Entering the US on a student visa early, how can I minimise financial loss?
I will be starting my PhD program in the US as an international student in the fall season. On my I20 it says
Start of classes: 21 August 2018
Earliest admission date: 22 July 2018
My program requires me to attend a "head start program" which begins on the 23rd July. If I am interpreting "Earliest admission date" correctly, this is the earliest date I can get into the US. This means I only have one day to get into the US and set up.
I erroneously thought I had 3 months before the start of classes (I think I confused this with when I can apply for the visa) so I booked my tickets to arrive in the US on July 13th. I am from Australia so I need to take two flights to get to the state I need to go to. Both of these flights are with different carriers. It appears both of these flights are non refundable.
I am not optimistic in recovering even half of my money, but I thought I might as well see what options I have in order to minimise the financial impact. I will be entering the US on an F1 visa.
Any answers are greatly appreciated.
Best Answer
In addition to Hilmar's suggestions, you could also consider coming to the US in mid-July, and entering as a tourist. On July 20 or 21, leave the US and cross the border into Canada or Mexico. Spend at least one night outside the US. On July 22, enter the US on your F1 student visa.
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What is the five month rule?
The five month rule refers to the termination of a student's record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) based on the student being away from classes or not in status for five months.How do you prove strong ties to your home country for F1 visa?
All applicants must demonstrate that they have strong ties to their home country....Strong ties consist of, but are not limited to, the following:How many months bank statement is required for US student visa?
Ans. You are required to show at least 3-9 months bank statements to get hold of a US student visa.Why do F1 visa get rejected?
Common Reasons behind Student Visa RejectionLack of sufficient financial funds or proofs to support foreign education. The inability of confirming a necessary return to India after completion of education. Incorrect or false documents. Inadequate language or communication skills.10 things I learned after losing a lot of money | Dorothée Loorbach | TEDxMünster
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Answer 2
Talk to the international students office at your school first. If you're required to be present on July 23, they may be able to update the program start date accordingly.
As explained in Understanding SEVIS Program and Session Dates, you're allowed to enter the US 30 days before your program start date ("Date orientation or required activities start"), and that can be up to 30 days before classes start (the "Initial Session Start" date). If they're able to set your program start date to July 23rd, the date your mandatory orientation begins, you could enter the US on July 13th as planned, which will give you a little bit of time to get settled first.
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