Process for Student Immigration

IMPORTANT:  THE STUDENT MUST HAVE A VALID PASSPORT

You must have the following:

• Been accepted to a college or technical school in the U.S.
  

• The school has to be approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

• Must be enrolled as a full time student

• Must be able to prove you have the financial means for self-support

• In order to comply with this requirement, it is suggested that you present original documents that support your claim of economic solvency. Depending on your particular situation, you may wish to present original, recent bank statements (letters from banks are not acceptable substitutes), receipts of payroll and the pink copy of the Social Security registration if you are employed, your stamped income tax return if you are a business owner, documentation regarding your business, your tax receipt if you own property, your professional I.D., etc. We reiterate: copies are neither acceptable nor necessary.

• Must maintain residence in Mexico

• Once you have been accepted to a program of study in the United States, you should apply for a student Visa.  The school you are going to be studying at will give you either an:

  • F  Visa - this Visa is for students seeking a doctorate or professional degrees, or

  • M Visa - this Visa is for students applying for a technical or vocational college

Visas should have CONFIRMATION from the sponsoring institutions (school, program exchange site) that your name, as well as those of your relatives if applicable, have been added electronically to the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), and confirms your acceptance in the school or exchange program. Neither student nor exchange Visas can be issued until your data appears in the mentioned SEVIS system, thus, applicants should contact their respective sponsoring institutions.

Depending on the Visa you are applying for a fee has to be paid directly to the Department of Homeland Security.  Please check the rates. The fastest method to make this payment is by credit card or through the web site www.FMJfee.com designed by the Department of Homeland Security for this purpose.

Additional requirements:

• Form I-20 (this form is compulsory and it is only SENT to the student by the educational institutions accredited in the United States, and it is the only evidence of having been accepted in a program.) NOTE: having the required form I-20 does not guarantee Visa issuance.
  

• Proof of payment of the SEVIS fee as explained above
  

• A completed application, Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant, Form DS-156 , together with a Form DS-158 . Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157 .  A separate form is needed for children, even if they are included in a parent's passport.  The DS-156 Must be the March 2006 dated, electronic  e-form application. Select Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156 to access the most current electronic version of the form DS-156.
  

• An interview at the Embassy consular section is required for almost all Visa applicants. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early Visa application is strongly encouraged. During the Visa interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly taken, as well as a digital photo. Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply.
  

• A passport valid for travel to the United States and with validity dates at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a Visa must complete an application.
  

• One (1) 2x2 photograph.  See the required photo format explained in non-immigrant photo requirements  
  

• A MRV fee receipt to show payment of the Visa application fee, a Visa issuance fee if applicable (Please consult the Visa Reciprocity Table) and a separate SEVIS I-901 fee receipt. While all F-Visa applicants must pay the MRV fee, including dependents, only the F-1 principal applicants must pay the SEVIS fee.
  

• Students who are authorized for Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have an I-20 endorsed for OPT, and provide a U.S.CIS-issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
  

You Should Also:

• Bring to your appointment the receipt from Banamex indicating that you have paid the PESO EQUIVALENT OF $131.00 U.S. dollars.
  

• Bring your Mexican passport with a minimum validity of six months.
  

• Fill out and print Form DS-158 for students, preferably on the Internet.
  

• Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended;
  

• Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.;
  

• If you are male between 16 and 45 years of age, complete the supplementary application. 
  

• You may also be required to bring proof of your English language proficiency, grades from previous educational institutions, bank statements, recommendation letters, or any other documents.

 Visa Options

F-1 Visa  This visa is for foreign students who want to enter in the United States as a non-immigrant to attend studies at colleges, universities and other higher educational institutes as a full time student.  Related Forms: DS-156, I-134, I-20 A-B (Institution Specific)     DS-157, DS-158,
J-1 Visa This visa is for International exchange visitor program visa, it allows you to participate in the interchange of knowledge, persons and skills in the educational fields, arts and sciences.  Related Forms: DS-156I-134, DS-157, DS-158, I-612, DS-2019 (Institution Specific),
J-1 Visa Waiver  This waiver is for persons who have a two year foreign residence and want to change status.  Related Forms: DS-3035
M-1 Visa   This visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows you to pursue of a vocational or non-academic studies to a foreign student.   Related Forms: DS-156 I-134 , DS-157, I-20M-N (Institution Specific),