Monday, May 13, 2013

General Information To Cameroonians Who Wish TO Study Or visit In The United States (US)






Student and Exchange Visitor Visas

If you want to study in the U.S. you should contact educational institutions directly to submit an application to the institution of your choice. After you are accepted for study, the institution will issue form I-20 or form DS-2019 and send it to you. One of those forms is required for each student or exchange visitor visa applicant, and you must bring it to the visa interview. Please do not send it to the consular section by post, fax or e-mail.

Required documents:
Original, current form I-20 (F/M visa applicants) or form DS-2019 (J visa applicants).
Confirmation page of online application form available at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv
A current passport that will be valid for at least six months after you plan to arrive in the US.
One 5cm x 5cm photograph with a white background.
Application fee of USD $160 (or CFA equivalent). Those who are issued visas may have to pay an additional issuance fee, depending on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant.
Receipt showing payment of the $200 SEVIS fee (from https://www.fmjfee.com, see note below).
Financial evidence of income (salary or other incoming revenue, not assets in the bank) sufficient to pay for your entire studies in the U.S. This should include enough readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first academic year (not required for returning students).
Transcripts and diplomas from previous educational institutions attended (not required for returning students)
Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc. (not required for returning students)

Please note that possession of the above documents does not guarantee visa issuance. Visa issuance or denial is still determined by means of an oral interview in which an applicant’s eligibility for a visa is evaluated. Among the requirements is that the consular officer be convinced that you fully intend to complete your student program and return to your home country at the end.

SPECIAL NOTICE - Please allow extra time to pay the SEVIS fee as applicants in Cameroon can only pay by money order or check drawn against a U.S. bank. See http://www.fmjfee.com/ for details. Student visa holders (F, M or J) will not be admitted to the United States more than thirty days prior to the beginning of your program date, or start date, as given on your form I-20 (for F or M visas) or DS-2019 (for J visas) or after the start date absent a letter from the institution indicating that you may do so. Please consider your departure/arrival date carefully when making your travel plans to the United States.
Student and Exchange Visitor Visas

If you want to study in the U.S. you should contact educational institutions directly to submit an application to the institution of your choice. After you are accepted for study, the institution will issue form I-20 or form DS-2019 and send it to you. One of those forms is required for each student or exchange visitor visa applicant, and you must bring it to the visa interview. Please do not send it to the consular section by post, fax or e-mail.

Required documents:
Original, current form I-20 (F/M visa applicants) or form DS-2019 (J visa applicants).
Confirmation page of online application form available at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv
A current passport that will be valid for at least six months after you plan to arrive in the US.
One 5cm x 5cm photograph with a white background.

Application fee of USD $160 (or CFA equivalent). Those who are issued visas may have to pay an additional issuance fee, depending on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant.
Receipt showing payment of the $200 SEVIS fee (from https://www.fmjfee.com, see note below).
Financial evidence of income (salary or other incoming revenue, not assets in the bank) sufficient to pay for your entire studies in the U.S. This should include enough readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first academic year (not required for returning students).
Transcripts and diplomas from previous educational institutions attended (not required for returning students)
Scores from standardized tests required by the educational i

Sunday, May 12, 2013

How To Apply For (US) United State Visa For cameronians

 To apply for an F or M visa, you have to submit the following:
A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months completely your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an app.
One (1) 2"x2" (5cmx5cm) photo. this article has information about the required photo format.

To apply for an F or M visa, you have to submit the following:
A Non immigrant Visa Electronic app (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 webpage for more information about the DS-160.

A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months completely your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an app.
One (1) 2"x2" (5cmx5cm) photo. this article has information about the required photo format.

A receipt featuring payment of your US$160 non-refundable non immigrant visa app processing fee, paid in local currency. this article has more information about paying this fee. If a visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, in relation to your nationality. The Department of State's website can aid you find out if you have to pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is.
An approved Form I-20 from your U.S. school or program.
A Form I-901 SEVIS fee receipt indicating the SEVIS fee has been paid. The SEVIS website has more details.

in addition to these items, you really should present an interview appointment letter confirming that you made an appointment through this service. you might also bring whatever supporting documents you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.
Supporting Documents

Supporting documents are only one of many factors a consular officer will consider in your interview. Consular officers look at each application individually and consider specialist, social, cultural and other factors during adjudication. Consular officers may look at your specific intentions, family situation, and your long-range strategy and prospects within your country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under the law.

