Haitian Student Visa for 13 year old boy

[CBCH 2]

Hello All VJ's!!!!!

I have some questions about student visa in Haiti. My husband is from Haiti and has been in the states for a little over a year. We did the k1 visa.

But.... We want to apply for a boy that was living in the children's home where my husband lived and worked full time. His is 13 years old and speaks English really well. and it has been on my heart for so long (many years) its like he is my own blood. but.... I have had a lot of trouble finding information on the guidelines for getting a student visa for a Haitian child. or even adopting a Haitian child since we have not been married at least 5 years. ( one of the requirements) any advice on either student visa or adoption for Haitian child would be greatly appreciated.

thanks all!!

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Ok - student visa. Where will he go to school if he comes to the US since he is not qualified to attend public schools on an F-1? Private schools are expensive and you would be responsible for all tuition and boarding costs.

Adoption - are his parent(s) alive? Where are they currently?

Good luck

[CBCH 2]

His parents are both deceased he has lived in the orphanage where by husband worked and lived for many years. We are aware about the tuition and all the cost involved. our main concern is process on applications and approvals. We do not meet adoption requirements for Haiti because you have to be married for at least 5 years.

[Boiler 45,532]

You would need the OK from whoever has legal custody and need to find a school that takes international students and can issue an I 20.

Obviously not cheap.

[jan22 3,056]

How could you prove to the visa officer that the child planned to return when his studies were finished -- a basic requirement of the student visa? You likely couldn't, since it seems like the real purpose is to help him immigrate to the US and live with you -- however noble that is, it isn't in keeping with US immigration law to use a student visa to circumvent adoption and immigration requirements.

[Boiler 45,532]

They get issued in such circumstances so I would not dismiss the option.

[CBCH 2]

My husband and I are building a clinic in Haiti so the child will only be in the states for about 3 or 4 years. Then will come back with us when we move to Haiti. I have searched all the forums for student visas for a minor child but everything I find is for adult. Im looking for a step by step process like I had with my husbands K1 visa. Made everything much eaiser. Thanks all!!!

[Boiler 45,532]

Student visa is less involved, more akin to a visitor visa. The School will be able to help.

[mtcmk1 37]

The school can help you get a visa for the person. However, it may be difficult as he is only 13 years old. Colleges and Universities are easier to get student visas to. Maybe you could see him through classical school in Haiti and then help him get a student visa for his higher education? Or wait until he's 15 to apply for a Secondary School Visa. http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/secondary-school-student/ Good luck!

Here are some other helpful links:

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/study-exchange/student.html

http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search

http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/applying-for-a-visa-to-travel-to-the-united-states

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/study-exchange/student/foreign-students-in-public-schools.html

Edited December 18, 2014 by mtcmk1