Frequently Asked Questions for Visitors and International Students

Q: What are the visa requirements for visitors and international students?

Visa Requirements for International Visitors and Students

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States temporarily must obtain a non-immigrant visa.                   Citizens of qualified countries may be able to visit the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (the Russian Federation does not currently participate in this program).

A visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. A visa simply indicates that a U.S. consular officer has determined that you are eligible to apply for entry to the United States for a specific purpose. According to U.S. visa laws and regulations, most non-immigrant visa applicants must demonstrate to the consular officer that they have strong ties to their country of residence and must show that they intend to depart the United States after their temporary stay.

Some of the most commonly issued non-immigrant visa types are described below.

Purpose of Travel to USA Tourism, vacation, pleasure visitors Students - academic and language students Business visitors Border Crissong Card: Mexico Exchange visitors Exchange visitors - professors, scholars, teachers Students - vocational

Visa Type B-2 F-1 B-1 BCC J J-1 M-1

For more detailed information visit https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/visit/visitor.html

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Q. What visa do I need if I book a program with US?

You need B-2 visa which allows 15 lessons per week and tours around the country. Student visa you need for the whole year of study in the US.

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Q. How long can I stay in the country?

If you book a 2-4 week program, you can stay in the country for 4 weeks only. If you book 5 weeks and up, you can stay for 3 months. For each prolonged stay you need a proof of accommodation.

People admitted to the United States on a B2 Tourist Visa are issued a 6-month stay maximum. The immigration officer at the port of entry determines how long each visitor is allowed to stay in the country depending on the purpose of stay, and stamps your passport or other travel document with the period of your legal stay.

Student visa allows you to stay for the whole academic year. During vacation time you need to renew the visa for the next academic year. In this case most of the times you should return to your country for visa renewal with all the paper work received from the academic body you study at.

Q. Can I extend my stay if I want to?

Yes. Please let us know as soon as you can so that we can make sure that there is a place available for you. Please keep in mind that there is no possibility to stay with us longer than 6 months.

Q. When and how should I pay?

When you book, we will send you an invoice which will give you our bank details and information about when payment is due

Q. Are MELSEC US courses multi-national?

Yes, we welcome students from all over the world. Although we cannot guarantee multi-nationality for the groups from the same school.

Q. I’m a beginner. Can I join your course?

Basic knowledge of English will be helpful, but you join elementary level class.

Q. I want to live in a home, not in the hotel. What shall I do?

We do not accommodate groups in the host-families. To stay in the family book our One-To-One course.

Q. Will my teacher be qualified?

Yes, all our teachers have at least Master's Degree in English, ESL or related majors. We choose teachers carefully for their qualifications, experience, professionalism, friendliness and enthusiasm

Q. Will I receive a certificate?

Yes, you will receive a certificate of attendance and a course progress report at the end of your course

Q. How much pocket money should I bring?

Everything on our program is included in the course price. However, you will also want some extra money for such items as shopping for yourself and presents to take home. The amount will vary from student to student but we would suggest $150 per week as reasonable.

Q. What would happen if I were to be unwell?

If you were unwell, we would arrange for you to see a doctor or, if necessary, take you to a local hospital. Every person arriving to the USA should have a health insurance which will cover your costs, make sure you purchase one before travelling.

Q. I have specific dietary and/or medical requirements. What should I do?

We can respond very successfully to most requirements but it’s important that you tell us about any dietary requirements, limitations and medical conditions before your arrival.