2008 Woodie Awards
International students come across more red tape
Tanya Redinbaugh
Issue date: 1/26/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Since the tragedy of 9-11, there has been a complete overhaul of the immigration system, including a new computer system. International students who were once lost in the paper trail are now being located in minutes with the new system.
"I think it's a good system and I think it's easier for students too," commented Gayle Glick, international student adviser at Kirkwood. Although the new system will cut out a lot of hassle students must go through, it comes with a price tag.
Students begin their academic journey as any other student in the United States would; with an application to Kirkwood. After sending the usual official transcripts, the long road to education begins. A trip to the American embassy in their country requires proof of financial stability for their stay in the states.
International students pay double the tuition of a student living in the states. If the student cannot show they can financially support themselves they will be denied their I-20 which allows them to stay and study in the United States.
The students then go through a 15-day background check in order to receive their F-1 student visa. "There are a lot of people since 9-11 who have been denied visas," commented Glick. The reason the students are being denied are often times not made public. Once receiving their student visas, students are allowed to stay at Kirkwood for the duration of their program.
Once at Kirkwood, students are only allowed to work on campus. If after a year, students should prove to be financially unstable then they can be approved for work outside of the college. Students are also allowed to transfer to four-year institutions after Kirkwood and must repeat the application process without leaving the United States.
After graduation students can apply for Optional Practical Training. This allows them one year to work with a company in their field. If the company would like the student to continue to work, they may apply for an H Visa, which allows a year-to-year agreement with the student.
Although some students are forced to return home if not attending school or losing financial support, most Kirkwood international students are taking advantage of the opportunity. "Most people who come to Kirkwood fulfill their obligations," Glick said.
"I think it's a good system and I think it's easier for students too," commented Gayle Glick, international student adviser at Kirkwood. Although the new system will cut out a lot of hassle students must go through, it comes with a price tag.
Students begin their academic journey as any other student in the United States would; with an application to Kirkwood. After sending the usual official transcripts, the long road to education begins. A trip to the American embassy in their country requires proof of financial stability for their stay in the states.
International students pay double the tuition of a student living in the states. If the student cannot show they can financially support themselves they will be denied their I-20 which allows them to stay and study in the United States.
The students then go through a 15-day background check in order to receive their F-1 student visa. "There are a lot of people since 9-11 who have been denied visas," commented Glick. The reason the students are being denied are often times not made public. Once receiving their student visas, students are allowed to stay at Kirkwood for the duration of their program.
Once at Kirkwood, students are only allowed to work on campus. If after a year, students should prove to be financially unstable then they can be approved for work outside of the college. Students are also allowed to transfer to four-year institutions after Kirkwood and must repeat the application process without leaving the United States.
After graduation students can apply for Optional Practical Training. This allows them one year to work with a company in their field. If the company would like the student to continue to work, they may apply for an H Visa, which allows a year-to-year agreement with the student.
Although some students are forced to return home if not attending school or losing financial support, most Kirkwood international students are taking advantage of the opportunity. "Most people who come to Kirkwood fulfill their obligations," Glick said.