Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:
- Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt ...
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
- Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
Full Answer
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.
How early should I apply for the visa?
This is because it can take up to six weeks to get an appointment at the US Embassy for a visa. The answer is - as early as possible. And so it is okay to apply for a visa 4–5 months before the intended day of travel. Most consular officers appreciate this and they may ask you for the reason for applying so early.
How to get my student visa for the USA?
- Student visas can be issued up to 120 days before the date listed on the Form I-20. ...
- Every U.S. ...
- Make sure you're on time or early for your interview. ...
- In most cases, only the applicant will be allowed into the embassy or consulate. ...
- The interview is for a visa officer to determine if you're eligible for a student visa and which one.
How can I apply for student visa in USA?
The SEVP-approved school will issue you a Form I-20. After you receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M) visa. You must present the Form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.
Is US student visa easy to get?
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 money do I need to show for US student visa?
But as a general rule, students should show 1.5 times the amount mentioned in their I-20. For example, the amount mentioned in your I-20 is $25,000 for the first year. Then, show an amount close to $38,000. You can refer to this thread to know more about the questions asked regarding US Student Visa.
How long does it take to apply for a 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.
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 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 US student visa?
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.
Do I need bank statement for US visa?
The United States government requires all international applicants to provide proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses before the forms needed for obtaining a visa can be issued. This proof can come in the form of personal or family bank letters, bank statements, stock statements, company sponsorships, etc.
Is ielts required for USA student visa?
English language requirements The IELTS results are recognised by more than 10,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world. US educational institutions require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 band.
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...•
How much does F1 visa cost?
The total cost for your F-1 student visa will be approximately $510, which includes the cost of the visa itself, plus SEVIS processing and maintenance fees. Make sure to save the I-901 SEVIS fee receipt. You will need it for your visa interview. Your DS-160 is your visa application.
Is F1 visa easy to get?
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' ...
Do US student visas 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.
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.
Which is the easiest country to get student visa?
Easiest Countries to Get Student Visa:Australia.Canada.United Kingdom. In the past few years, we were the witness of very stringent attitude of UK immigration especially for overseas student visa candidates. ... United States of America. The country's name itself brings vibrancy to many people. ... New Zealand.
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...•
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to apply for a US visa?
To apply for an F or M visa, you must submit the following: 1 A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 webpage for more information about the DS-160. 2 A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application. 3 One (1) 2"x2" (5cmx5cm) photograph. This page has information about the required photo format. 4 A receipt showing payment of your US$160 non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee, paid in local currency. This page has more information about paying this fee. If a visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, depending on your nationality. The Department of State's website can help you find out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is. 5 An approved Form I-20 from your U.S. school or program. 6 Due to COVID-19, we will temporarily allow student visa applicants to bring electronically transmitted I-20’s for student visa interviews. Students will need to print out the form that was sent to them electronically and bring this hard copy with them to the interview. If issued a visa, they will also need this hard copy of the I-20 to present to CBP officers at the border.
How long can you stay away from school for a student visa?
Students who are away from classes for more than five months can expect to apply for and receive a new F-1 or M-1 student visa to return to school following travel abroad, as explained below.
What is DS-160 form?
A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 webpage for more information about the DS-160.
How long can you stay in school on an F-1 visa?
An F-1 visa can be issued for attendance at a public secondary school (grades 9 to 12), but the student is limited to a maximum of 12 months at the school. The school must also indicate on the I-20 that the student has paid the unsubsidized cost of the education and the amount submitted by the student for that purpose.
What do consular officers look for in an interview?
Consular officers look at each application individually and consider professional, social, cultural and other factors during adjudication. Consular officers may look at your specific intentions, family situation, and your long-range plans and prospects within your country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under the law.
What proof is needed for a student's marriage?
Proof of the student's relationship to his/her spouse and/or child (e.g., marriage and birth certificates)
Can a spouse get a derivative visa?
There is no derivative visa for the parents of F or M holders.
