Student Visa
- 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. ...
- Obtain a Form I-20 from your college or university. Upon acceptance to a university, international students seeking their F-1 visa will receive a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student ...
- Submit the I-901 SEVIS Fee payment. After receiving your Form I-20, you will be required to pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee.
- Identify the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Once you have paid the I-901 SEVIS Fee, you can begin preparing for your visa interview. ...
- Complete the Form DS-160 Visa Application. The Form DS-160 is also known as the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form, and it is something that you must complete in order ...
- Schedule a visa interview at your chosen consulate or embassy. Upon completion of the Form DS-160, you should contact the U.S. ...
- Attend the interview. The visa interview is the final procedural step involved in obtaining your student visa, and it is also one of the most important.
- Pay the visa issuance fee. Depending on your country and the reciprocity agreement that it has in place with the U.S., you may be required to pay an issuance ...
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.
How can I get international student visa in USA?
How to Apply for a F-1 VisaGet accepted by a SEVP-certified institution before submitting your visa application. ... Pay your SEVIS fee.Complete your DS-160 visa application.Schedule your visa interview.Attend your visa interview.
How much does USA student visa cost?
An F1 visa permits overseas students to study full-time at an institution in the United States that is part of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). F1 visa applications cost roughly $510, and you should apply at least three months before the start date of your course.
Who is eligible for F1 visa?
You may enter in the F-1 or M-1 visa category provided you meet the following criteria: You must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
Is it hard to get visa for USA for student?
It is not difficult to get a student visa for the USA from India, but you must follow all student visa requirements for the USA from India and give yourself plenty of time to complete and submit your paperwork.
How much bank balance is required for U.S. student visa?
There is no fixed minimum bank balance for US student visa, but you should have sufficient amount ranging from 10,000 USD and above.
How many years is F1 visa valid for?
For Indian passport holders, F-1 student visas are generally valid for five years from the start date of your programme. However, although your student visa may be valid for five years, your stay in the United States on your student visa is dependent on your status as a student.
Is getting F1 visa difficult?
The F1 Visa is an easy enough visa to apply for, however, it is a very lengthy process and it can throw-up all sorts of complications, the best thing for you to do, is to be honest in your application, make sure that you have all of the necessary paperwork and as with everything in life, don't lie, especially when you' ...
What if F1 visa gets rejected?
Once an F1 visa is denied, it is final and there is no system of appealing for it. However, applicants can reapply and submit the visa application by paying the fee again. Make sure you ask the embassy about the reason for denial so that you can prepare better for the next application.
What documents are required for F1 visa interview?
The following documents are required for your F1 visa interview:A valid passport.The Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.The application fee payment receipt.A passport photo.A Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F1) Student Status (Form 1-20)
Why do student visas get rejected?
Common Reasons behind Student Visa Rejection Lack of sufficient financial funds or proofs to support foreign education. The inability of confirming a necessary return to India after completion of education. Incorrect or false documents. Inadequate language or communication skills.
How can I pass US student visa interview?
Top 9 Tips for the F1 Visa InterviewMake a Good First Impression.Communicate Clearly.Speak English.Be Prepared.Know Your School and Program.Prove Your Intent to Return Home.Keep Your Answers Precise and Concise.Stay Positive.More items...•
Does US student visa get rejected?
Your student visa can be denied if you apply for it after the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. Consular officers can also deny your visa if the program start date has not passed but they have reason to believe that you will not enter the United States until after that date has passed.
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 long is student visa in USA?
How long ist an F-1 visa valid? An F-1 visa is issued for up to 5 years. However, the residence status in the Unitd States is valid for the entire duration of the study and is noted on the I-20 form.
How many years visa does us give for students?
F1 student visa is usually valid for 5 years. You can stay in the US only for 60 days on a F1 visa after completing your graduate studies. What happens when my student visa expires? When F1 visa expires, you have to maintain your student status to remain in the US.
How long does it take to get US student visa?
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.
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 are the different types of student visas?
student visas available to international students, each of which is better suited to different unique circumstances: The F-1 visa, the M-1 visa, and the J-1 Visa.
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.
What are the different types of student visas?
In the United States, there are three primary student visa types: F, J, and M.
What is the responsibility of the Department of State for international students?
