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USA Student Visa
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Student Visa Guide for International Students
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 determine 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 programs.
| 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 recognized 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 recognized 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 SI-USA, who can assist with all queries regarding US Student Visa.