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Student Visas (High School or Elementary School Students)

I would like to send my child to elementary school (primary) or high school (secondary) in the U.S.

Public Elementary (Primary) School

The United States will not issue a student visa to your child to attend a U.S. public elementary or middle school (K-8)

Public High (Secondary) School

The United States will issue a student visa to your high school student (grades 9-12) to attend a U.S. public high school if you submit evidence that the local school district has been reimbursed in advance for the unsubsidized per capita cost of your child’s education. However, attendance at U.S. public high school cannot exceed a total of 12 months.

Private Elementary and High Schools

Student status is available to foreign students who are coming to pursue a full course of study in a private elementary or high school.

A successful visa petition will contain sufficient evidence of the following:

  • Your child has been accepted for a full course of studies by a DHS approved educational institution;
  • Your child speaks sufficient English to pursue the intended course of study (or the school will provide your child with English language courses or teach the course in your child’s native language.)
  • You or a sponsor have sufficient funds (personal funds, financial aid or scholarships) to cover all your child’s tuition and living expenses; and
  • Your child has binding ties to his or her home country

Your first step in the process should be getting your child accepted by the educational institution. Once the school accepts your child as a student it will issue a special form. However, acceptance by the school is not enough to obtain your child’s student visa. You will have to present your visa request along with the required documentation and fees to the US consulate nearest your place of residence. Also,

Ortega-Medina & Associates can help you present the strongest case possible to increase your chances to get your child’s student visa. We are familiar with all the requirements and problems that may come up during the process. We can also offer important guidance to you to reduce the possibility of an entry refusal. Once your child has been issued the visa and has been admitted to the United States, we can also help maintain your child’s visa status.