Inside Higher Ed reports on a new survey from World Education Services. This survey shows that “only 13 percent of prospective international students who used education agents knew whether they worked on commission.”  If you want to attend a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, you do not need to use a recruiter to get an F or M student visa. You have the right to do all of the following without a commission-based recruiter:

• Apply to an SEVP-certified school
• Apply for an F or M visa
• Undertake all other steps in the process of becoming an F or M student

If you choose to use a recruiter, however, you have rights and responsibilities. Ask any questions you have, including where your recruiter’s commission comes from. Inside Higher Ed writes that many experts in the education of F and M students “say that transparency about commissions is crucial, as the payment method can influence which colleges and universities are recommended and which are not.” These payment methods may mean that some, but certainly not all, recruiters may advocate schools based on the money they may receive if you enroll. Stay informed as you apply to and choose a school in the United States.

If you do use a recruiter, here are a few things to remember:

• Be wary of any recruiter who promises that you can engage in activities not allowed to someone with your particular type of visa (e.g., work without restrictions, take multiple extended vacations without notifying a designated school official (DSO), choosing to take an unapproved reduced course load, etc.).
• The school you choose should meet your educational goals. If it does not, a recruiter cannot prevent you from transferring.
• Choose a recruiter with a good reputation in your community. Talk to others who have used these services.
• Make sure the schools you talk to the recruiter about are SEVP-certified schools – these are the only schools you can attend in the United States.
• It is your responsibility to have direct contact with DSOs, go to your visa interview (if required), make sure that all relevant documents are yours (not provided or kept by a recruiter), etc.

Find out more on our Commission Based Recruiters resource page.

Source:

• Secret Agents; Inside Higher Ed