Study in the United States

Q: How to consider a good graduate school?

A: Do your homework and seek advice from knowledgeable sources including your school advisor, library, Internet, embassy, friends and family. Most schools require that you meet the minimum requirements in TOEFL, GMAT, or GRE scores before considering your application. Study well and choose the school that best suits you financially and geographically. (Words of advice: Attempt to pass the TOEFL, GMAT, or GRE exams before you leave the country. Many students who wish to study in the U.S. and Canada have difficulties passing the exam when they flunk the tests, and cannot enroll in the academic program.) To apply for the selected school, contact the Admission Office and request for an application by mail. The school will mail you the application including the instructions and residential information. Read the instructions, complete the form and mail it back with the application fees (usually non-refundable.) If you are accepted into the program, the school will issue you an I-20 form, which is required to obtain the F-1 student visa from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok.

Q: Changing INS rules on I-20 form after the 9/11

A: In the wake of September 11th, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) is proposing several changes to the rules governing visitor and student admissions. A new rule prohibits non-immigrant visitors admitted under B-1 or B-2 visas from pursuing a course of study at a school in the United States prior to receiving INS approval of their request to change non-immigrant status to that of an F (academic) or M (vocational) student. Individuals planning to attend school in the United States are expected to obtain the proper student visa prior to their admission to the United States. However, INS does recognize that some intending students will want to visit the United States first for bona fide visitor purposes, such as touring campuses or interviewing for admission. The proposed rule will establish new requirements for B non-immigrant visitor visa holders who wish to become students. Persons admitted under B non-immigrant visitor status will still be able to change their status to that of a student, but only if they stated their intent to study in the United States when they initially applied for admission and presented any I-20 forms they may have been issued. Inspectors will be required to note that the alien is a prospective student and make the proper notation on the alien's I-94 form (Arrival/Departure Record). This rule will impact only those students admitted in B status after the rule’s effective date.

Q: Is health insurance necessary?

A: Hospital care and medical expenses in the U.S. are expensive. It is best recommended that a student purchases his/her health insurance per semester. To give you some ideas, the average cost of hospitalization is in the range of $1,000-$3,000 a night (that is when you have to spend the night in the hospital.) Health insurance is required in some schools. For more information on where and how to purchase the policy, please email Webmaster.

Q: Am I required to file for Income Tax Return by April 15th?

A: By law you are required to file the 1040 NR (Non-resident Alien) form even you are not employed. The dateline for students is due in March. Check with your International Student Advisor. You can obtain the 1040 NR form from your library. Abide by laws and avoid any headaches from the IRS if you plan to get a job in the U.S. after graduation.

Q: How to obtain an entry visa to any countries when traveling?

A: Obtain the signature from your International Student Advisor before leaving the U.S. or you will have problem returning to school. Contact the embassy of the country of your destination to find out if the entry visa is required for Thai citizens. If so, you will need to apply for the visa in person or by mail. To apply in person, visit the embassy near you and you might be able to get the visa issued within the same day. To apply by mail, mail the passport along with the visa processing fees and application to the embassy. Allow 3-4 weeks to process. If you are traveling to Europe, consider the multiple entry Schenken visa if you plan to re-enter the country and be sure to allow plenty of time to apply for different countries before you leave the country.

Q: How to obtain a working visa in the U.S.?

A: You will need to have a sponsorship in order to work in the U.S. Your prospective employer can help you apply for the H1-B visa, which takes about 4-6 weeks to process depending on availability of the quotas in the state that you file. You can either contact any immigration attorneys or ask if the company has a lawyer to help apply for your visa. Since this process is cumbersome and time-consuming, most employers opt to hire those who currently have a green card or have working experience in the areas that are high in demand.

Q: How to renew a passport that is expired?

A: You can file for an extension to your passport without leaving the country. Contact the Royal Thai Embassy in DC at (202) 944-3600 and request to receive the application form by mail. Complete the form and mail the passport with processing fees to the embassy. Allow at least three weeks to process.

Q: How to renew an H-1B visa that is expired?

A: You can file for an extension to your visa without leaving the country. First, you will need to obtain Form OF-156 from the Royal Thai Embassy or from your attorney. Have the following documentation ready:

• Money order in the amount of $45 for the machine readable visa fee, payable to the Department of State.
• Money order in the amount of $15 for the visa reciprocity fee, payable to the Department of State.
• One passport style photograph.
• Original I-94 card.
• Original I-797A Approval Notice and the tear-off I-94.
• Current passport with the extension date.
• Letter of Employment from your company.

Q: What is the duration of an H-1B visa?

A: Once issued, you are authorized to work in country for up to six years. You can change your employment and re-apply for a new H-1B as frequently as you would, and you still have six years after the date that you were first approved. Most H-1B visas are issued for three years. This allows you ample time to apply for a permanent residency known as green card. At the end of the sixth year, your work authorization gets expired and you have to return to your home country for at least one year before you can apply for another work authorization. Each work authorization is good for six years.