[Icydius]

I have a Turkish friend who wants to come to the US for a few years. He is 26 now but will be 27 in a few months. He would like to come to the States to get better in English. He is fluent but his English still needs some work. He would like to take a course for English for maybe 1 or 2 years and then get his masters here as well. He is planning on staying for about 5 years but maybe longer if he is able to find work here. His bachelors degree is in public relations. I thought it would be better to take some English classes at a community college for a year or 2 (if necessary). Is there even a chance he could be granted a visa to attend community college or should he apply to a university? He is middle-class but I know international students must have a certain amount of money in the bank in order to be considered for admission to a university.

The next issue is a job. What are the chances that he can find someone to sponsor him for a job while he is a student? Is it possible to have a student and a work visa? I have tried to find info for him but am confused by the types of visas and what route he should take. It's a shame that we make things so difficult for people trying to better themselves. Is this impossible? PLEASE help! I am trying to be a good friend!

I forgot to mention that he has a Turkish friend living in the States already who is married to another Turkish citizen. Could they sponsor or help in some way?

Thank you so much in advance!

[lawanwadee]

Once he gets accepted to school, he can applly for F-1 visa with I-20 issued by the school and financial documents from the sponsor. As long as he maintains his study, he can stay in US, but if he fails to attend class up to 20%, it's likely that ICE will knock on his door and send him back home.

Regarding employment, holders of student visa are not allowed to work, except employment on campus not exceed 20 hours/week.

[Icydius]

Thank you very much!