how to apply for a student visa in america

Steps to Applying for a U.S. Student Visa

1. Apply for—and be admitted to—an American university.. In order to apply for your U.S. student visa, you must first...
2. Obtain a Form I-20 from your college or university.. Upon acceptance to a university, international students seeking...
3. Submit the I-901 SEVIS Fee payment.. After receiving your Form I-20, you will be...

Full Answer

What is the process to get a student visa for USA?

When applying for your student visa for the US, you will generally need:

• A valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US (unless exempt by country specific agreements)
• Acceptance at a SEVP approved school and your Form I-20
• Application fee payment for the SEVIS
• Non-immigrant visa application and the Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Your photograph in the requested format, and number

Can you work in the USA with a student visa?

Your US student visa allows you to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and full-time during school break periods (up to 40 hours per week). On-campus employment is defined as work that takes place on campus, or at an off-campus location that is affiliated with the school.

How long you can stay in the U.S. on a student visa?

If your student visa is valid for three years, you may stay in the United States as a legal student, until you complete your course. But remember that if you leave the country with an expired visa, you may not be able to re-enter the country with that expired visa.

What are the requirements for a student visa?

Students enrolled in non-academic or occupational courses must apply for an M-1 visa. An F-1 visa is required for students enrolled in academic courses at a recognised school to earn a degree. For both the visas, there is a set of documents as well as an interview.

What are the requirements for student visa in USA?

F1 Visa RequirementsYour valid passport.Form DS-160 for non-immigrant visa applications.Two photographs meeting the US Visa Photo Requirements.Proof of paid F1 visa fee.Form I-20. ... Documents that prove your previous education and current qualifications: ... Proof of purchased health insurance for international students.

How much does a student visa cost for America?

Once your visa type is decided and you complete the DS-160 form, pay the visa fees. Normally, an Indian student needs to pay Rs. 10880/- for F1, M1 and J1 visa types. However, this amount is subject to change.

How Long Does US student visa take?

Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. Waiting times to for your visa appointment vary wildly between countries. You could get it in 3 days or in 3 months, depending on the case.

Can I apply student visa by myself?

Yes, you can apply for a student visa without agency. I recommend you fill Online Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 by yourself. 2) Print the confirmation application form and bring to your interview.

How much does a 10 year US visa cost?

How much does a U.S. Multiple Entries Visa R B1/B2 cost? The cost for U.S. 10 YEAR MULTIPLE VISA FEES AND APPLICATION R B1/B2 is USD 160.00. NOTE : Additional fees may be added by the United States government after you receive your visa and interview.

How much will it cost to study in USA?

According to College Board, published tuition fees for 2018/19 at state colleges are an average of US$10,230 for state residents, and $26,290 for everyone else. This compares to an average of $35,830 at private non-profit colleges.

How much does an American visa cost?

US$160Visa Types and Application Fee Amounts The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is US$160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190.

How much does it cost for international students to study in USA?

How much does it cost to study in USA?SchoolIndicative tuition fees (USD)Undergraduate Bachelor's degree$20,000 to $40,000 per yearGraduate Programs$20,000 to $45,000 per year (An MBA degree can cost significantly more, as can professional programs such as law, medicine, dentistry, some design programs, etc.)3 more rows

How to apply for a student visa?

1. Apply for—and be admitted to—an American university. In order to apply for your U.S. student visa, you must first apply to and be accepted by a U.S. college or university.

What is the fee for a student visa?

At a cost of $200 for F-1 and M-1 visa applica nts, this fee is required of all student visa applicants and is used to cover the costs of processing each application.

How much does it cost to get a visa after an interview?

If your embassy does require you to pay beforehand, be sure to bring proof of payment to your actual interview. This fee is $160.

What is DS 160?

The Form DS-160 is also known as the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form, and it is something that you must complete in order to apply for your student visa. Your answers on this form must be submitted in English.

Where to start preparation for visa interview?

Since this interview must take place at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country , you should start this preparation by identifying the location that is closest to you. Depending on your country or region, the embassy may be a significant distance from your home, so you should choose a location that you know you will be able to reach for your interview.

What is an I-20 form?

Upon acceptance to a university, international students seeking their F-1 visa will receive a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (typically referred to as a Form I-20) from their school.

How early can I get a visa?

You must receive your visa before your program officially starts, but the earliest that you can receive your visa is 120 days prior to the program’s official start date. 2. Obtain a Form I-20 from your college or university.

Apply For Your Student Visa

You've now reached Step 4! Applying for your U.S. student visa. This next step will cover F, J and M student visa types.

Good to Know

Because visa interviews are short, do your best to explain why you want to study in the United States, how you plan to support yourself while in school, and what your plans are for when your studies are finished.

When Should You Apply for a US Student Visa?

You may only apply for a student visa after you’ve applied for and been accepted to an SEVP-approved school. (SEVP stands for the Student Exchange and Visitor Program. All US schools that enroll F-1 and/or M-1 students must be certified by this program.) Once you’ve secured admission to the school you wish to attend, you can begin the visa application process.

What Is a US Student Visa? Do You Need One?

