Navigating Student Visas: A Guide for Aspiring Scholars in the Lehigh Valley

Are you an international student dreaming of studying at one of the esteemed colleges in the Lehigh Valley, such as Lafayette College, Lehigh University, or Muhlenberg College? The path to achieving this dream begins with securing the appropriate student visa. We help students like you navigate the complex visa process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get you started.

Understanding Student Visas

For international students aiming to study in the United States, the F-1 and J-1 visas are the most commonly issued. Here’s what you need to know:

F-1 Visa: Ideal for those enrolling in a full-time academic program at an accredited institution. It allows students to stay in the U.S. for the duration of their studies plus a 60-day grace period.

J-1 Visa: Suitable for exchange students and participants in certain exchange programs. Often requires a two-year home-country physical presence after the program ends.

The Student Visa Process: How We Can Help

1. Acceptance by a SEVP-Approved School – Once you apply and get accepted to a college in the Lehigh Valley, the school will issue you a Form I-20 (F-1 visa) or Form DS-2019 (J-1 visa).
2. Paying the SEVIS Fee – The SEVIS fee supports the management of the student visa program and must be paid before your visa interview. We can assist you in ensuring this fee is correctly processed.
3. Completing the Visa Application – You will need to fill out the DS-160 form online and print the confirmation page. Our team can guide you through this application to avoid any errors.
4. Scheduling and Preparing for Your Visa Interview – We will help you schedule your visa interview at your local U.S. embassy or consulate and prepare you for the interview, ensuring you have all the required documents.

The Student Visa Process: For Prospective Students Already in the U.S.

If you are a non-resident already in the United States on a different visa, it may be possible to convert your current visa to a student visa without leaving the U.S. In many cases, your visa can be converted to a student visa through an application to USCIS. Usually, this application allows the applicant to remain in the U.S. while the application is processed.

Visa Interview Assistance

We can provide you with mock interviews and essential tips to help you confidently present your case to the consular officer. After your interview, we will continue to support you by tracking your application status and advising you on the next steps.

Embarking on your academic journey in the Lehigh Valley starts with obtaining the right student visa. At Florio Perrucci, we are dedicated to making this process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.

Supportive Environment: Benefit from comprehensive support services offered by colleges to help international students adjust and thrive.

Contact Us Today!

About the Author

Liam McManus is an associate at the firm’s Easton office. He is experienced with tourist (“B”) visas, citizenship applications (green card to citizen), marriage/family-based immigration adjustments, petitions for alien relatives (Form I-130), removal of conditions (Form I-715), treaty investor (E-2) visas, employment-based visa, student visas, and other immigration matters.

A lifelong resident of eastern Pennsylvania, Liam is licensed to practice in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Liam is a graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law. He received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Penn State University. In his free time, Liam volunteers for a local animal rescue organization.