Caution: dont present false documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can result in permanent visa ineligibility. If confidentiality is a concern, you have to bring your documents to the Embassy or Consulate in a sealed envelope. The Embassy/Consulate wont make your information available to anyone and will respect the confidentiality of your information.

you have to bring the following documents to your interview:
Documents demonstrating strong financial, social, and family ties to your home country that will compel you to return to your country after your program of study in the U.S. ends.

Financial and any other documents you believe will support your application and which give credible evidence that you have enough readily-available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study and that you have access to funds sufficient to cover all expenses while you remain in the United States. M-1 applicants must demonstrate the ability to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of their intended stay.
Only original copies of bank statements, scholarship award letters, etc.will be accepted.
If you are financially sponsored by another person, bring proof of your relationship to the sponsor (such as your birth certificate), the sponsor's most recent original tax forms and the sponsor's original bank statements and/or fixed deposit certificates.
Documents that show scholastic preparation. Useful documents include school transcripts (original copies are preferable) with grades, public examination certificates (WAEC scores, NECO scores, etc.), standardized test scores (SAT, TOEFL, etc.), and diplomas.
Supporting Documents for Dependents

Applicants with dependents must also provide:


Proof of the scholar's relationship to his/her spouse and/or child (e.g., marriage and birth certificates)
Applicants with depe
it is favorite that families apply for their visas at the same time, but if the spouse and/or kid must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder's passport and visa, along with all other required documents.
Additional Information

Optional Practical Training (OPT)
F-1 visa holders may be eligible for up to 12 months of optional practical training following completion of all course requirements for graduation (not including thesis or equivalent), or after completion of all requirements. OPT is separate from a student's academic work, and time for OPT will not normally be reflected during the scholar's academic program or in the completed study date. students applying for a F visa to do OPT may present an I-20 with an original end of study date that may have passed. However, these I-20s must be annotated by the designated school official to reflect approval of an OPT program that extends totally the end of the regular period of study. In addition, the student must have proof that USCIS has approved their practical training program or that an application is pending, either in the form of an approved Employment Authorization Card or a Form I-797 indicating that s/he has a pending application for an OPT program.
Validity of student Visas After a Break in Studies

students who are away from classes for more than five months can expect to apply for and receive a new F-1 or M-1 student visa to return to school following travel abroad, as explained below.
scholars within the U.S.

A student (F-1 or M-1) may fail that status if they do not resume studies within five months of the date of transferring schools or programs, under immigration law. If a student loses status, unless USCIS reinstates the scholar's status, the student's F or M visa would also be invalid for future travel returning to the U.S. For more information see the USCIS web presence, and instructions for app for Extend/Change of Non immigrant Status Form I-539 to request reinstatement of status.
students - Returning to the U.S. from Travel Abroad

students who leave the U.S. for a break in studies of five months or more may fail their F-1 or M-1 status unless their activities overseas are related to their course of study. In advance of travel, students may want to check with their designated school official, if there is a question about whether their activity is related to their course of study.

When the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immigration inspector at port of entry is presented a used in the past, unexpired F-1 or M-1 visa by a returning student who has been outside the U.S. and out of student status for more than five months, a CBP immigration inspector might come across the student inadmissible for not possessing a valid nonimmigrant visa. CBP may also cancel the visa after granting the student permission to withdraw the app for admission. Therefore, it is sensible for students to apply for new visas at an embassy or consulate abroad prior to traveling to the U.S. to return to their studies, after an absence of more than five months that is not related to their course of study.

