Niece to America on Student or Work Visas?

[Eddie & Yana 2]

Hello! My wife and I have been married for about 10 years now. She's from Thailand, and became a citizen about 4 years ago. We have a niece who we have always loved and supported back in Thailand and are looking for ways to have her spend some time with us here in the US. We're thinking maybe a student visa (she'll be coming into her senior year in 2021) or a work visa. I work at a church that has a private school attached and so she may be able to attend school here at a discounted rate that we could help cover. I'm working with them right now on the English requirements and all of that. We've also thought about work programs, but aren't sure on the process of bringing someone over for work. Is that difficult? I know we have done it for our Spanish pastor at our church, but how difficult is it if they aren't in ministerial work? 

 

Just some thoughts and looking for some guidance. We aren't looking to cheat any systems or overstay visas. Thanks everyone!

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

If you are talking about high school, then as long as the school is SEVP accredited yes you can do it. See here for information https://www.usa.gov/study-in-US#item-213539

 

And yes, work visas are far more complicated. Employers need to sponsor and for non college graduates very difficult. She may want to look into something like a J visa for an au pair as another option after she finishes high school, I think those are usually for around 2 years. https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/au-pair

[Boiler 45,520]

J's are usually for those at University.

[igoyougoduke 1,656]

21 minutes ago, Eddie & Yana said:

Hello! My wife and I have been married for about 10 years now. She's from Thailand, and became a citizen about 4 years ago. We have a niece who we have always loved and supported back in Thailand and are looking for ways to have her spend some time with us here in the US. We're thinking maybe a student visa (she'll be coming into her senior year in 2021) or a work visa. I work at a church that has a private school attached and so she may be able to attend school here at a discounted rate that we could help cover. I'm working with them right now on the English requirements and all of that. We've also thought about work programs, but aren't sure on the process of bringing someone over for work. Is that difficult? I know we have done it for our Spanish pastor at our church, but how difficult is it if they aren't in ministerial work? 

 

Just some thoughts and looking for some guidance. We aren't looking to cheat any systems or overstay visas. Thanks everyone!

why would you not apply for visitor visa that allows for 6 month stay ?

[Eddie & Yana 2]

1 minute ago, James120383 said:

why would you not apply for visitor visa that allows for 6 month stay ?

the private school would allow her to stay until she finishes school. That is definitely an option though!

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

13 minutes ago, Boiler said:

J's are usually for those at University.

And for au pairs, among others (including summer jobs, camp counselors etc). Feel free to look at the official link I gave them.

 

 

Edited November 17, 2020 by SusieQQQ

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

11 minutes ago, Eddie & Yana said:

the private school would allow her to stay until she finishes school. That is definitely an option though!

And a totally different experience, especially for a teen - social circle, experience of living elsewhere etc.  It is a wonderful opportunity for her if it works out. She can also spend a year maximum at a public high school as an alternative - you’ll need to pay the cost of attendance for that, but it will likely work out significantly cheaper than a private school.

[Eddie & Yana 2]

2 minutes ago, SusieQQQ said:

And a totally different experience, especially for a teen - social circle, experience of living elsewhere etc.  It is a wonderful opportunity for her if it works out. She can also spend a year maximum at a public high school as an alternative - you’ll need to pay the cost of attendance for that, but it will likely work out significantly cheaper than a private school.

Thank you for that link! Our school in central PA is certified for the F-1! So I’m hoping that works out and that I’ll be able to get a discount, haha! I’ll check for the public school too! Does anyone happen to know if there is a certain level of TOEFL examination or something like that to be able to attend?

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

20 minutes ago, Eddie & Yana said:

Thank you for that link! Our school in central PA is certified for the F-1! So I’m hoping that works out and that I’ll be able to get a discount, haha! I’ll check for the public school too! Does anyone happen to know if there is a certain level of TOEFL examination or something like that to be able to attend?

You’d need to ask the school I think (I know for colleges it varies by college). Also make sure to look at all the info on the site I linked, and any links from that.

[databit 328]

1 hour ago, James120383 said:

why would you not apply for visitor visa that allows for 6 month stay ?

The officer at entry decides how long a person can stay. They could say 2 weeks.