Immigration for Students and Family Members

Student Visas Persons coming to the United States and engaging in a course of study over 18 hours a week may request a student visa (F-1 Visa), limited to study at a school approved, by the Department of Homeland Security, for the attendance of foreign students.  Students may attend private schools on an F-1 Visa, however, F-1 visas can no longer be issued to attend public schools grade Kindergarten through 8 th grade nor public adult education.  Accompanying parent of a minor F-1 Visa student must enter using their tourist visa and maintain such status as F-2 Visas are granted only to eligible family members which are described as the spouse and minor children of the F-1 Visa holder.  Time for processing of a student visa varies and so the U.S. Department of State encourages applicants to apply early.