
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.

What are the requirements to get a student visa in USA?
F1 Visa RequirementsYour valid passport.Form DS-160 for non-immigrant visa applications.Two photographs meeting the US Visa Photo Requirements.Proof of paid F1 visa fee.Form I-20. ... Documents that prove your previous education and current qualifications: ... Proof of purchased health insurance for international students.
How much bank balance is required for US student visa?
Cost. While there are no rules requiring a minimum bank balance to apply for a student visa for the USA from India, it costs approximately $500 USD to obtain your F-1 student visa.
Is it easy to get US student visa?
Getting your visa to study in the United States takes time but can be a surprisingly easy procedure. Universities, colleges, and schools in the United States continue to be very interested in welcoming students from all countries.
What documents are required for student visa?
You will need the following documents for your student visa application:Passport (with six-month validity). ... Student visa application form. ... Passport pictures. ... Proof of admission. ... Evidence of financial means. ... Civil documents. ... International student health insurance. ... Previous university records.
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.
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.
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 long is a US student visa valid for?
An F-1 visa is issued for up to 5 years. However, the residence status in the Unitd States is valid for the entire duration of the study and is noted on the I-20 form.
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.
Is interview required for US student visa?
A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of: Your academic preparation, such as: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and.
Which country gives student visa easily?
A: Undoubtedly, you need to put some effort to acquire a student visa for any country, however, the most prominent options to accomplish easy attainment of student visa as an Indian student are Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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
US Student Visa
A foreign candidate with the aim of studying abroad has to obtain a US Student Visa to enter the United States. The application process includes undergoing a medical examination. This blog contains all the necessary details that you need to know about the medical exam.
Medical Examination Instructions
The medical examination takes place 3 weeks before your scheduled interview. You must get examined by the doctor authorized by the US Embassy. The medical examination is valid only for 3-6 months. The medical examination consists of-
Documents Required
The following medications are to be submitted at the medical examiner’s office as a part of Medical Requirements for US Student Visa:
Additional Information
Here is some additional information that you should know when applying for a student visa in the USA.
US Student Visa Application Process
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