How to Get a Student Visa for USA?

Obtaining a student visa to study in USA can be an exciting yet complex process. As an international student, it is crucial to understand the requirements and steps involved in securing a student visa. A student visa is an exclusive endorsement added to a government passport, granted to individuals enrolled in accredited International universities. Student visas are non-immigrant visas that allow students to study in a foreign country without becoming citizens of that country. Before pursuing higher education abroad, students must obtain a student visa from the respective government authorities.

If you are planning to study in the USA, applying for a visa must be your first and foremost step. Students must start their preparation well in advance. There are a few steps to apply for a student visa. In this blog, we will provide a structured guide to how to get a Student Visa for USA? You will learn all about the application process and increase your chances of obtaining a student visa for the USA. 

About Student Visa USA

A student visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States to study at an accredited educational institution. Many students across the globe come to the USA to study and have an excellent career in the country. Therefore to study in the US the question “How to get a Student Visa for USA” must be answered.

Types of Student Visa USA

Before learning ‘How to get a Student Visa for USA’ you must be aware of the visa types. There are two main types of student visas for the United States: the F-1 visa and the M-1 visa.

F-1 visa

The F-1 visa is for students who are enrolled in a full-time academic program at an accredited US institution of higher education. This can include colleges and universities, as well as English language institutes.

To be eligible for an F-1 visa, you must:

• Be accepted into a full-time academic program at an accredited US institution of higher education
• Have demonstrated financial support for your studies and living expenses
• Be able to show that you intend to return to your home country after completing your studies

M-1 visa

The M-1 visa is for students who are enrolled in a full-time vocational program in the United States. This can include programs such as cosmetology, culinary arts, and automotive technology.

To be eligible for an M-1 visa, you must:

• Be accepted into a full-time vocational program at an accredited US institution of higher education
• Have demonstrated financial support for your studies and living expenses
• Be able to show that you intend to return to your home country after completing your studies

Getting a Student Visa for USA: Stages Involved

Usually, a student has to go through five stages when applying for a US student visa. Let us look at all the stages of How to get a Student Visa for USA-

1. Apply to a Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved school in the USA
2. Pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee.
3. Complete the US student visa application.
4. Pay the visa application fee
5. Schedule and attend the visa interview.

Applying to a SEVP-Approved US Institute

The first step toward your US student visa is to choose an institution and course that is approved by the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Accreditation holds great significance as it guarantees that your degree will be recognized by universities, professional associations, employers, and government authorities worldwide. 

Only institutions approved by SEVP are authorized to enroll students in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). It also provides the necessary documentation for obtaining a US student visa. To find accredited institutions, you can utilize the study in the States website, which is operated by the government.

In contrast to some countries, the US does not have a centralized university application system. Therefore, you will need to apply separately to each institution you are interested in. Each institution will have its admission requirements, and you will typically be asked to demonstrate sufficient financial resources.

Once you receive an acceptance from an institution, they will enroll you in the SEVIS system. After this, you will be issued a SEVIS-generated document known as an I-20 (for F or M visas) or Form DS-2019 (For J visas). It will depend on your eligibility.

SEVP is responsible for overseeing international students with F and M visa classifications. The Department of State (DoS) manages Exchange Visitor Programs and International students under the J visa classification. Both SEVP and DoS utilize SEVIS to monitor and track institutions, exchange visitor programs, and international students.

Also Read: UK Post Study Work Visa: What is Post Study Work Visa in UK?

Paying the SEVIS Fee

To initiate the SEVIS fee payment, you can file either an online or paper form. These forms are available on the official US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website. It is crucial to input the required details accurately as they appear on your I-20 or DS-2019 form, ensuring a smooth payment process.

The SEVP website provides detailed information on various payment methods. You can choose from options such as debit or credit card, check, international money order, or Western Union Quick Pay. Ensure that you follow the instructions carefully to complete the payment process accurately.

Once you have paid the SEVIS fee, you have the option to check your payment status on the SEVP website. If someone else, such as your sponsor, is paying the SEVIS fee on your behalf, ensure that you receive a receipt from the third party. This receipt serves as proof of fee payment and should be retained for your records. After processing your payment, you can obtain and print a payment confirmation from the SEVP website. 

Completing the US Student Visa Application

Regardless of your location, you must complete the online visa application form DS-160. Provide accurate personal details, passport information, travel plans, previous US travel history, contact information, and educational/ work details. Upload a recent photograph as per the specified requirements. Now double-check your responses for accuracy, as errors may require rescheduling your visa interview appointment.

Upon completing the DS-160 form, note down your application ID for future reference. Sign your application electronically and receive a confirmation page with a barcode, barcode number, and application ID. Print this confirmation page, as you will need it for your visa interview.

Paying the Visa Application Fee

Refer to the website of your embassy or consulate for specific instructions on paying the Machine Readable Visa Fee (MRV fee). Depending on the location, you can pay the fee in person at an approved bank, by phone (receiving a fee confirmation number), or online (printing the receipt). Ensure you have the MRV fee receipt for your visa interview appointment.

Scheduling and Attending Visa Interview

Arrange your visa interview by contacting your nearest US embassy or consulate either online or via phone. This is one of the important steps for Getting a Student Visa for USA. Schedule the interview after completing the MRV fee payment, as you may be required to provide your MRV fee number. Note that the visa application process must be completed through an interview with a consular officer. Be prepared for varying wait times based on location, season, and visa category.

Preparing the Documents

Visit the embassy or consulate website where you will apply to verify the list of documents required for your visa interview. Essential documents are mentioned below. Presenting these documents is one of the important steps for Getting a Student Visa for USA.

• A valid passport
• Signed SEVIS form I-20 or DS-2019
• SEVIS fee receipt
• DS-160 Confirmation page
• MRV fee payment confirmation receipt
• Visa interview appointment letter
• Photographs
• Academic transcripts
• Standardized test scores
• Financial evidence

Read this blog to learn more about USA student visa requirements

Maintaining F-1 Visa Status

As an international student, it’s important to actively maintain your F-1 status to continue your studies in the U.S. This involves adhering to university regulations and codes of conduct, as well as fulfilling the specific requirements and conditions outlined in your F-1 visa. Staying compliant not only ensures your legal ability to study but also helps you fully engage in your academic experience and take advantage of the opportunities available to you while pursuing your education in the United States.

When you first come to the US:

• Don’t arrive more than 30 days before your classes start.
• Tell your school’s “Designated School Official” (DSO) right away.
• Talk to your DSO again before your classes begin.

While you’re studying:

• Go to all your classes and do well in school. If you need help, your Shorelight advisor can tell you about academic resources.
• If you need more time to finish your studies, talk to your DSO about extending your visa.
• Take enough classes when you’re in school.
• If you want to stop taking a class or change classes, talk to your DSO first.
• If you want to take a break or go on vacation, you must have been in school for at least one full year first. When you come back, you must sign up for classes again.

Can F-1 International Students Work in USA?

Yes, F-1 international students can work in the U.S., but there are some rules to follow:

• You can only work part-time on campus during your classes.
• You can work a maximum of 20 hours a week.
• With your university’s approval, you might be able to work off-campus.
• During academic breaks, you can work full-time if your university allows it.

Make sure to check with your Designated School Official (DSO) before applying for any jobs. For more information, visit USCIS.gov.

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Completing a US student visa application involves several steps. By carefully following these steps and ensuring the accuracy and completeness of your application, you increase your chances of a successful visa outcome. Always refer to the official embassy or consulate websites for the most up-to-date information and instructions. Our Leverage Edu visa experts are here to help you with the application process.