F1 Student Visa for High School Students at Public and Private Schools
All applicants for F1 student visas must demonstrate that s/he:
1. has a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of
abandoning;
2. is a bona fide student qualified to pursue a full course of study;
3. seeks to enter the United States temporarily and solely for the purpose
of pursuing such a course of study at an established college, university,
seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other
academic institution or in a language training program in the United States;
4. has a SEVIS Form I-20 from an ICE approved institution; and
5. can demonstrate financial support or the funds to cover the expenses
listed in the SEVIS Form I-20.
In cases where the student intends to study at a public secondary school,
the student must demonstrate that s/he has reimbursed the local educational
agency that administers the school for the full, unsubsidized per capita
cost of providing education at the school for the period of the student’s
attendance. Additionally, the period of attendance must be 12 months or
less. Violation of this restriction can result in a five year bar from
entry to the United States INA Section 212(a)(6)(G). In most cases where a
F1 visa holder attends high school in the US, s/he will reside with a host
family. It is a good idea for the host family to execute a limited power of
attorney so they may seek medical care or assist in legal matters for the
child
An F1 visa applicant’s spouse and minor children may obtain F2 visa status.
Children of F1 visa holders in F2 visa status may attend elementary school
through 12th grade. Canadian and Mexican nationals who maintains actual
residence and place of abode in their country of nationality may commute to
the United States to study at an approved institution.