A receipt featuring payment of your US$160 non-refundable nonimmigrant visa app processing fee, paid in local currency. this article has more information about paying this fee. If a visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, in relation to your nationality. The Department of State's website can aid you find out if you have to pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is.
An approved Form I-20 from your U.S. school or program.
A Form I-901 SEVIS fee receipt indicating the SEVIS fee has been paid. The SEVIS website has more details.

in addition to these items, you really should present an interview appointment letter confirming that you made an appointment through this service. you might also bring whatever supporting documents you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.
Supporting Documents

Supporting documents are only one of many factors a consular officer will consider in your interview. Consular officers look at each application individually and consider specialist, social, cultural and other factors during adjudication. Consular officers may look at your specific intentions, family situation, and your long-range strategy and prospects within your country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under the law.

Caution: dont present false documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can result in permanent visa ineligibility. If confidentiality is a concern, you have to bring your documents to the Embassy or Consulate in a sealed envelope. The Embassy/Consulate wont make your information available to anyone and will respect the confidentiality of your information.

you have to bring the following documents to your interview:
Documents demonstrating strong financial, social, and family ties to your home country that will compel you to return to your country after your program of study in the U.S. ends.
Financial and any other documents you believe will support your application and which give credible evidence that you have enough readily-available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study and that you have access to funds sufficient to cover all expenses while you remain in the United States. M-1 applicants must demonstrate the ability to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of their intended stay.
Only original copies of bank statements, scholarship award letters, etc.will be accepted.
If you are financially sponsored by another person, bring proof of your relationship to the sponsor (such as your birth certificate), the sponsor's most recent original tax forms and the sponsor's original bank statements and/or fixed deposit certificates.
Documents that show scholastic preparation. Useful documents include school transcripts (original copies are preferable) with grades, public examination certificates (WAEC scores, NECO scores, etc.), standardized test scores (SAT, TOEFL, etc.), and diplomas.
Supporting Documents for Dependents

Applicants with dependents must also provide:
Proof of the scholar's relationship to his/her spouse and/or child (e.g., marriage and birth certificates)
it is favorite that families apply for their visas at the same time, but if the spouse and/or kid must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder's passport and visa, along with all other required documents.
Additional Information

Optional Practical Training (OPT)
F-1 visa holders may be eligible for up to 12 months of optional practical training following completion of all course requirements for graduation (not including thesis or equivalent), or after completion of all requirements. OPT is separate from a student's academic work, and time for OPT will not normally be reflected during the scholar's academic program or in the completed study date. students applying for a F visa to do OPT may present an I-20 with an original end of study date that may have passed. However, these I-20s must be annotated by the designated school official to reflect approval of an OPT program that extends totally the end of the regular period of study. In addition, the student must have proof that USCIS has approved their practical training program or that an application is pending, either in the form of an approved Employment Authorization Card or a Form I-797 indicating that s/he has a pending application for an OPT program.
Validity of student Visas After a Break in Studies

students who are away from classes for more than five months can expect to apply for and receive a new F-1 or M-1 student visa to return to school following travel abroad, as explained below.
scholars within the U.S.

A student (F-1 or M-1) may fail that status if they do not resume studies within five months of the date of transferring schools or programs, under immigration law. If a student loses status, unless USCIS reinstates the scholar's status, the student's F or M visa would also be invalid for future travel returning to the U.S. For more information see the USCIS web presence, and instructions for app for Extend/Change of Nonimmigrant Status Form I-539 to request reinstatement of status.
students - Returning to the U.S. from Travel Abroad

students who leave the U.S. for a break in studies of five months or more may fail their F-1 or M-1 status unless their activities overseas are related to their course of study. In advance of travel, students may want to check with their designated school official, if there is a question about whether their activity is related to their course of study.

When the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immigration inspector at port of entry is presented a used in the past, unexpired F-1 or M-1 visa by a returning student who has been outside the U.S. and out of student status for more than five months, a CBP immigration inspector might come across the student inadmissible for not possessing a valid nonimmigrant visa. CBP may also cancel the visa after granting the student permission to withdraw the app for admission. Therefore, it is sensible for students to apply for new visas at an embassy or consulate abroad prior to traveling to the U.S. to return to their studies, after an absence of more than five months that is not related to their course of study.

