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USA Student Visa Requirements
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In order to enter the United States for educational purposes, individuals from overseas need to acquire a student visa. The type of school and course determines whether an F visa or M visa is required.#
- F visa = For universities, colleges, high schools, and other academic institutions
- M visa = For nonacademic or vocational institutions.
It’s important to note that individuals cannot study on a visitor visa or under the Visa Waiver Program, except for recreational non-credit courses. Visitor visas might be suitable for brief periods of recreational study, but for U.S.-conferred degrees or certificates, a student visa is mandatory, even for short durations or distance learning programmes.
US Student Visa Guide for International Students
| To attend | Visa Category |
|---|---|
| University or college | F |
| High School | M |
| Private elementary school | M |
| Seminary | M |
| Conservatory | M |
| Another academic institution, including a language training program | M |
| Vocational or other recognised nonacademic institution, other than a language training program | M |
Eligibility for the USA Student Visa
To be eligible for various forms of employment in US universities, student applicants must be over 18, legally enrolled with an F-1 student visa for at least one academic year, and possess proper authorization. On-campus work is limited to 20 hours/week during academic terms and full-time during breaks.
One must fulfil the following criteria to qualify for a Student Visa:
- Acceptance by a recognised institution
- Clean background, no criminal record
- Certification of health
- Intent to return to the country of origin upon completion of studies
- Proof of funds for studying, living expenses, and maintenance of self and dependents
Required Documents
- Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US.
- Form DS-160 Confirmation Page: Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and have the confirmation page.
- Application Fee Payment Receipt: If you’re required to pay the fee before the interview, have the payment receipt.
- Photo: Upload a photo during the DS-160 form completion. Carry a printed photo in the format specified if the upload fails.
- Form I-20: If you’re an F-1 or M-1 student, your school will provide Form I-20 once your information is in the SEVIS database. It should be signed by both you and your school official.
- Academic Preparation: Bring transcripts, diplomas, degrees, certificates from your previous schools, and any standardized test scores required by your US school.
- Intent to Depart: Be prepared to demonstrate your intent to return home after completing your studies in the US.
- Financial Proof: Show evidence of how you’ll cover educational, living, and travel costs.
Student Visa Application Process
1: Apply and Get Accepted: Apply to a US university and receive an acceptance letter. Application deadlines are usually in December or January, with admission notices sent out in March and April.
2: Receive Form I-20 or DS-2019: Upon acceptance, you’ll receive either Form I-20 (for F-1 and M-1 students) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 students) from your school and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online, which is $350 for F-1/M-1 students and $220 for J-1 students.
3: Fill out DS-160 Form: Complete the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and select the embassy for your visa interview.
4: Pay Visa Application Fee: Pay the $185 visa application fee. The payment date varies by the embassy.
5: Receive Visa: Upon approval, the embassy will return your passport with the new visa. Some embassies require in-person pickup, while others may ship it to you.
How long does it take to receive a Student Visa?
US Student Visa processing times vary; they can be issued up to 120 days before your program starts, but entry to the US is allowed only 30 days before. F-1/M-1 visas follow this, while J-1 visas have more flexibility. Entry earlier than 30 days requires a visitor visa, except for returning students.
USA Student Visa Enquiry
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact StudyIn, who can assist with all queries regarding the US Student Visa.