In general, prospective students will go through five stages when applying for a US student visa:
- Apply to and be accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school in the US (six to twelve months prior to US study);
- Pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee;
- Complete a US student visa application along with recent photo (s);
- Pay the visa application fee;
- Schedule and attend a visa interview.
Full Answer
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 rules for student visa?
- Your spouse and unmarried, minor children who intend to reside with you during your study may apply for F-2 or M-2 visas. ...
- Your minor children are permitted to attend school in the United States while accompanying you.
- U.S. ...
How to apply for an U.S. student visa?
How to Apply Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. Pay the visa application fee. Schedule your appointment on this web page. The receipt number from your Visa Fee receipt. (Click here if you need help finding this number.) Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview. ...
What are the requirements for US student visa?
US Student Visa Requirements (F1 Visa)A valid passport with a validity date at least six months beyond your period of stay.Recent passport size photograph.Confirmation page of DS-160.Form I -20.Payment of application fees for SEVIS.Application as a non-immigrant.More items...
Is it easy to get a student visa for USA?
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 long does it take to get 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.
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.
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.
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.
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...•
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.
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 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' ...
How much bank balance is required for U.S. 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 can I pass U.S. 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...
Who can sponsor for USA 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.
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.
What do visa officers check for student visa?
If you are a prospective student, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific plans or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-range plans and career prospects in your home country.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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:
How long does it take to get a student visa?
Upon approval of your visa, you only need to wait for its issuance. Generally, the student visas (F and M student visas) take at most 120 days to arrive before your study program start date. However, you may use your visa to enter the United States not more than 30 days before your study program start date.
How to apply for an F or M visa?
Before applying for either an F or an M visa, an international student should first secure a slot in an SEVP-approved (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) higher education institution. The institution you have chosen should also have a regional or national accreditation as listed in the US Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation. When you have a guaranteed slot, you will then be registered in the SEV Information System (SEVIS) which will prompt you for a SEVIS I-901 fee. Remember that you should be able to pay the SEVIS fee three days before submitting your visa application. The SEVIS fee amounts to $200 for F and M student visa applicants. When you have settled your fees and registration with SEVIS, the institution you are applying for will provide you a Form I-20 or DS 2020 which you will need to apply for a student F or M visa at the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
What is the I-20 form?
Signed Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status for academic and language students, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for vocational students)
What is an F visa?
The F visa is applied for by students who want to attend a university, college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, and other academic institutions such as a language training program.
Can hearing aids be worn in a consular interview?
Hearing aids may be worn. Personally Appear for the Scheduled Interview. At the scheduled time of your interview, you have to be ready for the consular officer’s questions. Most of the questions aim at determining if you are qualified to receive a US student visa.
Do you have to have a personal interview to renew a visa?
Each visa applicant is screened in an interview conducted by consulate officers. However, children aged 13 or younger are usually not required to attend the interview process. Senior citizens aged 80 and above are exceptions as well. Moreover, visa renewals typically do not require for a personal interview.
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.
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:
