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Some prospective students make common mistakes
that can lead to significant immigration difficulties. The
consolidated visa namecheck database that has recently been
created makes certain that even minor infractions will be
uncovered when you renew, or next apply for, your visa. When
in doubt, consult with your host university administrators
regarding whether and how to report a change in your status.
You can avoid loss of time, loss of money, and much aggravation
if you follow the guidelines given below.
If it is your intent to enter the United States on a tourist
or visitor's visa (B visa) and then change your immigration
status to student, bear in mind that new U.S. immigration
regulations prohibit nonimmigrants admitted in B visitor status
from changing to student status UNLESS they state an intention
to study at the time of admission. Consult with the U.S. consular
office about current regulations if this applies to you.
If you are from a country that is part of the U.S. tourist
visa waiver program and you attempt to enter the United States
under that program even though it is your intent to be a student,
you will be required to depart the United States and obtain
a student visa.
DO NOT enter the United States using a college's or university's
Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 A-B, I-20 M-N, or DS-2019
form) if you do not intend to enroll at that school. U.S.
immigration regulations require a student to be enrolled at
the school the student is authorized to attend as noted on
the I-20A-B, I-20 M-N, or DS-2019. If you have been admitted
to more than one U.S. college or university, you must enter
using the Certificate of Eligibility for the school you plan
to attend. Entering the United States on one school's certificate
but enrolling someplace else is a violation of immigration
regulations and might be construed as visa fraud.
If you have not yet received the I-20 A-B, I-20 M-N, or DS-2019
form from the college or university you plan to attend, and
your departure date is approaching, contact the International
Students Office or Admissions Office of that school for advice
and assistance.
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