Visa Blues

Students graduating from US high schools while their families are in the states on visas can attend US colleges at an affordable rate. Some colleges charge international students at a higher tuition rate. Are you part of a family with an H-1B visa? Is your visa status H-4, J-2, L-1, or M-1, or G-4 or other? These 4 tips can help you navigate the process of US college admission.

Understand Your Visa Status: It’s important to know your personal situation. If you are a dependent of a worker in the US with a visa, this will impact your visa. Are you able to work at an income paying job? There may be restrictions on your ability to work and the length of time you may stay in the US with your current status. You may age out of your visa status. Learn when and how you may apply for permanent residency or visa extensions. Each visa status has its own definition. A helpful place to start is: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa/foreign-students-in-public-schools.html

College Visa and Immigration Office: Each college processes admission applications differently and they are accustomed to answering questions about their forms. Call or email the college admission offices of schools you are interested in attending. Explain your individual visa status and indicate you are graduating from a US high school. They will tell you how to complete their form or direct you to their International Student Office for further directions.Your goal is to avoid paying an inflated international student tuition rate.

State Grant Programs: Some states provide funds for state college bound students regardless of their immigration status. Community College may be free in your state regardless of immigration status. Look for seamless transfer agreements with local community colleges and state 4 year universities. Community colleges have evolved and can offer small class sizes and excellent ways to fulfill general education class requisites to 4 year programs. This can be a very economical way to save on tuition and make a 4 year diploma viable.

Apply: If you are flexible heading into the college application process, an excellent education can be in store for you at an affordable price. Strategies exist to save money if you are classified as an international student such as living at home to save on housing costs, making the most of your college experience wherever you go for your education, applying for grants and scholarships, working if you can, and community college for the first two years. These can provide an endgame of undergrad or graduate degrees from US institutions and strong career prospects. You must apply to get started.

I hope these suggestions provide supportive ideas and a better way forward for your college goals.

– Ann Voorhees is founder of Ann Voorhees College Consulting

ann@annvoorhees.com