Authorization to Enroll Students on Student (F-1) Visa
Authorization to enroll international students is made available to bona fide schools by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the Department of Homeland Security. Having this authorization allows schools to issue a “SEVIS Form I-20 Document,” which is needed by foreign students to apply for a Student (F-1) visa at a U.S. Consulate.
SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a database maintained by the Department of Homeland Security for monitoring both international students and exchange visitors. Access to this database as well as authorization to issue the Form I-20 document are granted only after an application, related documents, and an application fee are received and approved by the USCIS. The approval process, which may take several months, also requires a site visit.
Vandeventer Black’s Immigration Law Group provides consultation to qualified schools as they apply for authorization to enroll international students, including properly completing the application, assembling all supporting documentation, and preparing for the site visit.
The benefits to private schools of enrolling international students are many. In today’s knowledge-based global economy, foreign students provide a distinct international flavor to the curriculum. They offer American students a personal knowledge of world affairs, different cultures, foreign languages, experiences, and stories which cannot be found in a textbook. Apart from conducting classes overseas, having international students enrolled in their school is the best way to prepare American students to be competent leaders and world changers in today’s global environment!
The ability to recruit and enroll international students can also boost enrollment, enhance revenue, and support the school’s athletic programs.
Schools which are accredited, applying for accreditation, or which have authorization to provide secondary or other education by their respective state departments of education can apply to enroll international students.
Contact the Immigration Law Group for more information about applying for USCIS authorization to enroll international students.
Call 757.446.8683 or Email Art Serratelli.