The United States Embassy in Nairobi has issued an important reminder to Kenyan students heading to the U.S on student visas.
In an update on Wednesday, August 13, the Embassy emphasized the importance of staying enrolled and attending classes while studying in the U.S. on a student visa.
According to the U.S Embassy, students who drop out, skip classes, or leave their academic programs without notifying their school risk having their visa revoked.
Such actions could further jeopardize their chances of obtaining future U.S. visas.
“Heading to the U.S. on a student visa? Ensure you stay on track! Skipping classes or leaving your program without notifying your school could impact your visa status and future travel plans,” the update reads.
“If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your program of study without informing your school, your visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future U.S. visas.”
The update is part of a broader effort by U.S. embassies worldwide to ensure international students understand their responsibilities and the consequences of non-compliance.
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Students are encouraged to communicate regularly with their designated school officials (DSOs) and to seek guidance if they are facing challenges that might affect their academic standing.
Details of a United States student visa
According to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of State Affairs, foreign nationals who wish to travel to the United States must first obtain a visa, either a non-immigrant visa for a temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.
“You must have a student visa to travel to the United States to study. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F visa or an M visa,” notes the Bureau of State Affairs.
Students cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or with visitor visas, as they must have a student visa (F or M visa) to travel to the United States to study.
A student may not study after entering on a visitor (B) visa, unless they are eligible for and have obtained a change of status from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or through the VWP, except to undertake recreational (non-credit) study as part of a tourist visit.
A study leading to a U.S.-conferred degree or certificate is not permitted on a visitor (B) visa, even if it is for a short duration. For example, a student in a distance learning program that requires a period on the institution’s U.S. campus must obtain a student (F or M) visa prior to entering the United States.
Student Acceptance at a SEVP-Approved School
The first step to studying in the United States is to apply to a SEVP-approved school in the United States. If the SEVP-approved school accepts an applicant’s enrollment, they will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
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The SEVP-approved school will issue them a Form I-20. After they receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, they may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M) visa.
They must also present the Form I-20 to the consular officer when attending their visa interview.
If their spouse and/or children will live with them in the United States while they study, they must also enroll in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s from the SEVP-approved school, and apply for a visa (but they do not pay the SEVIS fee).
Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days before the start date of a course of study. However, one will not be allowed to enter the United States on their student visa more than 30 days before the start date.
On the other hand, student (F and M) visas for continuing students may be issued at any time, as long as the student is currently enrolled at a SEVP-approved school or institution and in SEVIS. Continuing students may enter the United States at any time before classes start.
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