Preparing to study in the U.S. can be quite overwhelming for international students. As an international student, you may have questions about how you can obtain a student visa, what fees you’ll have to pay and where you will live.
Some international students turn to commission-based recruiters to address these questions and concerns. A recruiter charges fees or receives a commission for helping you obtain a student visa, find housing, select an academic program or other services. But keep in mind that you do not need a recruiter to study in the U.S.
If you decide to pay someone to assist you, make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities. The following is a list of do’s and don’ts to consider when deciding if a recruiter is right for you.
See how U.S. schools fared in the [Best Global Universities rankings.]
Do: Research to determine if a recruiter is right for you. Find reviews online and ask the recruiter for references you can speak with. You should be especially wary if background information is difficult to find. The U.S. government cannot force recruiters to refund fees for not meeting your expectations.
Don’t : Rely on a recruiter to ensure your living arrangements or school programs meet your standards. You can use EducationUSA‘s free advising services to navigate all of your academic options. You should also speak with on-campus staff to determine if a living situation is right for you.
Use these [five statistics to find a U.S. college fit.]
Do : Select a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified school. Talk directly with the school’s designated school official about how your academic credits may transfer.
Don’t : Use your recruiter to verify employment opportunities. Only your designated school official and the U.S. government can authorize you to work in the U.S.
Do : Contact your designated school official directly with all questions about your Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status.” Your official will send this form to you before you come to the U.S. to study.
Here are [four things international students should look for in a U.S. college.]
Don’t : Use documents that are not yours to support your eligibility for an F-1 or M-1 visa. They may be forged. All necessary documents should be yours and mailed or given directly to you by a school or U.S. government official.
If a U.S. consular officer or border agent identifies any documents as altered or fraudulent, you will be ineligible for your F or M visa, and possibly, future U.S. visas.
Do : Provide your own answers to all university admissions essays and visa interview questions. Making false statements during a visa interview could make you ineligible for your F or M visa, and possibly, future U.S. visas.
If you have more questions about how to prepare to study in the U.S., visit the Study in the States website to learn more about the international student process.
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Know the Do’s and Don’ts of Using a Commission-Based Recruiter originally appeared on usnews.com