Is it complicated for students from east europe to receive a student visa for the USA? Or do the law schools in the USA assist students to receive a visa.

I was asking myself the same question. As far as I found out the law schools will assist you if there is any problems. They will not want to loose the fees ;-)

If you know where you want to apply, just ask them. Many give you some information on their website, for example Washington University School of Law:

VISA Information:

Washington University School of Law has always been proactive in helping students with their visas. Due to recent events, we expect that visa processing will be slower than usual this year. We urge you to get your applications in early and we promise to work on your visa documents early and do everything we can to help you in this regard.
http://law.wustl.edu/IntLLM/

By the way, I think you will only get one-year visa for the USA
which means that you cannot do part-time programs or work there.

Hi guys!
I am´planning for a LLM in the US, I am from Costa Rica. Do you have any idea about the visa requirements for me, or maybe someone else from latin america out there? Thanx!

I found some useful information about US VIsa requirements at the USC Law website:

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Visa Information

VISA REQUIREMENTS

In order to study at USC as an international student, you need to have a valid non-immigrant
visa. Most international students admitted to USC obtain F-1 visas. Some students who are studying at other institutions and have valid visas, can transfer to USC without applying for a new visa; but they need to file other documents with the BCIS through the Office of International Services.

In this section on visas and BCIS regulations, we discuss the different visas for international students and explain the regulations and exceptions associated with the more popular categories. We hope this will help you to understand the visa application process and make it easier.

What is a student visa?

If the primary purpose of your visit to the US is to study, then you should apply for a student visa. A student visa is a permit issued by the US government to non-immigrant students to study in the country.

F-1 Visa:

F-1: The F-1 visa is the most popular student visa and is issued to full-time students enrolled in an academic or language program at an American institution. In order to apply for the F-1 visa, you need to have received the I-20 A-B form, commonly referred to as I-20. The I-20 is a three-page form with a USC official's signature on Line 10 on page 1.

Students on these visas are eligible for full-time and part-time study and work after certain requirements are satisfied. Further information about F-1 visas can be obtained from the Immigration page on the Office of International Services (OIS) site.

How do you apply for a student visa?

In most countries, first-time student visa applicants are required to appear for an in-person interview. However, each embassy and consulate sets its own interview policies and procedures regarding student visas. Make it a point to consult the local US embassy or consulate Web site for specific application instructions.

Keep in mind that June, July, and August are the busiest months in most consular sections, and interview appointments are not easy to come by during that period. Students need to plan ahead to avoid having to make repeat visits to the embassy. To allow time to overcome any unforeseen problems that might arise, students are encouraged to apply for their visas several weeks before they plan to travel.

What do you need to apply?

All applicants for a student visa must provide the documents suggested below:

Form I-20 issued by USC's Office of International Admissions, if you are an F-1 student: Make sure you give the consular officer all four pages of the I-20 form to inspect.

Completed nonimmigrant visa application form (DS-156) with photo for each person applying: A separate form is needed for children, even if they are included on a parent's passport. These forms are available at the embassy at no charge.

Passport valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the United States.

Receipt for visa processing fee: When you go to the US consulate or embassy to apply for your visa, you will first have to pay the visa processing fee. On paying the fee, you will be issued a receipt. Keep this receipt showing payment of the visa application fee for each applicant, including each child listed on a parent's passport who is also applying for a US visa, to present to the consular officer during the interview.
Applicants with dependents must also provide:

Proof of the student's relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g., marriage and birth certificates.)

It is preferred that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder's passport and visa, along with all other required documents.
In addition, all applicants should be prepared to provide:

Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended.

Financial evidence that shows you or your sponsor who is sponsoring you has sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If you or your sponsor own a business, please bring business registration, licenses, and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements.

Any additional documents that might help establish your ties to the local community.
It is important to remember that applying early and providing the requested documents does not guarantee that the student will receive a visa. Also, because each student's personal and academic situation is different, two students applying for same visa may be asked different questions and be required to submit different documents. For that reason, the guidelines that follow are general and can be abridged or expanded by consular officers overseas, depending on each student's situation.

The Right Attitude

In addition to providing the right documents and having the right reasons, making the right impression on the consular officer is equally critical in the visa application process. Here are some interviewing techniques suggested by NAFSA:

1. Speak in English - Practice interviewing in English with a native English speaker. Being fluent and confident will help you present your case better. However, avoid preparing a speech.

2. Speak for yourself - Make your case yourself. Having your parents or others speak on your behalf does not make a good impression on the consular officer.

3. Be brief - Keep your answers and explanations short and to the point, as consular officers can only spend a limited amount of time with each applicant.

