<p>Hi there.</p>
<p>I'm finishing my MA in Screenwriting at Screen Academy Scotland and after my MSC I am thinking about doing a PHD in the states.</p>
<p>I was just wondering if anybody could give me tips on the likelihood of getting a student's VISA for the states? I realize it is very easy for Americans to get a study VISA for Scotland but it rarely works vice-versa.</p>
<p>Any help would really be appreciated.</p>
<p>Getting a visa is pretty easy, especially if you live in a Western European country. The main obstacle is convincing your interviewer that you want to leave the States once you are done with your PhD. Just talk about how attached you are to your family and what great job opportunities await you in Scotland with a PhD from the States.</p>
<p>The rest are mainly formalities: you need a letter from your university, prove that you speak English (duh), and show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself.</p>
<p>Thanks b@r!um. I just heard from people that it was hard to get a visa for the US. Maybe they were talking about a temp work visa. Is it possible to work while studying in the states or is that another kettle of fish entirely?</p>
<p>You are allowed to work for your university. After your first year, you can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) which allows you to work for an off-campus employer in an area related to your program of studies. You get a total of 12 months of OPT for the duration of your program (regardless of whether it takes you 2 years or 6 to complete the PhD). </p>
<p>If you want to work beyond your OPT eligibility, you have to apply for a work visa, which is another kettle of fish entirely. Without an advanced degree from a US university, it is very hard to get a work visa indeed.</p>
<p>So for example I could take a janitors job or admin job in the university in my spare time? Would that be acceptable or does it have to be exactly in the area of study rather than generally being employed by the university?</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice.</p>
<p>You may work as a janitor for the university if you think that’s a good use of your time. Students who are accepted into PhD programs are often offered a position as a Teaching Assistant, which pays a bit more than minimum wage ;)</p>
<p>hahahaha, thanks for that. Was unsure if you had to already get a PhD for these positions or not. Looks like I was aiming too low there. Thanks.</p>
<p>scottish jimmy -</p>
<p>You should visit the Graduate School Forum, and the Theater/Drama Majors sub-forum (under College Majors) for ideas that are helpful for you. Both can be found by clicking on “Discussion Home” in the upper left of this screen and then scrolling down. Here are quick links for you. [Graduate</a> School - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/graduate-school/]Graduate”>Graduate School - College Confidential Forums) [Theater/Drama</a> Majors - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/]Theater/Drama”>Theater/Drama Majors - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks happymomof1 I shall take a look at that. Much appreciated.</p>