The U.S. Department of State is responsible for the initial visa application process and issuance. Once a visa holder arrives in the United States, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security then acts as the responsible agency for granting entry into the country, as well as enforcing immigration regulations that affect international students once they are in the United States.
What is a J-1 visa?
J-1 Exchange Visa: for participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study
Who is responsible for visa application?
The U.S. Department of State is responsible for the initial visa application process and issuance. Once a visa holder arrives in the United States, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security then acts as the responsible agency for granting entry into the country, as well as enforcing immigration regulations that affect international students once ...
Does SEVP issue I-20s?
Although an institution certified by SEVP to issue I-20s (F, M visas), the institution may not hold national or regional accreditation. Recognition of course credits and degrees by other institutions and by U.S. and international employers is linked to an institution's accreditation.
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.
Where to schedule a visa interview?
Schedule an appointment for a visa interview: This needs to be done at the U.S Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. At this interview you will be questioned on things such as previous test scores and your finances.
How long does it take to get an F1 visa?
The time it takes to get your F1 visa can vary from just a week to a couple of months, depending on the complexity of your case.
How much does an F1 visa cost?
F1 visa costs are around $510 per application , and you should apply at least three months before your course start date. Part-time work is very restricted on an F1 visa.
How long does an F1 visa interview last?
The interview is usually straightforward and quick, and may only last around five minutes.
How much is the fee for SEVIS?
Register for SEVIS and pay the fee ($350): This means the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System need to have your fee before the DS-160 is completed.
How long does a passport last?
Passport with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States. Any old passports you may have. Documents that prove your financial situation or any financial support you will have during your studies. Two recent color photos of yourself, one physical, one digital.
How many color photos do you need to bring to the US immigration office?
Two recent color photos of yourself, one physical, one digital. These must also meet US immigration's image requirements
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.
What happens if you get denied a student visa?
If your visa is denied, you will be given a reason based on the section of law which applies to your ineligibility. Filing a waiver of ineligibility is possible in some cases. F1 Student Visa.
What documents are needed for an F1 visa interview?
The following documents are required for your F1 visa interview: Additional documents may be requested to prove your eligibility for the F1 student visa, including academic transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates.
How to prepare for an F1 interview?
Before you schedule your interview, make sure you’re fully prepared. Read practice questions, know what to expect, and consider contacting an immigration attorney for extra help on the F1 visa approval process.
Do I need to pay SEVIS I-901?
Once you’re accepted, you will be required to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee in order to be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Then, your school will provide you with a Form I-20. This form will be presented to the consular officer when you attend your F1 visa interview. If your spouse and/or children plan to reside in the USA with you while you study, they will be required to have individual Form I-20s, but they will not need to be enrolled in the SEVIS.
How do international students pay for tuition?
The most common way for students to pay the cost of their tuition and application fees is through their family because international students cannot apply for financial aid from the U.S. government. Some private schools may offer scholarships to international students. You can also apply for a private loan from a U.S. lender, or you can check with the U.S. embassy in your home country to see what sources of funding are available.
What to do if you are not a student exchange student?
If you are not participating in a student exchange program, then you will need to apply for admission to the high school you want to enroll in. Each high school has different requirements, but you can expect to include the following materials in your application:
How much does an I-901 cost?
You will need to pay this, along with your I-901 SEVIS fee of $350 for F-1 visa holders, before you can apply for your F-1 visa. You may need to show proof of payment at your interview and when you enter the United States, so you should keep a record of your payment handy. Exchange students on J-1 visas typically don’t have to pay school fees, but they will still have to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee of $220 for J-1 visa holders.
Can international students attend public schools?
taxpayers and must follow the established state curriculum, can offer an experience that’s closer to the one a typical American student might experience. Though international students must pay tuition to attend public schools, the price is usually lower than the cost of private schools. Regardless of which type of school you choose to enroll in, only schools that are registered with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) can accept international students.
Can I get an F-1 visa if I'm a high school student?
If you are attending a high school outside of an exchange program, then you can apply for an F-1 visa, regardless of whether you’re studying for one year at a public school in the United States , or studying for one year or more at a private school. To do this, you will need to get Form I-20 ( “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”) from your designated school official (DSO). Once you have this form, you can proceed to apply for your F-1 visa.
What is an F-1 student visa?
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, ...
Who approves schools?
Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement
