F-1 Student Visa Attorneys in Skokie
Obtain a Visa to Study in the U.S.
The F-1 Visa is issued to international students who are pursuing an academic program or English Language Program at U.S. colleges, seminaries, conservatories, academia high schools, private elementary schools, academic institutions, universities, or language training programs.
At Gambacorta Law, we represent students from around the world who want to pursue an education in the United States. Our F-1 visa lawyers in Skokie are happy to help you through the process from start to finish.
Call (847) 443-9303 now to learn more and see if you are eligible for an F-1 visa.
Applying for an F-1 Visa
To obtain an F-1 visa, you must apply to study at a USCIS-approved school in the United States. When you contact a school that you are interested in attending, you should be told immediately if the school accepts international students. When accepted, the school should give you USCIS Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status – for Academic and Language Students). You should also be prepared to prove that you have the financial resources required for your education and stay in the United States.
After receiving an immigration form I-20, you must make an appointment at your nearest U.S. Consulate to apply for a student visa and pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. You’ll need your I-20 Form to pay. Print out the receipt after paying.
Bring the following to the appointment:
- Form I-20
- Passport
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Proof that you can financially support your studies
- Proof of ties to your home country
- Any other forms that your consulate requires
To accommodate visa processing time, be sure to apply for your visa as early as possible. Take note that embassies and consulates can issue a student visa 120 days in advance of your registration date. You should also know that the Department of Homeland Security requires all beginning students to enter the U.S. no more than 30 days in advance of the start of the studies.
The Application Process
As an F-1 visa applicant, you must undergo an interview at the Embassy Consular section if you are between the ages of 14 and 79, with few exceptions. Persons age 13 and younger and age 80 and older generally do not need to complete an interview unless requested by the Embassy or Consulate. You must prove to the consular officer that you have binding ties to your residence in your country and that you will depart the United States when you have completed your studies. It is impossible to specify the exact form the evidence should take since circumstances vary greatly.
Client Reviews
Opinions and Successes
-
We are extremely grateful to Tim and Gambacorta Law!
Gambacorta Law is the place to go. Tim is wonderful. He connected with his clients at personal level and made us feel at ease ...
Valerie -
Amazing Law Office
This is really a wonderful law firm. First of all, we would like to thank Ms. Van for introducing me to the office of lawyer ...
Cuong Pham -
Today, I am a US CITIZEN, Thank you Mr. Gambacorta!
Our family was referred to Mr. Gambacorta for immigration issues, since this is public forum so will not go into specifics of ...
Mujahid Kamal -
Thank Tim for all your help.
He is wonderful Lawer. He made sure everything go smooth before you have a interview. He is very carefully for your case and ...
Thao -
"I can't express how appreciative I am to have found him. My husband is back home with us now and we are celebrating our 8 year anniversary this Friday. Thank you for your sincere dedication Mr. Gambacorta, you brought my family back together."
In 2009 my life ended when my husband was arrested. I was alone with two children, a boy merely 2 years old and a little girl ...
Nicole -
"The temple and Khun Tim have an ongoing relationship and I continue to refer Thai people to him when I know that Thai people are in need of an immigration lawyer."
I am the abbott of Wat Phrasriratanamahadhatu, a Thai-Buddhist Temple in Chicago, Illinois and Niles, Michigan. Mr. ...
Anonymous -
"Timothy Gambacorta works from his heart and not for the money. He was able to help me renew my Green card which helped me reunite with my family overseas."
Timothy Gambacorta works from his heart and not for the money. He was able to help me renew my Green card which helped me ...
Nina -
"I have worked with Tim for almost 3 years and have never been disappointed in any aspect of his work."
Tim's analytical ability and years of experience enable him to provide thoughtful, thorough, and most importantly, practical ...
Hung
