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Consular Officers Discuss U.S. Student Visa Process, Campus Life

USINFO Webchat transcript May 2

Franc Shelton and Karin Lang, consular officers from the American Institute in Taiwan, answered questions in a May 2 USINFO Webchat on applying for U.S. student visas and preparing for U.S. campus life.

Following is the transcript:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
USINFO Webchat Transcript

EducationUSA Taiwan: Visas and Beyond -- Getting your U.S. Student Visa and Preparing for U.S. Campus Life

Guests:     Franc Shelton, Karin Lang
Date:         May 2, 2007
Time:        2:30 a.m. EDT (0630 GMT)

AIT Moderator: Welcome to our final EducationUSA webchat for this academic year. We look forward to your questions!

歡迎光臨本次 webchat 活動! 您可以先將您的問題送出。步驟非常簡單，請點一下 [Submit Question or Comment] 的欄位，在文字方塊中填入您的問題，按下 [Submit] 送出即可。由於網友提問眾多的緣故, 此次 Webchat 活動將由 WebChat 線上主持人進行過濾與篩選。您的提問將先由 WebChat 主持人篩選後交由嘉賓回答，之後才會在此視窗出現。請勿重複送出您的問題。本活動將於 14:30 分開始，屆時嘉賓將開始回答您的提問。

AIT Moderator: Moderator: Good afternoon participants! Welcome to today's webchat. The live chat will start at 2:30 p.m. (Taiwan local time). Our speakers today are: AIT Consular Officers Karin and Franc.

[EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Franc: Hi, I'm Franc from AIT. I'm a second-tour officer here and I handle the student visa portfolio. I'd be happy to answer any questions!

[EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Karin: Hi, I'm Karin from AIT. We are just starting our busy summer season and are seeing increasing numbers of student visa applicants every week. My best advice for all student visa applicants is to apply early!

[Question from Student]: Is it difficult for international students to make friends with Americans?

Answer [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: In any large university you will find not only students from all over the world, but also American students who are studying foreign languages and cultures and may have studied overseas too. They are eager to make foreign friends. If you are having problems meeting people in class or in the dormitory, join an international club or a club/group on a subject that interests you.

AIT Moderator: You can begin asking questions now. Just click the "Submit Question or Comment" button. You can see the answers by clicking "View Discussion." 要問問題、請點"Submit Question or Comment" 。回到 "View Discussion" 看答案。

[Question from Student]: Is it easy to find Chinese food in the States?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: It is becoming easier to find more authentic Chinese food in the US. Still, your best bet is to go to a place where there are many Chinese. The best I've had hands down is in LA. After that, New York and San Francisco. I've heard good things about Chicago. Houston is another good bet.

[Question from Student]: If the semester starts at Sep. 15th, we are allowed to enter the State no earlier than Aug. 15th. Is it possible to enter the State before Aug. 15th?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: you can enter the US no more than 30 days before the start of your academic program.

[Question from Student]: What should I do if I don't like my roommate?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: If you don't get along with your roommate, schools have procedures for requesting changes. First talk to your RA (resident advisor) in the dormitory -- maybe he or she can help work things out. He/She can also advise on how to change roommates.

[Question from Student]: Can we go back and forth between the States and Taiwan during our study in the U.S.?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: Student visas are issued for multiple entries to the U.S. so you can return home while studying. Be careful to make sure your visa has not expired, because even with a valid I20 you will need a valid visa to enter the U.S.

[Question from Student]: Is racism common on American university campus?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: Racism is much less prevalent on campuses than in other parts of the US, because campuses now are very diversified. Schools also take very seriously their responsibility to provide a comfortable study environment. If you feel someone is hostile to you because of your race, don't hesitate to contact your professors. They will help you.

[Question from Student]: Why do need to apply for a visa? What is the original purpose of getting a visa?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: The U.S., like Taiwan, controls the entry of foreign citizens. A visa means the U.S. has approved your entry for a specific purpose, such as studying.

[Question from Student]: Before the student visa interview, what kind of documents should we prepare?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: You must have valid passport, completed visa application forms, valid I20 issued by a U.S. school, proof of SEVIS fee payment, proof of ability to pay for studies, and transcripts from Taiwan.

[Question from Student]: Under what condition will you reject a student visa application?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: We would reject a student visa if we believe the person is not a genuine student; we would also reject the visa if the student did not have enough money to pay for first year tuition and living expenses.

