USA Student Visa Requirements

To study in the United States, international students must obtain a student visa. The most common types of student visas are the F-1 visa (for academic students) and the M-1 visa (for vocational or technical students).

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the requirements and process for obtaining a student visa to study in the USA.

Types of Student Visas

F-1 Visa (Academic Student)
- For students attending an academic program or English Language Program.
- Students must maintain a full course of study.
- Can be issued up to 120 days before the start date of your course of study.
M-1 Visa (Vocational Student)
- For students attending a vocational or other non-academic program.
- Cannot be issued more than 120 days before the start date of your course of study.

Steps to Obtain a Student Visa

1. Apply and Get Accepted by a SEVP-Approved School

SEVP: The Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
Ensure the institution is SEVP-approved. Only these institutions can issue the necessary forms for the visa process.
Receive a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) from the school.

2. Pay the SEVIS Fee

SEVIS: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee to activate your SEVIS record. This fee is required for both F-1 and M-1 visa applicants.
Keep the receipt as you will need it for your visa application.

3. Complete the Online Visa Application (DS-160)

Fill out the DS-160 form online on the U.S. Department of State website.
Upload your photo according to the specified guidelines.
Save and print the confirmation page with the barcode.

4. Schedule a Visa Interview

Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Wait times for interview appointments can vary, so schedule early.

5. Pay the Visa Application Fee

Pay the non-refundable visa application fee (MRV fee). The fee amount can vary by country.
Keep the receipt of the payment as it will be required for the interview.

Required Documentation

Bring the following documents to your visa interview:

Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.
Form DS-160 Confirmation: Printout of the DS-160 confirmation page with barcode.
Application Fee Payment Receipt: Proof of payment of the visa application fee.
Photo: If not uploaded online with the DS-160 form.
Form I-20: Issued by your SEVP-approved school.
SEVIS Fee Receipt: Proof of SEVIS fee payment.
Financial Evidence: Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during your stay.
Academic Documents: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended.
Standardized Test Scores: Scores from standardized tests required by your U.S. school (e.g., TOEFL, SAT, GRE).
Intent to Depart: Evidence showing your intention to leave the U.S. after your study program (e.g., ties to your home country).

The Visa Interview

During the visa interview, a consular officer will determine your eligibility based on your documents and responses. Be prepared to discuss:

Academic Goals: Why you chose to study in the U.S. and your educational objectives.
Financial Capability: How you plan to finance your education and living expenses.
Post-Graduation Plans: Your plans after completing your education and your intent to return to your home country.

After the Interview

If your visa is approved, you will be informed about how your passport and visa will be returned to you.
If additional administrative processing is required, you will be informed at the end of your interview.
If your visa is denied, the consular officer will provide a reason for the denial.

Additional Tips

Early Preparation: Start the visa application process as early as possible to account for potential delays.
Document Accuracy: Ensure all your documents are complete and accurate.
Interview Preparation: Practice answering questions clearly and confidently. Be honest and concise.

Obtaining a student visa to study in the USA involves a series of steps, including acceptance by a SEVP-approved school, payment of fees, completing the DS-160 form, scheduling and attending a visa interview, and providing the necessary documentation. By following these steps and preparing thoroughly, you can increase your chances of successfully obtaining a student visa and embarking on your educational journey in the United States.

Detailed Steps for Obtaining a Student Visa

Step 1: Apply and Get Accepted by a SEVP-Approved School

Research Schools: Identify schools in the USA that offer the programs you’re interested in and verify that they are SEVP-approved.
Apply: Complete the application process for the schools you are interested in. This may include submitting transcripts, standardized test scores (such as TOEFL, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay.
Receive Acceptance: Once accepted, the school will issue you a Form I-20 (for F-1 and M-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 exchange students).

Step 2: Pay the SEVIS Fee

Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee: The SEVIS fee is $350 for F-1 and M-1 students and $220 for J-1 exchange visitors. Pay this fee online at FMJfee.com.
Keep the Receipt: Print and keep the SEVIS fee payment receipt, as you will need to present this during your visa interview.

Step 3: Complete the Online Visa Application (DS-160)

Access the DS-160 Form: Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) to fill out the DS-160 form.
Fill Out the Form: Provide accurate and truthful information. This form will ask for your personal details, travel information, passport information, previous U.S. travel, and contact information in the U.S.
Upload Your Photo: The photo must meet the U.S. visa photo requirements.
Submit and Print the Confirmation Page: After submitting the form, print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode.

Step 4: Schedule a Visa Interview

Find Your Nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate: Visit the U.S. Department of State’s website to locate the nearest embassy or consulate.
Schedule an Appointment: Schedule your visa interview appointment through the embassy or consulate’s website. Be prepared to wait for an available appointment slot, especially during peak times.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Application Fee

Pay the MRV Fee: The Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) application fee for an F-1 or M-1 visa is typically $160. This fee is non-refundable.
Payment Methods: Fees can often be paid online, at a bank, or at a designated payment location as instructed by the embassy or consulate.
Keep the Receipt: Keep the receipt of the MRV fee payment, as it is required for your visa interview.

Required Documentation for the Visa Interview

Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
Form DS-160 Confirmation: Bring the printed confirmation page with the barcode.
Application Fee Payment Receipt: Proof of payment of the visa application fee.
Photo: If you were unable to upload your photo with the DS-160 form, bring a passport-sized photo that meets the U.S. visa photo requirements.
Form I-20: Issued by your SEVP-approved school.
SEVIS Fee Receipt: Proof of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee.
Financial Evidence: Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for at least the first year of study. This can include bank statements, scholarship letters, or financial affidavits.
Academic Documents: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended.
Standardized Test Scores: If required by your school, bring scores from tests like the TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT.
Intent to Depart: Evidence showing your intention to leave the U.S. after completing your studies, such as family ties, property ownership, or a job offer in your home country.

Additional Considerations and Tips

Cultural Adjustment and Support: Many universities offer orientation programs and ongoing support to help international students adjust to life in the U.S.
Health Insurance: Verify if your university requires health insurance and whether they provide it. If not, arrange for appropriate health coverage.
Housing: Arrange for housing before your arrival. Universities often offer on-campus housing, or you can explore off-campus options.
Maintaining Visa Status: Once in the U.S., ensure you maintain your visa status by attending classes regularly, achieving satisfactory academic progress, and adhering to the terms of your visa.
Work Authorization: Understand the work authorization rules for F-1 and M-1 students. On-campus employment is usually allowed up to 20 hours per week during school sessions and full-time during breaks. Off-campus employment requires specific authorization.

Obtaining a student visa to study in the USA involves meticulous preparation and adherence to the requirements. By following the detailed steps outlined, preparing the necessary documentation, and understanding the visa interview process, prospective students can improve their chances of securing a student visa and embarking on a successful academic journey in the United States.