Students and Immigration?

Question

A friend of mine came to the US a couple years ago from the Ukraine. She came as a student (a blessing really since she's going for her masters now) and has been trying to become a citizen since however, as well all know, it is very hard. I don't know of the details because I don't know too much about how to become a citizen, but she's mentioning something about a lottery to become a citizen. Can somebody please explain the process of applying for citizenship to me? And what is my friend considered if she's not a citizen yet but is allowed to be here and is going to school/working?

She has applied for citizenship and hasent gotten it though. can you explain the qualifications and process please

Answer 1

Your friend can't apply for citizenship; her student visa is a non-immigrant visa which does not count toward the legal residency requirement to apply for citizenship.

The Diversity Visa Lottery is genuine, and even if she's in the US on her student visa, she can play. It is not for citizenship; it is for an immigrant visa which leads to permanent residence which eventually allows the holder to apply for citizenship.

Here is the friendliest, most complete, and most accurate web site that addresses all your questions and more. Especially look through the pages for "temporary visitors to the US" (which your friend is) and "immigrants to the US" which is what she wants to be:
http://www.travel.state.gov/

Answer 2

Your friend has whats called a student visa. I don't know the technicalities-- such as how long it lasts or when it's only valid, etc...but I know it's called a student visa.

When bringing up the topic, of applying for citizenship, the best way to go is via student visa. So, she no doubt took the best step through the door.

The process is long-- no doubt. It may take up to 7 to 10 years to process-- but that is usual. My best advice, is for her to keep enrolling in school somehow. To get a job, and work hard. Keep supporting her, as her moral will keep increasing. I.N.S. wants to see this type of work. They want to see someone that will do all that they can to stick throughout the process-- because they too, know it's long.

She needs to apply for citizenship. 2nd, she needs to get a work visa, if she is planning to graduate soon, therefore the paperwork can be processed through completely before her student visa expires.

Work visa's last every 90 days, so, they must be renewed every 90 day period; thus, when renewing her visa, she should go in about a month (30 days) ahead of time to make sure she can get it renewed.

If there is a job-trade with openings, she should not have a problem. What gets her whole "self" through the door, is her Masters degree.. That is highly wanted-- which means it looks really good. If she could land some internship with valid proof of a work visa, than that would be awesome in her case.

If your friend is to stick it out, and keep enrolling herself in school, and renewing her work visa's, it will keep her from leaving the country. Besides, the more skills, and or work, or both combined, the better she can sell herself.

Look up anything and everything having to do with student visa's and the steps for legalization.

I am glad your friend and you are working through this the LEGAL way.

Good luck...

--Rob :)

Answer 3

she is here on a student visa. She would have to apply to become a citizen of the United States. If they won't let her become a citizen she could get a work visa as long as she is in a occupation that is in demand.