United States F-1 Visa Session with Education USA

The Class of 2024 has begun counting down before the start of the IB World Exams and the days until they graduate from ISD on Thursday, May 30th.   

Grade 12 students have applied to and gained acceptance to international universities. For many, the next step is to receive the student visa or study permit required to study abroad. 

A positive update for our students who plan to study in the United States is an increased effort by EducationUSA and the US Embassy in Dhaka. In March, counselors from various international curriculum schools were invited to the EMK Center in Gulshan 1 to meet with EducationUSA. US Embassy staff are keen to ensure that students meet the following criteria: An intention to study, hold the qualifications to study in English and have secured funding to complete their degrees.  

This week, students were supported in securing a US visa. On March 19, students could attend a virtual F-1 Visa session hosted by EducationUSA, explaining the costs associated with applying and the necessary forms and documentation that include the I-20 Form directly from the attending university, the DS-160, SEVIS fee payment, along with a current passport, recent passport photos and visa application fee receipt and any other relevant documents which may include English proficiency testing and recent grade reports demonstrating their attendance at ISD, studying an English academic curriculum. 

Then, on Sunday, March 24, from 5:30 to 7:30, students and their parents are invited to attend an Iftar celebration with Education USA staff at the EMK Center in Gulshan. Invitations to join have been emailed, and messages sent via Managebac to Grade 12 parents.  

While most students are looking at US visas, students who plan to attend universities in the European Union, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and Canada receive advice from their respective universities on completing the orientation and visa process necessary to study abroad. 

A benefit of our Grade 12 students’ continued attendance in in-person classes is that they can continue to communicate with the University and Career Counselors, who are available to answer questions, revise offers, clarify questions, and ensure students receive updates from their respective universities and embassies where they may need to visit to acquire the student visa or study permit.