Do I need F1 visa?

[camron 0]

Hi – I was researching to go to usa for a 2 years study. I am 24 years old from Quebec. I am hearing too many stories and reading different options ok I will make it easy. On usa embassy website it says -

Canadian Citizens do not need visas to study in the U.S. You do need to obtain an I-20 (or DS-2019) Certificate of Eligibility from the university that you plan to attend. At the time you receive the I-20 (or DS-2019) you will be registered with SEVIS, the student tracking system. You will be assigned a SEVIS number, and be required to pay a registration fee (see below).

When you cross the border to study you will need to provide the Officer at the port of entry:

• Proof of identity and citizenship (a Canadian passport for example)

• The original I-20 (or DS-2019) certificate

• Proof that you have paid your SEVIS fee

• Proof that you have the funds to pay for the school that you plan to attend

• Proof of your ties to Canada

Now a friend of mine was saying I have to apply for F1 visa who is right. Help and thank you

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You apply for F-1 status at the border. All of this I-20 and SEVIS business is for F-1 student visas. The only difference is that you can apply at the border - you don't have to apply at the consulate as a Canadian citizen. You won't have a visa in your passport, but you will be under F-1 status and have a I-94 (authorized stay card) marked as such.

[camron 0]

You apply for F-1 status at the border. All of this I-20 and SEVIS business is for F-1 student visas. The only difference is that you can apply at the border - you don't have to apply at the consulate as a Canadian citizen. You won't have a visa in your passport, but you will be under F-1 status and have a I-94 (authorized stay card) marked as such.

As a Canadian citizen I can stay in USA for 180 days. I found a community college who are doing the process of I-20 for the students so this mean If I go there submit the necessary documents meaning funds - ties to Canada and get the I-20, can I simply walk to the border with those papers and get F-1 stamped . Do I still have to cross back the border and go from Canada side, it does not make sense I think from either side, right?

[Harsh_77 718]

As a Canadian citizen I can stay in USA for 180 days. I found a community college who are doing the process of I-20 for the students so this mean If I go there submit the necessary documents meaning funds - ties to Canada and get the I-20, can I simply walk to the border with those papers and get F-1 stamped . Do I still have to cross back the border and go from Canada side, it does not make sense I think from either side, right?

You have to go to Canada side. Visa cannot be stamped on US side.

I dont understand the submiiting funds thing as it is not making any sense.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

So you are in the US and are seeking change of status from B2 to F1? That information would be helpful in your opening post.

[camron 0]

You have to go to Canada side. Visa cannot be stamped on US side.

I dont understand the submiiting funds thing as it is not making any sense.t

When I said funds means bank statements to show funds are available for my study. How long would it take for them to issue F1 once I provide them all the necessary documents at the border?

So you are in the US and are seeking change of status from B2 to F1? That information would be helpful in your opening post.

No. I am not in usa. I am planning to go there for study.

[Harsh_77 718]

When I said funds means bank statements to show funds are available for my study. How long would it take for them to issue F1 once I provide them all the necessary documents at the border?

No. I am not in usa. I am planning to go there for study.

OK - the way sys works is you do not have to show your funds or convience the school - so no need to enter US.

First you will have to show your funds and convience the offier on the border why you are going and what you will be doing while in US.

Once he approves, he will grant you F1 visa, than you can enter US and once you are at your school you can show the same evidence of having enough funds for education to international office of your school.

Hope that helps....

Other option is you go to consulate in CA get F1 go back home pack and prepare to be in US and then cross the border with F1.

Edited April 15, 2012 by Harsh_77