what are the requirements for student visa in usa

US Student Visa Requirements:

• A passport that is valid for 6 months.
• Acceptance at a SEVP-approved university and the form I-20.
• Visa application.
• Photograph in the required size.

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

What visa do I need to study in the USA?

“F” visa type is specifically for international students who are seeking academic studies in USA. In general, most students apply for F1 if they are applying for US colleges & universities. Additionally, students who apply for English Language Programs also apply for F1 Visa. So, it’s the most common type of visa among international students.

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. ...

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.

Is it hard to get visa for USA for student?

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 bank balance is required for US student visa?

How much bank balance is required for US student visa? There is no fixed minimum bank balance for US student visa, but one should have 10,000 USD and above to get F-1 visa.

How much is student visa fee to USA?

The DS-160 fee is $160, which covers the cost to submit your DS-160 F-1 visa application to the US government. This fee is separate from the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee that you pay to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

How long does it take to get a student visa to 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. The COVID-19 crisis complicates waiting times even more.

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.

What is the age limit for F1 visa?

As long as you are accepted for admission at a school in the United States, there is no age limit for applying for an F1 student visa.

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.

Can I bring my family to USA on student visa?

As an international student, you may consider bringing your dependents to the United States to live with you. F-1 and M-1 students may be eligible to bring their children, who are unmarried and under the age of 21, and/or spouse to live with them while they study in the United States.

What documents do I need to bring for US visa interview?

You must bring the following documents to the interview: Appointment Letter – The interview appointment letter you received from NVC. Passport – For each applicant, an unexpired passport valid for six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States.

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...•

Does US student visa 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.

When should I apply for a student visa?

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate: 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 is show money for US visa?

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.

How much money we should show for I-20?

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.

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.

Is bank statement required for F1 visa?

To establish your financial resources, you should bring to the Consulate: Original tax returns for the past 3 years (specifically Form 16). Original bank records (bank statements or pass book or bank book) for the past 3 years, and/or fixed deposit statement of your parent or sponsor.

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 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.

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.

Is there an age limit for F-1 visa?

There are no age restrictions or requirements for submitting your application for F-1 and M-1 student visas.

Can I apply for a J-1 visa with an I-20?

Once you are accepted, your university will provide your I-20 form so you can apply for a F-1 or M-1 visa, or a DS-2019 form for a J-1 visa. To issue your I-20 or DS-2019, SEVIS records the following information:

What are the different types of student visas?

In the United States, there are three primary student visa types: F, J, and M.

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.

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 ...

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)

How big should a photo be?

The photo should be sized so that your head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% to 60% of the photo’s total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. The photo background should be plain white of off-white. You have to face the camera directly.

How long can I stay in the US after I-94?

For F student visa holders, they are allowed to stay in the US for an additional 60 days after the end of their study program.

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.

What are the requirements for an F-1 student visa?

You must meet these requirements for your application to be accepted: Institution certification —The college or the university where you plan to study needs to be approved by SEVP Immigration & Customs Enforcement.

How old do you have to be to get a visa interview?

Attending your visa interview in person is required, though there are a few rare exceptions (e.g., if you are younger than 14 or older than 80 years of age, or if you meet certain visa renewal requirements). Cost: Your DS-160 payment covers the cost. Where to apply: Scheduling portal for your visa interview.

How to apply for an F-1 visa?

Before you begin your F-1 visa application, you must take the following steps: Get accepted by a SEVP-certified institution before submitting your visa application. When you are accepted, you will receive your I-20 form, which you will need to apply for your F-1 visa. Pay your SEVIS fee.

How long do you have to return to your home country after graduation?

If you do not have any extensions or additional training, you will need to return to your home country within 60 days after your graduation. If you want to learn more, Shorelight can help you explore what you can do with your F-1 visa after graduation. F-1 Visa Requirements.

What is the process of getting an F-1 visa?

The F-1 student visa process starts when you get accepted to a SEVP-certified US university. SEVP certification is the US government’s way of proving that your university is accredited and has the proper resources to provide you with an education.

When will Shorelight update the F-1 visa?

advice for students. By Shorelight Team. Last updated on April 15, 2021. Get ready to study abroad in America with our step-by-step guide to F-1 visa rules. Students wishing to study in the United States need to learn about the F-1 student visa application process.

What is an F-1 student visa?

The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is the most popular type of student visa for students seeking to study at a US university or college, and you can only apply for your F-1 visa after an accredited US institution accepts your application.

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

What do you need to get a student visa?

As an applicant for a student visa to the United States ( F-1 or M-1 ), you are expected to prove that you can cover the cost of your school or college tuition and living expenses. This means that you'll need to cover not only your own costs, but those of your spouse and children, if any will be staying on with you in the United States. What's more, you'll have to do this without relying on any employment that you might pick up in the United States while studying there—and without your spouse or children working at all. (See the U.S. government's Foreign Affairs Manual at 9 FAM 402.5-5 (C) .)

What happens if you don't show funds for a student visa?

The bottom line is that if you can't show sufficient funds in advance, you won't be granted a student visa at all.