Congratulations! You have received an offer letter from your dream school or a confirmation letter for a scholarship. The next step is planning your departure. In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to take in order to prepare for your study abroad experience.
Apply for a Passport
Getting your passport ready is the first step in your journey. If you already have a passport, skip to the next step. If not, here's what you need to know:
Visit your nearest passport office with all your necessary documents. It can take anywhere from one week for an urgent passport to 20 days for normal delivery.
A pro tip for this stage: be very careful and make sure every detail in your passport is correct. Double-check your date of birth and spellings in yours and your father’s/guardian’s/spouse’s name to ensure it matches all of your academic credentials.
Apply for a U.S. Visa
The next step is to apply for a U.S. visa. Depending on your sponsorship, your visa category will differ:
- If you are sponsoring your degree yourself or if a professor/university is sponsoring you, you will be applying for VISA. Look out for an email from a focal person at your department, it will contain information about your SEVIS ID. You will need to pay a SEVIS fee and once you receive your i20 form, you can then apply for an F-1 visa.
- If you are on a state-sponsored scholarship, such as HEC or Fulbright, you will be applying for a J-1 visa based on a DS-2019 provided by the program sponsor.
Apply for a Dependent's Visa
If you plan on sponsoring your family while on an F-1 visa, you will need to apply for an F-2 visa for your dependents through the international services at your university. For J-1 visa holders, a spouse or family visa would be a J-2. The notable difference is that J-2 visa holders are authorized to work in the U.S., while F-2 visa holders are not.
In conclusion, preparing to study abroad can seem overwhelming, Follow these essential steps to ensure a successful departure.
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