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.
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.
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.
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?
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 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 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:
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 long can I study on an I-20?
The length of study indicated on the Form I-20 must be limited to 12 months. It should be noted that public secondary attendance in a status other than F-1 does not count against the 12-month limit. For example, if you were the child of an A-2 visa holder previously attending secondary school, this would not count toward the 12 month limit.
Do foreign students have to pay for secondary school?
Students Must Pay the Costs of Secondary School Education. Foreign students who want to attend public secondary school (high school) must pay the full cost of education. This amount is listed under "tuition" on the student's Form I-20.
Can a dependent attend school on a F-1 visa?
Dependents of a nonimmigrant visa holder of any type, including F-1, are not prohibited from attendance at either a public primary school, an adult education program, or another public educational institution, as appropriate. ALL / ALL /.
Can a foreign student live in the US?
Foreign students may come to the United States to live with U.S. citizen relative s while attending public school. The child is limited to twelve months of study in secondary school (high school). The child may not study in elementary school. It should be noted however, that the student's status as a resident of the school district and the fact that the U.S. citizen has paid local property/school taxes is irrelevant and does not fulfill the cost reimbursement requirement of Section 214 (m) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Therefore, the full tuition costs must be paid to the school or school district.
Do F-1 students have to pay for school?
F-1 secondary school students are required to pay the school the full cost of education by repaying the school system for the full, unsubsidized, per capita cost of providing the education to him or her. F-1 students are prohibited from attending public elementary schools or publicly-funded adult education programs. ALL / ALL /.
Is a student a resident of the school district?
It should be not ed however, that the student's status as a resident of the school district and the fact that the U.S. citizen has paid local property/school taxes is irrelevant and does not fulfill the cost reimbursement requirement of Section 214 (m) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Does the F-1 visa law apply to other students?
No. The law affects only students in F-1 status, or applicants for F-1 visas, who plan to attend public schools or publicly funded adult education. The law does not affect other students, such as children of exchange visitors, diplomats or foreign workers.
