions in this interview will vary but will most likely be:
Why did you choose the USA to study instead of your own country?
How are you funding your education and lifestyle in the USA?
What is your current grade point average (GPA)?
What are your plans upon graduation?
This interview is to find out whether or not you have chosen to apply for the right reasons. Also if you are intending to stick to the set limitations.
Once you’ve completed the interview, all you need to do is wait for your visa to be stamped and pack your bags!
How can Hospitality Academy help you?
We have gone through everything you need to know about the visa, now let’s move on! Why should you choose Hospitality Academy to help you?
Hospitality Academy is a learning and recruitment platform focussing on the hospitality industry.
Through our programs we provide students with a better understanding of their subject and a qualification. Best of all, we guarantee to provide you a job upon completion. WIth campuses all over the world: the United States, Spain, Middle East and Africa, you get to pick and choose!
Did you know that our campuses are fully accredited by the US government? You will be able to get all of the documents you need in order to get the F-1 visa. Through our dedicated visa team, you won’t have to worry about messing up the paperwork or freezing up in your interview!
Remember when we spoke about the CPT and OPT? These are great ways to get some experience in the USA and help with your expenses. However it’s not always easy to find a company willing to host you. Through our recruiter links around the world, we help you find the right job!
Lastly, when you graduate, the support doesn’t stop. We will continue assisting with our employment coaching and visa assistance until you have your dream job!
It may seem too good to be true, but Hospitality Academy is here to make your dreams become reality! Join one of our campuses around the world and start working in your dream industry while obtaining a degree! Our programs enable you to study at your own time and pace. This allows for time to work at some of the most luxurious hotels and Michelin star restaurants in the world!
Interested in embarking on a career in the hospitality industry? Enroll now, and get the opportunity to travel the world, and work in some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants! The world is yours: live, learn, work and enjoy!
Author: Chris Robinson Editor: Marina Kaleb Every year, untold hundreds of thousands students and professionals attempt to live and work in the USA. Reasons for this range from increased opportunities in the United States or a desire to live out the American dream. Some even just to be closer to fascinating man made and natural […]
