U.S. student visa new processes for international students boost the hopes of all students from across the world to study in the USA!
To streamline and clarify U.S. student visa processes for international students, the U.S. Department of State recently announced new guidelines for consular officers toward the end of 2021. As a direct response to complaints by U.S. university officials indicating how visa applicants were being denied by consulates because they wrongly assumed "intent to immigrate," these new guidelines were adopted by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Consular Section of the Department of State. This change was made under 9 FAM 402.5-5(E)(1).
"The guidelines use sound judgment," said Linden Melmed of Berry Appleman and Leiden when asked in an interview. "International students are expected to keep evidencing their intention to leave the United States, though let's remind consular staff not to speculate whether or not this might happen in the future."
The Foreign Affairs Handbook of December 20, 2021, reads, "The law suggests that the natural circumstances and conditions of a student's status do not preclude such an applicant from obtaining a student visa."
International students are celebrating
"It is fine as long as the student does not have the ties of ownership, employment, and continuity of life that are characteristic of B visa applicants. These ties tend to be weak for student visa applicants because the student is often unmarried, not working, not self-employed, and is at a point in life where he or she is making decisions and making plans for the future."
Advocates satisfied with U.S. visa policy changes for student visas
Supporters of study abroad programs are delighted with the news. Jill Allen Murray, NAFSA's deputy executive director for public policy, acknowledges that "Restoring these helpful distinctions in the foreign residency requirement for F1 students was one of NAFSA's key recommendations to the State Department."
"This approach guarantees that the typical F-1 visa applicant would not be sanctioned based on the omission of the 'ties of property, employment, and continuity of life' that short-term visa applicants such as B-visa tourists would be expected to have, but would instead consider these conditions in an appropriate context."
The Biden administration's new recommendations were designed to help universities regain their sparkle, which has been reduced because of restrictive U.S. visa and immigration policies.
Other steps in the right direction have been taken before this. For example, on Sept. 16, 2021, consular offices were encouraged to waive the interview requirement for some F-1 students, in order to fasten the decisions making process once visa services are resumed.
So, now you know more or less everything you need to know about the F1 visa, if you would like to work and study in the USA, contact us at admissions@pihospitalityacademy.com. We not only help you earn an internationally recognized, accredited qualification but also guarantee you paid employment/training in luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants while pursuing your education in the United States. In addition, we l also offer visa assistance and support in extending your stay upon completing your studies in the USA!!