Visa Descriptions and Qualifications for Cameroonians to study in the US

The United States welcomes foreign citizens from Cameroons who come to the U.S. to study. Before applying for a visa, all student visa applicants are needed to be accepted and approved by their school or program. Once accepted, educational institutions will provide each applicant the necessary approval documentation to be submitted when applying for a student visa.

Visa Descriptions and Qualifications for Cameroonians

F-1 Visa
This is the most common type of student visa. If you wish wish to engage in academic studies in the United States at an approved school, such as an accredited U.S. college or college, private secondary school, or approved English language program then you will need an F-1 visa. You will also need an F-1 visa if your course of study is more than 18 hours a week.

M-1 Visa
If you scheme engage in non-academic or vocational study or training at a U.S. institution then you will need an M-1 visa.

More information about each of these visas and opportunities for studying in the United States can be found at the Education USA web site.
Other Information

U.S. Public School
U.S. law does not permit foreign students to be present at public elementary school (kindergarten to 8th grade) or a publicly funded adult education program. Hence, F-1 visas cannot be issued for study at such schools.

An F-1 visa can be issued for attendance at a public secondary school (grades 9 to 12), but the scholar is limited to a maximum of 12 months at the school. The school must also indicate on the I-20 that the student has paid the unsubsidized cost of the education and the amount submitted by the student for that purpose.

For more information about F-1 legal requirements, visit the Department of State web portal.

Note: Holders of A, E, F-2, G, H-4, J-2, L-2, M-2 or other derivative non immigrant visas may enroll in public elementary and secondary schools.

student Assistance for Cameroonians, Finding a school in U.S.
 students who hope to enroll in an American educational institution are inspired to contact and visit one of our Education USA Advising Centers at either the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos. For additional details including services available and hours of operation, please visit the EAC website at http://nigerius embassy.gov/educational_advising.html
Dependents

Spouses and/or unmarried tiny people under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay require derivative F or M visas. there is no derivative visa for the parents of F or M holders.

Family members who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but wish to visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for visitor (B-2) visas.

Spouses and dependents may not work in the United States on a derivative F or M visa. If your spuse/child seeks employment, the spouse must obtain the appropriate work visa.
application items for u  US visa for Cameroonians.

How can Cameroonians get United State (US) Visa

general information for Cameroonians on  how to study, travel, and get work visa and business visa requirements and the addresses of embassies worldwide. You should contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information or visa forms.

international visitors add greatly to our nation's cultural, education and economic life. We continue the proud tradition of welcoming visitors to the United States, with secure borders and open doors.

Most Canadian citizens and many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can come to the United States (U.S.) without a visa if they meet certain requirements. All Visa Waiver Program travelers must present a machine-readable passport at the U.S. port of entry to enter the U.S. without a visa; otherwise a U.S. visa is recommended. See important data about additional digital photo and e-passport requirements for VWP travelers. Other foreign citizens will need a non immigrant visa.

Nonimmigrant visas are for international travelers (citizens of other countries), coming to the U.S. temporarily. The visa, placed in your passport when issued, enables you to go to a U.S. port-of-entry (airport, for example) and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection immigration officer to enter the U.S. A visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S.

International travelers come to the U.S. for a wide variety of reasons, including tourism, business, medical treatment and certain variants of temporary work. the type of visa necessary is defined by immigration law, and relates to the principal purpose of your travel. For an overview of the genres of nonimmigrant visas available under immigration law, please see our Visa Types for Temporary Visitors webpage. The Consular Officer at the U.S. embassy or consulate will decide what type of visa you need, as you apply.

Advance planning can smooth the visa application process for you. Apply for your visa well in advance of your travel!

Important steps to remember:
Review your visa status, and find out if you need a U.S. visa or a renewal.
Review the Visa Wait Times information for interview encounters and visa processing at each embassy and consular section worldwide available on our website. Visit the embassy or consular section website where you will apply for your visa to find out how to schedule an interview appointment, pay payments and any other instructions.
dream to an interview, along with quick inkless fingerprint scans at the U.S. embassy or consulate, which is necessary for most visa applicants. Some visa software require additional administrative processing, which requires some additional time. Applicants are advised when they apply.

See the Visa Types link on the left for more information about visas required for temporary visitors to the U.S.