AIT Moderator: Question from Student:
1、請問如果已有台灣的學士學位，可不可以申請申請美國的2年制的college，另畢業後，有沒有一年的OPT機會，還是只有碩博才有?謝謝您。
A:可以申請,而且畢業後也有OPT的機會,不過這等於是大學畢業再去唸二專一樣
2、美國的 Accossicate drgree後，可不可以直接申請美國的研究所？謝謝。
A: 您指的應該是Associate degree(副學士),這比學士學位要少兩年,所以不能申請研究所,但是可以插班到一般大學的大三,等拿到學士學位後就可申請研究所

[Question from Student]: Is it possible to arrange a group interview for all of us from one school?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: No, our appointment system is based on individual appointments. Visit our appointment website at www.visaagent.com.tw to fill out forms and schedule appointments. Of course, you can all schedule your appointments on the same date and time, but each applicant will still have an individual interview.

[Question from Student]: Do we need to reply all the questions in English?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: You should be able to demonstrate a basic level of English proficiency. We don't expect your English to be fluent, but we need to know your English is good enough to succeed academically, unless of course, you are going to study English.

[Question from Student]: During the interview, will you ask any questions about the course the students are selecting?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: Yes, the interviewer may ask questions about your proposed course of study.

AIT Moderator: Did you know that …….
EducationUSA Advising Centers provide Taiwan students and their parents with information to Make a Study Plan, Choose a U.S. School, Find Financial Aid, Apply for Admission, Get a U.S. Student Visa, and Prepare for Departure. For information: www.educationusa.org.tw

[Question from Student]: What is an appropriate dress code for a student visa interview?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: there is no dress code for visa interviews. Of course, it always helps to have a neat appearance.

[Question from Student]: I got my student visa last week, but I got accepted at a better school. Do I need to apply for a new visa if I decide to go to the better school?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: Yes, if you have not yet traveled to the U.S., you need to apply for a new student visa with the I20 from the school you intend to attend. When you enter the U.S., the I20 must match the name of the school on the visa. Please request for a fee transferring for your SEVIS fee before applying for a new visa.

[Question Chat Participant]: To Franc: Hi, I went to the US to attend a language school last year. This fall I am going to study in a graduate school. Should I apply for a new F-1 visa? or can I still use the old one? Thanks!

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Franc: If you leave the US for five months or more, you will have to get a new student visa.

Q [kefir34]: To Karin: I'm currently having a gap year after graduating from high school last year. During this year, I got admission from an American college. Would the fact that I'm currently not enrolled in any school affect my application for visa? b, Will the decline of the visa application 15 years ago to Germany be a disadvantage to my F1 application now? c, What's the recent rate of F1 visa approval among students who want to pursue bachelor degrees in US? Thank you.

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Karin: It's ok not to be in school now. Be prepared to show your transcripts from your most recent study, and if you're working, show evidence of that. The German visa application has no bearing on your qualifications for a student visa to the U.S. Finally, the U.S. State Department doesn't release student visa refusal rate information, but I can tell you the vast majority of Taiwan students qualify for visas without problems.

AIT Moderator: Although everyone is welcome to participate, please be reminded that the answers may be specific to Taiwan only.

AIT Moderator: Attend a Free Group Advising Session: Thursday, 5:30PM - 6:30PM.
Foundation for Scholarly Exchange (FSE) Fulbright Program Office
e-mail: ustudy@ustudy.org.tw Website: www.ustudy.org.tw

Q AIT Moderator: [Question from Student]: Can we go back and forth between the States and Taiwan during our study in the U.S.?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Karin: see similar question--to clarify, if you take a break in studies for more than 5 months, you will need to apply for a new student visa to continue studying, even at the same school.

AIT Moderator: Attend a Free Group Advising Session: Wed. and Fri., 2:00PM - 4:00PM.
American International Education Foundation (AIEF)
e-mail: service@aief.org.tw Website: www.aief.org.tw

Q [MLB498@gmail.com]: To Franc: Thanks for your reply, Franc! I appreciate that! But is there any other solution rather than leaving the US and re-entering from the border of neighbor countries? Can I just leave through the gate at airport and re-enter at the same airport without getting on the flight to other country?

