F-1 Visa for Peruvian

[srhwiley 1]

My husband's younger sister is wanting to study in the US. It makes the most sense for her to study somewhere local to us to have family support (all other family is in Peru). Financially, she is unable to pay, but we would help her out. I'm just getting started in the process and am wonder if we can sign some sort of affidavit of support saying we will be responsible for her financially? What is the best way to handle this? Also, would her wanting to study in the same city as we live be seen negatively by immigration at all? 

 

As for english language proficiency - is there a specific test she needs to take?

 

She is also hoping to find a job here and be able to stay, but that isn't 100% of her decision. Regardless of where she ends up working, a US degree would give her more opportunities. She's most likely going to continue studying computation.

 

Thank you!

[Boiler 45,672]

Have you researched the cost? I would start there. International Student rates are not cheap.

 

Yes it may seem odd that she happens to want to study near her brother.

[canadian_wife 1,823]

Agree, as always, with Boiler. 

The exam she will need to take is based on the university/college she wishes to attend as each will have their different admissions requirements.  Have you researched that?  She will also not be able to work more than 20 hours a week and it must be on campus with approval from the DSO.  

 

Good luck

[carmel34 3,639]

16 hours ago, srhwiley said:

My husband's younger sister is wanting to study in the US. It makes the most sense for her to study somewhere local to us to have family support (all other family is in Peru). Financially, she is unable to pay, but we would help her out. I'm just getting started in the process and am wonder if we can sign some sort of affidavit of support saying we will be responsible for her financially? What is the best way to handle this? Also, would her wanting to study in the same city as we live be seen negatively by immigration at all? 

 

As for english language proficiency - is there a specific test she needs to take?

 

She is also hoping to find a job here and be able to stay, but that isn't 100% of her decision.

An F-1 visa is for studying temporarily in the US, then returning to the home country after completing the degree.  Those who get F-1 approvals have the financial means to pay for everything and strong ties to their home countries.  They also have been accepted to a US college or university.  If she is hoping to stay in the US, and can't afford the (very high) tuition/fees charged to international students without financial help from her brother in the US, of course these will all be considered red flags by the interviewing officer, as they are all evidence of stronger ties to the US than Peru.  From what you have described, she is trying to use a non-immigrant visa to live with her brother in the US permanently, to avoid the very, very long wait times for a sibling immigrant visa.  She can apply for an F-1, but based on the circumstances you have described, the probability of approval is quite low.  Has her brother filed an I-130 petition on her behalf?  What about her parents, are they in the US or Peru?

Edited August 4, 2023 by carmel34

[srhwiley 1]

She does not want to stay here permanently at all, though I understand that on paper it may seem that way. She's adamant that if she were to work in the US, it would be temporary, 3-5 years and then she would return to Peru.

 

I'm confident, after researching, that she could get accepted into the local community college for study which has a strong international program. That's not an issue and I'm aware of the costs for the program, the work limitations, etc. We are happy to support her. Just trying to see if it would be feasible given all the factors. 

[srhwiley 1]

9 hours ago, carmel34 said:

An F-1 visa is for studying temporarily in the US, then returning to the home country after completing the degree.  Those who get F-1 approvals have the financial means to pay for everything and strong ties to their home countries.  They also have been accepted to a US college or university.  If she is hoping to stay in the US, and can't afford the (very high) tuition/fees charged to international students without financial help from her brother in the US, of course these will all be considered red flags by the interviewing officer, as they are all evidence of stronger ties to the US than Peru.  From what you have described, she is trying to use a non-immigrant visa to live with her brother in the US permanently, to avoid the very, very long wait times for a sibling immigrant visa.  She can apply for an F-1, but based on the circumstances you have described, the probability of approval is quite low.  Has her brother filed an I-130 petition on her behalf?  What about her parents, are they in the US or Peru?

Her parents live in Peru as does her entire family other than her brother. No, he has not filed an I-130 petition as she does not intend to immigrate at this time. She really doesn't want to stay more than about 5 years max - she would consider working in the US for a few years if it worked out after her studies with visas, etc. But her goal is not to immigrate, though I can see how on paper it might seem that way.

 

We are aware of the cost and happy to support her. I'm confident she could get accepted to the local community college which has an extremely strong international program that is actually not prohibitively expensive.

 

Just trying to see if it's even realistic. Thanks for your input.

[srhwiley 1]

23 hours ago, Boiler said:

Have you researched the cost? I would start there. International Student rates are not cheap.

 

Yes it may seem odd that she happens to want to study near her brother.

Yes, the local community college is fairly affordable and has an excellent program for international students. She would ideally attend there. 

 

I understand why it could be interpreted as "odd" but it's also frustrating because it makes infinitely more sense for her to study near us and have family support than somewhere else. Immigrant or not.

[Boiler 45,672]

On 8/3/2023 at 9:04 PM, srhwiley said:

Regardless of where she ends up working, a US degree would give her more opportunities. She's most likely going to continue studying computation.

Of course she can apply for a F1, nothing you have mentioned suggests she cannot.

 

I did not realise she was talking about a Community College and wonder if that would quite meet the objective compared to a local College. Slightly out of my area so will let others comment.

 

A STEM Degree does come with 3 years OPT.

 

 

[srhwiley 1]

On 8/4/2023 at 9:58 PM, Boiler said:

Of course she can apply for a F1, nothing you have mentioned suggests she cannot.

 

I did not realise she was talking about a Community College and wonder if that would quite meet the objective compared to a local College. Slightly out of my area so will let others comment.

 

A STEM Degree does come with 3 years OPT.

 

 

I  would hope so. I plan to contact the Community College directly as this one in particular has a large international program and likely lots of experience and advise as well.