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The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently updated the list of Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved schools. The schools listed have all been certified to participate in the program.

The program allows foreign students interested in obtaining an education in the United States to complete a visa petition, pay the required fee, and attend a U.S. College or University.

Interested Foreign students: There is a process in obtaining a student visa, but it is not a difficult one. The student must first obtain Form I-20 from the U.S. College or University from which he/she intends to enroll, pay the required visa fee (Form I-901) and contact a local U.S. Consulate/Embassy to schedule an interview. The SEVP procedures differ among U.S. Consulates/Embassies; contact your U.S. Consulate/Embassy NOW to determine its particular procedure on applying for a visa before planning for the interview.

According to Open Doors 2010, an annual report published by the Institute of International Education, there has been record growth of international students enrolling in US colleges and universities during the 2009-2010 academic year.

The rise was driven by a 30 percent increase in Chinese students enrolling in the US; Chinese students now account for more than 18 percent of foreign students in the US. The US Department of Commerce found international students contribute around $20 billion to the US economy in addition to their diverse perspectives, talents and ideas.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) sends emerging US leaders in many fields through an exchange program to more than 160 countries in hopes of promoting understanding. 40,000 individuals participate annually in the program and alumni of the program consist of over 51 Nobel Laureates and more than 340 current and past heads of state and government.

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently updated the list of Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved schools. The schools listed have all been certified to participate in the program.

The program allows foreign students interested in obtaining an education in the United States to complete a visa petition, pay the required fee, and attend a U.S. College or University.

Interested Foreign students: There is a process in obtaining a student visa, but it is not a difficult one. The student must first obtain Form I-20 from the U.S. College or University from which he/she intends to enroll, pay the required visa fee (Form I-901) and contact a local U.S. Consulate/Embassy to schedule an interview. The SEVP procedures differ among U.S. Consulates/Embassies; contact your U.S. Consulate/Embassy NOW to determine its particular procedure on applying for a visa before planning for the interview.