Q [Chat Participant]: To Franc: Can I have 2 valid visa (B1 & F1) at one time? I got an 5-year B1 visa last year. After two year studying (using F1 visa) started from this summer, will my B1 visa still valid?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Franc: Yes, you can have B1/2 and F1 at the same time.

Q [Chat Participant]: To Karin: Most of us sent the financial statement to schools we're applying for the I-20, which means schools are already confirm that we are able to pay our tuition at least the 1st year. Do I need to bring any financial statement, such as banking statement, when I attend the visa interview?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Karin: Yes. Although the school has already reviewed your financial information, the visa officer also looks at this.

Q [Justine]: To Karin: Hi, I'm going to Wisconsin for my further study. I have a driving license here. I will also to apply an international driving license before going to America. If I got the two driving licenses with me, should I take the test for a driving license in America? Thanks!

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Karin: once you get to Wisconsin, contact your local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to find out about specific state licensing requirements. You will probably want a U.S. driver's license for identification purposes even if you can drive on your international license.

AIT Moderator: Be sure to check our website for information on upcoming events. Website address: www.educationusa.org.tw

ccchang@mail.caa.gov.tw: To Karin: 我的女兒將於6月份高中畢業，而我們全家移民簽證申請經NVC通知已於3月底送交AIT等候面談〈移民簽證排序已於去年輪到〉，我希望她能持續學習，請問我現在應如何辦理？

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Karin: for all immigrant visa questions, please contact the Immigrant Visa Unit at visaiv@mail.ait.org.tw

Q [Chat Participant] To Franc: I'm glad to join this webchat. I'm going to study abroad in US this summer for one-year exchange program of university. I have a question about the period of visa.

I would like to go to US 2 months early before the Fall 2007 semester begins for learning how to get along with Americans and cultures. As I know about the visa that students may enter US only one month early before the semester begins. How do I do? Thanks for giving me a chance to ask question!

AIT Moderator: Dear participant, the answer to your question has already been posted above.

moonoh0504: To Franc: 您好
a.我的I-20上面的開學日是8/23，而學校的admission letter上面的check-in日期是7/24-8/23，那麼我是否可以在7/24當天入境美國
b.我入境美國後，可否先去拜訪在美國的親戚，再由他們陪同一起到學校安頓一切

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Franc:
a) You can enter the US at anytime, as long as it is no more than 30 days before the start of your studies.
b) Yes you can go to visit your relatives and they can accompany you to your university.

Q [Justine]: To Franc: If we didn't get any scholarship or TA/RA with our admission, is there any chance for us to have a part-time job such as working in the college library or other offices? Thanks!

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Franc: yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week at your school while on a student visa.

AIT Moderator: Are you getting ready to depart for the U.S. in the fall? Are you confused about how to complete the health form? Attend a Pre-Departure Orientation sponsored by the Foundation for Scholarly Exchange at the Taipei Public Library.

Time and Place: International Meeting Room Taipei Public Library,
Sunday June 3, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Address: 10F, No. 125, Chien Kuo South Road, Section. 2, Taipei.

Q [snailtai]: To Karin: 你好，請問若想在美國唸完商學院研究所後想待在美國就業的話。
1.opt是不是學業完成後可滯留美國一年時間?請問申請流程及時間點?
麻煩您了，謝謝。

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Karin: contact your designated school official for OPT application procedures. Yes, the period is one year.

webchat.state.gov2: To Karin: 如果我在A校讀了一學期後再轉學到B校,在簽證上要如何辦理?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: Karin: if you maintain continuous student status, you can continue to use the same student visa with the valid I20 from the new school. Be sure to have the school update your SEVIS record to show where you are studying.

AIT Moderator: You can read transcripts of past EducationUSA webchats at: http://www.americancorner.org.tw/en/wctrans/

Q [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: any questions about US culture or campus life?

Q [AIT Moderator]: Do I need a car as a student in the States?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: in most places, you probably do, because public transportation isn't that good. This is an important consideration when choosing a school -- if you live in New York City, Washington, Chicago, San Francisco, or Seattle, for example, you don't need a car. But other large cities like Los Angeles do require a car. Buying a car and insurance adds considerably to the cost of studying in many places.

Q [Keaton]: To Franc: 請問公費生的 J-1 簽證時效？因為台灣只有提供三年，如果期滿，要繼續自費攻讀學位，需不需要改簽證別？謝謝

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: Franc: J visas can get very complicated. For your question, you should really talk to your program coordinator in the US.

