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 apply to and be accepted by a U.S.
- 2. Obtain a Form I-20 from your college or university.
- 3. Submit the I-901 SEVIS Fee payment.
- 4. Identify the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- 5. Complete the Form DS-160 Visa Application.
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.
Is USA easy to get student visa?
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 is student visa fee for USA?
The application fees are shown below and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are $190.
How long does it take to get a student visa for USA?
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.
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 much bank balance is required for US 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 long can you stay in US with student visa?
A B-1/B-2 visa holder cannot be granted permanent residence, but can apply for a green card while holding this visa and it potentially offers another way for international student work in US after graduation. The maximum amount of time issued for this visa is 180 days and allows multiple entries into the US.
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.
Who can sponsor for student visa in USA?
For students willing to study in the US, parents and relatives can very well be accommodated as sponsors. Applicants can also look for education loans to sponsor their study in the US. In some cases employers can also sponsor F-1 visa provided they are ready to employ applicants post their study abroad.
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...•
Is US giving student visa now?
New Students – 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. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.
How much does F1 visa cost?
Cost of VisaType of VisaType of FeeF1M1SEVIS Fee*Amount$350$350Accepted modes of PaymentCredit Card Money Order/ Demand Draft5 more rows
Is US giving student visa now?
New Students – 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. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.
How can I pass US student visa interview?
The tips below are intended to help you prepare for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate in your home country.Ties to Home Country. ... English. ... Speak for Yourself. ... Know the Program and How it Fits Your Career Plans. ... Be Concise. ... Supplemental Documentation. ... Not All Countries Are Equal. ... Employment.More items...
What percentage of F1 Visa gets rejected?
27% decline F1 Visa issued to Indian students going to the USA? Are you sure you want to go to the USA in the scenario?” Your parents are on the fence again. Now, you are back in your living room for another round of discussion and your skeptical uncle is also there.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 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
Do you need proof of support from university?
Your university may need proof that you can support yourself as well as any dependents before sending you the paperwork.
1. What visa do I need to study in the USA?
There are three US student visas, each of which is given depending on what your situation is. The most common is the F1 Visa. This is for students who will be studying a full-time course. For regular undergrad and postgrad students, this is normally the visa that you should apply for.
2. When should I apply for my US student visa?
You should start applying for your visa no later than 3 months before your course of study starts. Ideally, you should actually begin your visa application process around 5 months ahead of time, as there are quite a few steps to take and quite a few documents to secure before you can actually apply.
3. US study visa processing time
Once you’ve completed your application, the processing time is between 3 and 5 weeks. After your visa has been approved, your country’s US consulate will deliver it to you within 2 or 3 working days (depending on where you are based).
4. What documents do I need to apply for a US student visa?
Okay, here’s where the work starts! There are quite a few documents for you to collect before applying for your student visa.
5. How much does it cost?
The cost of a US student visa includes both an application / processing fee and the SEVIS fee (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System). Depending on the visa, costs can change a little, but here’s an approximate guide:
6. Where to apply for a US student visa
Here’s where some confusion begins, as the place to apply and the order of application events can change depending on your own US Embassy or consulate.
7. How to apply for a US Student Visa: Step by step
Register in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) as soon as you’ve been accepted by your university and received your I-20 form. You’ll have to pay a fee (SEVIS I-901), so make sure to keep the receipt for later -- you’ll need it!
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 are the different types of student visas?
In the United States, there are three primary student visa types: F, J, and M.
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 ...
What is a J-1 visa?
J-1 Exchange Visa: for participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study
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 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
