Can I host my niece as a High School exchange student being a G4 Visa?

[Isaac778 1]

Good afternoon; I have been working as a full-time employee for an international organization since 2011 in the DC area. I have a G4 Visa (non-resident alien) and wanted to host my niece (she has Italian nationality) as a visiting high-school student in 2024. I found the local Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools that can issue the papers for her to apply for the F Visa, and I understand that I will have to pay for the full unsubsidized cost of her education (I'll do it). It is still unclear to me if, with my Visa, I can provide accommodation and shelter for her and be listed on her papers as the primary host. I heard too many horror stories about hosting families provided by exchange associations and I don't want her to go that route since I live here and I am her uncle. Grateful for any answers you may provide. 

[Boiler 45,662]

Yes

[Isaac778 1]

Thank you, do you know if I will be required to provide info about my VISA during her interview process at the embassy? Much appreciated.

[Boiler 45,662]

6 minutes ago, Isaac778 said:

Thank you, do you know if I will be required to provide info about my VISA during her interview process at the embassy? Much appreciated.

I would supply everything just in case, much easier to dig it out then and there than get a RFE

[Isaac778 1]

Thank you, forgive my ignorance but what's an "RFE"? 

[CMJuilland 485]

It stands for “Request for Evidence”. Basically, if USCIS doesn’t deem what you supplied for evidence enough, they generally send a written notice asking for more evidence. That’s an RFE. However, they are not obligated to do so; they have the right to flat-out deny applications if eligibility isn’t established in their eyes. Therefore, I personally think it’s best to submit more evidence rather than less. 

Here is a link to their policy manual: https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-1-part-e-chapter-6

[SteveInBostonI130 3,467]

1 hour ago, Isaac778 said:

Thank you, forgive my ignorance but what's an "RFE"? 

This will probably only involve the embassy interview for the F1, so a 221g in your case.

[Isaac778 1]

Thank you all for the great insights. I have an appointment with the school to see what's needed from her side in terms of academics, grade translations, etc. 
I hope that the cost for the semester is not exorbitant, it's an MD public school. Grateful for all the insights you provided!

[jan22 3,056]

Mm

17 hours ago, Isaac778 said:

Thank you all for the great insights. I have an appointment with the school to see what's needed from her side in terms of academics, grade translations, etc. 
I hope that the cost for the semester is not exorbitant, it's an MD public school. Grateful for all the insights you provided!

As you know, you will need to pay the full, unsubsidized cost for the school year.  High schools in Maryland, on average, spend more than $15,500 per student per year.  So, you should expect it to be around $15,000  for the year-- or more.  Plus, living expenses (lodging, food, etc.).  It will not be cheap.

Edited August 25, 2022 by jan22

[Isaac778 1]

Thank you, yes, I am aware. We were thinking about a semester so maybe that figure can be cut in half.

[JeanneAdil 6,554]

you may want to look into organizations that deal with exchange students like your local Rotary club

my mom and dad had students from Chile,  Ecuador and DR and one for 3 months from South Africa

my brother had one from Japan

and my niece just hosted a Spanish girl

my step daughter spent Senior year in Belgium

 

online just google the phrase "hosting a foreign student"  or similar phrase / there's a lot of options like the one below

 

https://efexchangeyear.org/landing-page/host-a-student/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=202110_Restructure_LowPerformers&utm_adgroup=Student&utm_term=exchange%20students&mt=p&device=c&utm_content=&source=007957&campaignid=14855734256&adgroupid=127393067225&adid=549756277323&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5dat0Lji-QIVxsizCh1oIgLxEAMYASAAEgJys_D_BwE

[Coco8 1,042]

4 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

you may want to look into organizations that deal with exchange students like your local Rotary club

 

Yes, I have a good friend that did the exchange with Rotary Club. You are supposed to host another kid while your kid is being hosted or later. Rotary Club also provides a stipend for expenses for the kids (not a lot, like a couple hundred dollars). 

 

That said, you have to participate of meetings and things, unless you are lucky to be in an area in which not many people live and the Rotary Club branch wants to send someone.

 

 

Edited August 25, 2022 by Coco8