Q [MLB498]: Hi, Franc! It's me again! I'd like to know some ideas and opinions of yours about buying a second-hand car for a international student in US? What aspects do we have to know? Tax, insurance,..etc. Thank you!

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: Franc: many international students buy cars from departing students. Or you can look in the newspaper want ads. Tax and insurance issues vary by state, so that will depend on where you go to study. My advice is to get the best car you can afford. Car repair can be quite expensive in the US.

Q [Chat Participant]: To Karin: how about briefly introduce the main culture shocks that foreign students might face?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Karin: Food is a big issue for many students. The food is different and you might not be able to get Taiwanese food. Some students have also noticed that U.S. restaurants are relatively expensive, and that the meals are huge by Asian standards. Another culture shock is that a lot of Americans really don't know much about the rest of the world. They might not know where Taiwan is or the difference between China and Taiwan. However, they are friendly and you can teach them!

Q [Keaton]: To Franc: 如何打入白人的圈子呢？因為聽到已經去美國唸書的學長姐表示：美國同學會不太耐煩聽我們有口音或是不流利的英文。而且似乎比較英雄主義，如果自己學業成績較為落後，同學通常不太搭理，遇到這樣的情況，我該怎麼調整自己？

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Franc: Keaton: I think a good first step is to check out your school's Chinese department and find a language exchange partner. Learning Chinese is VERY popular in the US, so you can meet a lot of people that way. They will also be more patient with your limited English (but you will improve very quickly).

I made a lot of friends through language exchange, because I wanted to practice Chinese and meet more Chinese friends.

AIT Moderator: Moderator: We wish to thank our AIT Consular Officers for joining us today. The webchat will be closing in 5 minutes. Please submit your last question now.

Q [Justine]: To Franc: For graduate study, we have to read a lot of references. Is it easy to access the archives on the internet via the college library in America? Some databases are only limited to certain universities in Taiwan; therefore, we have to go to those libraries to get the reference. Is it also the same situation in America? Thanks!

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Franc: Some schools are more advanced than others, but for the most part, US universities are quite excellent in this regard.

Q [Chat Participant]: To Karin: 我申請到美國研究所,但是我想先去唸語言學校,但是語言學校結束到研究所開學還有兩個月,請問我可以繼續待在美國直到開學,還是要先回台灣,直到開學前一個月才能再去美國?

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Karin: after you complete a course of study (including English program), you can stay up to 60 days in the U.S. Since your graduate school starts in 60 days, there is no problem staying in the U.S. between programs.

Q [MLB498]: To Franc: Thanks for your reply! I'll appreciate if you could tell me more about buying a second-hand car for international students in US. I think I might have to buy one.... I'm going to study in California State University, Sacramento. Thank you!

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests] Franc: you can check websites like craigslist.com for more info. The US is a car culture, so it will be very easy to find one. As always, “let the buyer beware”.

Q [Justine]: To Franc: Are there really a lot of Americans interested in learning Mandarin? If we have get some certificate in teaching Mandarin, will that help us to get more chance to make friends with foreigners? Thanks!

A [EducationUSA Webchat Guests]: Franc: definitely-I am an example. You don't need a certificate. Just go to the Chinese department. They will have a bulletin board where you can leave your contact info. I made so many Taiwanese friends this way! Good luck!

[Chat Participant]: To Franc and Karin: Thank you for answer my question!

Q [Justine]: To Franc and Karin: Thanks for your help answering so many questions today!

EducationUSA Webchat Guests -Franc: I'd like to thank all the participants in this chat. It's been fun to chat with you and I wish you all the best of luck in your future education plans. I think you will find AIT visa procedures efficient and convenient. Remember, you can apply up to 120 days before your program starts, so apply early for summer and fall study!

Karin: It was fun chatting with all of you. I hope we get this chance again. Best of luck to all of you in the US! Don't be shy about approaching American students. They will be very open and friendly, and many are very curious about foreign cultures. Again, my best advice to you to make American friends soon after you arrive is to consider a language exchange with an American student who is learning Chinese. Study hard, but have fun too!

AIT Moderator: Thank you everyone for participating. Please visit our EducationUSA webpage www.educationusa.org.tw for more information on upcoming events. If we didn't get to your visa question, you can send it to visaniv@mail.ait.org.tw