F1/I-20 requirement question

[Enoon 0]

Hi,

 

I'm planning on studying in the US but not yet sure if I can adjust well in the country (specificall Chicago) so I'm planning on taking an English course in a university first for 4-12 weeks. Will I need to file for an f1 visa or just a B1 visa? If I need to file for an F1 will they still require a year's worth of cost or just the 4-12 weeks of study? Will be looking into universities during my short stay. In addition, if I do plan on enrolling in a graduate school how long will it usually take to extend the F1 visa? or should i come back in the country first then file for another f1? Any input would be appreciated. thanks and take care.

 

 

[arken 4,197]

You wud be lucky if you get an F1 visa for 4-12 weeks of English course. You can't enroll in a university on B2 visa.

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

For a short non credit course of study you can use a B visa (and B2 not B1 is the appropriate one, though they are often issued as B1/B2). Not sure what qualifies as “short” but the university you are planning to attend will be able to tell you what visa you need. 
 

Seems odd that someone contemplating grad school here would still need to take an English course, though, and your English seems fine from your post.

 

when are you planning to do this? Over summer? Do you already have a B visa?

You would need to apply and be accepted to a college to apply for an F1 visa for grad school. You are looking at 2022 start?

[Enoon 0]

2 hours ago, SusieQQQ said:

For a short non credit course of study you can use a B visa (and B2 not B1 is the appropriate one, though they are often issued as B1/B2). Not sure what qualifies as “short” but the university you are planning to attend will be able to tell you what visa you need. 
 

Seems odd that someone contemplating grad school here would still need to take an English course, though, and your English seems fine from your post.

 

when are you planning to do this? Over summer? Do you already have a B visa?

You would need to apply and be accepted to a college to apply for an F1 visa for grad school. You are looking at 2022 start?

In 2022, if possible. I'm not really confident in the speaking-English part, that's why I want to expose myself in a new environment. Other than a masters program, I'm thinking of just enrolling in trainings too to qualify for a job in an accreditation body in my country and it may require me to speak in English more often. I just want to make sure I have it covered. 

 

I don't have a tourist visa and my country had temporarily suspended issuance of such since covid started. 

 

Should I forgo the English course and just enroll in a degree?

Edited May 12, 2021 by Enoon

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

Have no idea when embassies will start b visa issuance again. It’s way down the list.

 

Have you done one of the common English tests (TOEFL, etc) and seen how your score compares to what your target universities require?