Getting a Student Visa

[janurabi]

I've been looking at college's in the Rhode Island area. I'm a Canadian with a graphic design diploma and am looking to advance my education in the Graphic Design field. I know that RISD is a renowned college, I actually went there today to find out about the international student program they have there. I have a few questions/ is there a visa I can get to legally work while going to school? RISD is VERY expensive. Yearly tuition runs around $40,000. I've also been looking at Johnson and Whales for going to school part-time as well. Can I get an F-1 as a part-time student?


Can anyone sponsor a student or non-student? One of my friends moved to Iowa 6 years ago and told me that I don't necessarily need family or a job to sponsor me and that all it takes is someone who can financially look after you.

[Dremani]

F-1 Status is required to be in school full-time with a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. You cannot attend school part-time on an F-1 visa. The only way this can be done is if you fall under unforseen circumstances preventing from taking a full course load and this can only be done twice throughout your entire stay under F-1 status year.

You can work but only for a maximum of 20 hrs per week only on campus at the school you're attending. Not outside unless you are taking CPT (Curricular practical training)

By sponsorship you will need to show immigration you can financially support yourself while attending school in the U.S. A family member, the government or a scholarship you have received is sufficient evidence for proof of financial support in the form of a bank letter or grant. When I received my grant, this is what I used along with a bank letter.

More than likely the school you're looking to attend will require a financial statement of more than $40,000.