In order to legally attend school in the US, all international applicants — that is , those without US citizenship or permanent residence — must first obtain a US student visa. This international student visa allows you to reside temporarily in the US in order to attend an approved school, language program, or academic exchange program.

How long do you have to leave the US to study?

When you complete your study programme, you are allowed a 60-day grace period in which you may leave the US, apply to change your visa status or request a transfer into another academic programme. Learn more about post-study options in the US.

What do I need to fill out for DS-160?

Between completing your DS-160 form and your interview date, you will need to fill in a SEVIS I-901 form and pay two sets of fees: the I-901 fee and the visa application fee (MVR).

How much does it cost to get an I-901?

Payment can be made via Visa, MasterCard or American Express. The SEVIS I-901 fee for F-1 and M-1 students is US$350, whilst J-1 students will pay US$220. Once your payment has been processed, you need to print the receipt. A paper receipt will also be mailed to the home address you’ve listed on your I-901 form.

Do international students need a visa?

Most international students will require an F-1 visa. This visa is for international students who have been accepted into a full-time academic degree programme at an accredited US College or University , i.e. Undergraduate , Postgraduate or Doctorate study. Exchange students whose full-time study load is more than 18 hours a week will also need an F-1 visa.

What are the different types of student visas?

The United States government offers three student visa types including F, J, and M. F Student Visa: for study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at an English language institute. Before you can apply for an F, J, or M student visa, you must first apply and be accepted by a U.S.

What is the responsibility of the State Department for international student visa?

The State Department is responsible for the visa application process and issuing the visa. Once a visa holder arrives in the United States, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security then takes over as the responsible agency for entry into the country, as well as issuing and enforcing international student regulations. Please read information from all three sources above before applying for a U.S. student visa. The sites address employment , maintaining your status, and other vital topics.

Where do I get my I-20 form?

Once accepted at an SEVP-certified school, you will receive a Form I-20 or DS-2019 from the institution's international student office to present when you apply for your student visa. Once you receive your form, visit:

Who is responsible for visa application?

The State Department is responsible for the visa application process and issuing the visa. Once a visa holder arrives in the United States, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security then takes over as the responsible agency for entry into the country, as well as issuing and enforcing international student regulations.

Is SEVP accredited?

Even when an institution is SEVP-certified and able to issue I-20 and DS-2019 forms for use in visa applications, it may not hold national or regional accreditation. The U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation databases list accreditation status for all U.S. institutions. Institutions designated by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to place participants in Academic Exchange programs (J visas) must be accredited. Recognition of course credits and degrees by other institutions and by U.S. and international employers is linked to an institution's accreditation. To learn more about accreditation talk to an EducationUSA Adviser in person or online.

What are the different types of student visas?

The US offers three main types of student visas: F-1, J-1, and M-1. While these visas share some similarities, they apply to different types of programs and have unique requirements and documentation.

What is the focus of a student visa interview?

A common focus for each interview is proving you have enough funding to cover your stay in the US and your plans to return home after graduation.

How much is the I-901 fee?

The I-901 SEVIS fee of $350 is a processing and maintenance charge for your application. You can pay the fee on the SEVIS payment portal and it will require information from your I-20 or DS-2019 to complete the process. Do not forget to keep your payment receipt — it is needed for your visa interview!

How long does it take to schedule a visa interview?

Schedule your appointment as early as you can, as delays in wait times can take weeks or months, depending on where you are applying. The scheduling portal can help you find the ideal time to schedule your visa interview. Payment from your DS-160 will cover the cost of your interview.

What age do you have to be to get a visa interview?

Children ages 13 and younger do not require interviews and individuals aged 14 to 79 will require visa interviews. Individuals older than 80 generally will not require a visa interview.

How long can you work after graduation?

After you complete your program and graduate, you may be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which will allow you to work up to 12 months in a field related to the program you studied. If you are a STEM graduate, you can request two additional years of work in a related field. If you do not have a F-1 extension, you will have to leave the US within 60 days after your graduation.

Is there an age limit for F-1 visa?

There are no age restrictions or requirements for submitting your application for F-1 and M-1 student visas.

What determines the type of student visa you need?

Your course of study, the school you plan to attend, or the exchange program you will be with will determine the type of student visa you will need.

What is an F-1 visa?

F-1 visa classification is for a full-time international student pursuing academic studies.

What is ESTA in travel?

Fill out the (ESTA) online application. ESTA determines the eligibility of a visitor to travel to the U.S. under the VWP.

What is transit C visa?

Transit C visa classification is for foreign nationals traveling through the U.S. to another country and stopping briefly in the U.S. as part of their travel to the next foreign destination.

What happens if you violate your work visa?

If you violate the terms of your work visa, it could be revoked. You could be deported, arrested, or denied re-entry into the U.S.

Do you need an authorization to travel under VWP?

If you plan to visit the U.S. under the VWP, you must get an approved travel authorization prior to your trip. Authorization approvals are determined using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) .

Can an international student apply for a student visa?

An international student can apply for a student or exchange visitor visa only after being accepted by a school certified in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Students’ records are kept in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Learn more about SEVP and SEVIS, and about the SEVIS fee.