how to apply for usa study visa

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

How to apply for a US student visa?

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!

Do international students need a visa to study in USA?

If your goal is to study in the U.S. as an international student, then you must apply for and receive a U.S. student visa. By receiving a student visa, you are allowed to temporarily reside in the United States for the purposes of completing your education.

Do you need an F or M visa to study in USA?

You must have a student visa to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F visa or an M visa. Students cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas A student visa (F or M) is required to study in the United States.

How much does it cost to apply for a student visa?

After receiving your Form I-20, you will be required to pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. At a cost of $200 for F-1 and M-1 visa applicants, this fee is required of all student visa applicants and is used to cover the costs of processing each application.

See 7 key topics from this page & related content

How can I get study visa for 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.

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.

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.

Who can sponsor me to study 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 much bank balance is required for US visa?

The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank. Is travel insurance compulsory for the US travel visa? No, travel insurance is not compulsory for the US travel visa.

How much money should we show for F1 visa?

The $40,000 should be shown as your bank balance and the remaining $40,000 can be shown as bonds, fixed deposits, shares, debentures or mutual funds. If the student has lesser funds than what is required, then he/she will have to justify how they will be able to show the balance which will be necessary to study abroad.

How much cash can F-1 student carry to USA?

There is no maximum limit, however, any amount exceeding $10,000 USD must be declared upon arrival on both the Form 6059B and FinCEN 105. All forms must be filled in completely and truthfully.

How much money is required to study in US?

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.

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 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.

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.

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) .

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 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.

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.

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:

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 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.

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.

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.

What to do when I receive my 2019 DS?

When you receive your I-20 or DS-2019, make sure to check if the information is accurate. Fixing an error on these forms can take a long time and if there is a mistake, you may not be granted access to enter the US. Once you have verified the information, sign the bottom of the first page.

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.

What is a F student visa?

F Student Visa: for study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at an English language institute

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: