Data from the Institute of International Education’s 2012 Open Doors Report shows that last year, China sent more students to the United States than any other country. In addition to Chinese students studying at U.S. colleges and universities, an increasing number of students from China are now coming to the United States to enroll in primary and secondary education programs. According to the Christian Science Monitor, during the 2010-2011 school year, there were almost 24,000 high school-aged Chinese students in the United States, which is “more than 15 percent of the total number of Chinese students.” In 2006 there were only 65 Chinese students enrolled in U.S. middle schools. By 2011 that number grew to 6,725 students.

While F students are eligible to enroll in kindergarten through grade 12 programs (K-12), there are specific rules they must follow to maintain nonimmigrant student status. The most important thing to remember is that an F student may only attend a school that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Also, there are different rules for public and private schools:

Public schools

• Kindergarten through grade eight (K-8): An F student may not attend a public school for grades K-8 because SEVP does not certify these schools.
• Public high school (grades 9-12): An F student may attend one year of public high school but must pay the full, unsubsidized per capita cost of attending the school district.

Private schools

• K-12: An F student who maintains status may attend private K-12 schools, with no time restrictions.

If you are a parent with questions about your child attending a K-12 school in the United States, contact the designated school official at the school your child may attend. You can read more on our Kindergarten to Grade 12 Students page.

Source & Authority:

• Chinese students coming to US middle schools? It's starting to happen; Christian Science Monitor
• 8 CFR 214.2(f)(1)(i)(D)
• 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(i)
• 8 CFR 214.3(a)(1)(i)
• 8 CFR 214.2(a)(2)(i)-(ii)
• 8 CFR 214.2(a)(v)
• 8 U.S.C. 1184(m)