Page 12 - BICF College Prep 101 Fall 2019

Studying in the United States and Student Visa Requirements With over 4,500 accredited institutions of higher education in the United States, there’s a college or university that is right for everyone. Many of the world’s leaders and innovators are graduates of U.S. universities and are now working to solve some of our toughest global challenges. They are creative entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, public servants, and educators – all intent on improving our world. Bermuda’s close proximity to the United States is beneficial to students interested in studying abroad; it is equally convenient for parents who wish to visit their students. Bermuda passport holders are not required to have a visa for entry into the U.S. Once accepted into a college or university, the school will issue a Form I-20 or, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. You will be required to pay a Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee to maintain a student status while living in the United States. Although Bermuda citizens benefit from a special visa exemption, there are several reasons why applying for one could be helpful. Some schools are not familiar with the exemption and require all international students to have a valid visa upon enrollment. Additionally, if a student travels internationally, either on a school trip or on vacation, they may have difficulties returning to the U.S., as some international borders do not recognize the newly printed Bermuda passports as visa exempt. Finally, if a student plans to register a car or rent an apartment off campus, they may be asked to produce a valid visa to confirm their current status and eligibility to reside in the U.S. Information about the visa exemption and the student visa process is available on the U.S. Consulate’s website https://bm.usconsulate.gov/. To apply for a visa, visit https://ceac. state.gov/genniv/ to complete the online application. The U.S. Consulate works diligently to provide student visa information. If you have any questions about the application process, a member of our consular team can be reached at hamiltonconsulate@state.gov or 441-705-0424 Monday – Friday between 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. “As the U.S. Consul General to Bermuda, I personally invite you to consider studying in the U.S. and encourage you to contact our EducationUSA Advising Center located at the Bermuda College to learn more about choosing a school, the application process, financial aid opportunities, and to answer any other questions you may have. E-mail Edusa@college.bm or call 441-239-4063 for more information. I am confident that studying in the United States will expand your world and open doors to a bright future” says U.S. Consul General Dierman. 12 www.EDcellerate.com