Because staying in visa status is critical, students should take responsibility for staying legal .
Information provided here is general.
You must be admitted to the university before applying for an F-1visa, which may be granted at a U.S. consulate or embassy to an individual who is qualified to pursue a full course of study at an academic or language institution authorized to admit foreign students. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 places a particular emphasis on the need for students to take responsibility for maintaining F-1 student status. Please read Staying Legal to review the basic immigration regulations governing F-1 students. To obtain a J-1 visa, an individual must be accepted by a U.S. institution that has an approved Exchange Visitor Program. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 places particular emphasis on the need for students to take responsibility for maintaining J-1 student status.