4. Be positive - Do not argue with the consular officer or come across as rude and sarcastic; even if you are denied a visa. Instead courteously ask the officer to suggest additional documents you could bring in order to overcome the refusal.

Can your visa application be refused?

Occasionally students have been denied visas. The most common cause for this is because the consular officer is not sufficiently convinced of the student's intentions to return to her native country after completing her studies. Lately, there have been reports in the press about a relatively high number of Chinese student visa denials. The American Embassy in China has responded by demystifying the student visa application process and providing students with tips and information on applying successfully for a visa.

Most students are denied visas on the basis of Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that states: "Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status..." This essentially means that the burden is on the student to prove beyond doubt "permanent residence" or "strong ties" to his home country. Fortunately, a visa denial is not permanent and can be reversed, if the student can show new, incontrovertible evidence.

Some tips to demonstrate your intentions to return to your native country:

Convince the consular officer that the sole (not just "primary") purpose of your visit to the US is to pursue a program of study.

Outline your plans for when you complete your education and return to your country.

Document family ties, business interests, and assets in your home country.

Discuss your job prospects, upon completion of your US education, in your native country.
Despite your bona-fide intentions, if you are still denied a student visa, do not get unduly upset or argue with the consular officer. Most often, you will be given a note that explains why your request has been denied. Politely enquire from the officer how you can improve your chances the next time and what documentation you should provide to reverse the denial. Thank the officer and take down her name for future reference. Upon your return, conduct a thorough re-evaluation of your case and contact OIS for assistance.

Useful Links:

Tip: A relatively old (1997), but insightful press release from the US Department Of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs on visa denials:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/denials/denials_1361.html

Tips for a successful US consular interview from NAFSA:

http://www.tc.columbia.edu/admin/international/detail.asp?Id=New+Students&Info=Visa+Basics&Area=Tips+for+a+Successful+U.S.+Consular+Interview

Transfer Students:

Who is an International Transfer student?

An international student studying in another institution in the US on a valid F-1 visa, who will be transferring to USC, is considered to be an International Transfer student. In order to transfer to USC, it is imperative that the student meet certain requirements in order to maintain legal status in the US.

As with other international students, you must register with the Office of International Services upon arrival to do passport verification and notify them of any changes in your academic program, enrollment, visa, or employment status.

The international transfer process varies depending on whether or not you leave the US before you come to USC:

If you are currently studying at another school in the US but will be leaving the US prior to coming to USC, simply show the Immigration Officer USC's I-20 upon reentry to the US. You need not visit the US consulate unless your student visa has expired. By entering the US on USC's I-20, you effect an immigration transfer to USC.

If you will not be leaving the US, the first step is: Request that your previous school release you in SEVIS so USC's International Admissions office can prepare you a new SEVIS I-20. Then bring a copy and an original of BOTH the new USC I-20 and the previous college's I-20 with you when you do passport verification at USC.
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How do you transfer to USC?

Regardless of your visa status, your transfer to USC will be processed during Passport Verification (PPV), a must for all international students. You will not be able to register for classes without completing PPV. You can make an appointment for a PPV session at OIS, or participate in PPV during LL.M. Orientation.

All new International Transfer students must submit the following items at PPV:

Passport: Your original passport and copies of the pages that contain the passport photo, passport number and passport expiration date

I-94 card: This is the little white small white card you received at the point of entry that was stapled to your passport. Bring the original card stapled to your passport as well as a photocopy of the front and back of your I-94 card

Permanent Record Form: Download this form here and complete it

I-20 forms (for F-1 students only): The original USC I-20 and a copy of pages 1 and 3; and a copy of pages 1 and 3 of the I-20 from your previous institution (be it a high school, language school, college or university)

DS-2019 form (for J-1 students only): A photocopy of the document and copies of your dependents' DS-2019.
If you were working on Optional Practical Training prior to coming to USC, please provide us with:

A copy of the Employment Authorization card (EAD) for students on Optional Practical Training.
Once you are registered full time at USC, we will register you in SEVIS as a full time student. Completing the transfer process in a timely and precise manner is an important requirement, failing which students may lose their legal status in the US.

Reentry on USC I-20: If you traveled outside the US and re-entered on USC's I-20, you do not need to follow these procedures. You have been automatically "transferred" to USC's I-20. But you need to turn in copies of your I-20, I-94 card, passport, and visa to OIS during Passport Verification.

Students who travel outside of the U.S. after starting their studies at USC, should request a new I-20, prior to leaving the country. Instead of "transfer pending" your new I-20 will say "continued attendance".

http://lawweb.usc.edu/llm/stuinfo.html