If you want to study in the US, you will need to get a student visa. This visa will allow you to study full-time at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved university in the US. This article discusses the requirements to get a student visa in the US.
Generally, the US welcomes international citizens to study in the US. However, before you begin applications for a student visa, you must ensure you have been accepted and approved by your school or program. After you have been accepted, your institution gives you the required documents to be provided for your student visa application.
What is a Student Visa?
Generally, a student visa is a visa type that allows you to live and study in your desired country of allocation for the duration of your applied course of study. However, your course of study and choice of institution determines if you need the F-1 or M student visa type.
What is the F-1 Student Visa?
The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa type that allows international students access into the US to study in institutions certified by SEVP.
It is the most common student visa type. It allows international students to engage in academic studies at approved and accredited universities or colleges in the US. Also, you will need the F-1 visa if you wish to continue your secondary school or approved English program in the US. Also, if you are choosing a course of study taking up to 18 hours a week.
This visa costs about $510, and you will be required to have begun your application at least three months before the start date of your course. The duration of your stay using the F-1 visa depends on the program you have enrolled in. You can find this information in the 1-20 form the university you have chosen will provide, which will contain the expiry date of your program.
However, you may be eligible to apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) following your graduation.
OPT allows you to work for about 12 months in a field related to your study. You can request for two more years to work in a related field afterwards. However, if you have no extensions or further training, you will be required to go back to your country within 60 days.
What are the Requirements to Get a Student Visa in the US?
To qualify for the student visa application in the US, you must meet these requirements:
An institution certification
You must already have been accepted into an institution approved by SEVP immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Full-time enrollment
You must already be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution.
English language proficiency
You must meet the English language proficiency score set by the institution you have enrolled in. Or, you must take courses that can further help you to advance your English proficiency.
Proof of funds
You will need to prove that you have the financial power to finance your studies and living expenses in the US.
Valid passport
You must provide a valid passport. It must be valid for at least six months after you have completed your program.
Proof of home country residency
You must have a home country who you are a legal citizen. This is to ensure that you have a home to return to upon completing your degree in the US.
Other Requirements to Get Student Visa in the US:
- A certificate of Eligibility for non-immigrant students (I-20)
- The receipt from the online visa form (DS-160) for a non-immigrant student
- The receipt from your SEVIS fee
- Passports
- Proof of your financial situation or your financial support
- Two recent coloured photos of you; physical and digital. Two of which must meet the US immigration’s image requirements
- Your academic records which include – test scores, transcripts, and qualifications obtained from your previous academics
Student Visa Process in the US
Apply to your school, get accepted, and receive the 1-20 form:
The 1-20 form documents your study plans. It also provides information about your stay. Here’s some information on the 1-20 form:
- SEVIS ID number
- Intended program of study
- Your program start and end dates
- Funding sources
- Cost of attendance at your school of choice
- Other personal information
Register for Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and pay the fee:
This means the SEVIS must have your fee before your DS-160 is completed.
The entire cost of your F-1 visa runs up to $510. This includes the SEVIS processing and maintenance fees.
It costs $350 a, and you can apply on the payment portal for your SEVIS fee. Afterwards, ensure you save your payment receipt.
Complete an online non-immigrant visa application fee:
The DS-160 is your visa application. You must complete the DS-160 to receive your student visa. This will require:
- Your 1-20 form
- Passport
- Travel itinerary
- Photo for your visa.
It costs $160, and payment can be made on the application portal for your DS-160.
Others:
- Upload a photo of you that meets the US immigration photo requirement
- Provide and submit every other required document
- Schedule an appointment for a visa interview. This must either be done ad the US Embassy or at the Consulate in your home country.
- Receive a decision on your application at your interview.
What You Need to Know Before You Get a Student Visa in the Us
Are you wondering if you can work while you school with your F-1 student visa?
You can work only part-time on campus during your academic session. However, you can work outside with your university’s approval. Also, you cannot work more than 20 hours per week.
Meanwhile, you can work full-time during academic breaks. However, this will also depend on your university.
Are you looking to study in America? Worldwide Integrated Network and Education (WINENET EDU) assists students and professionals in their academic pursuits. Reach out to our certified education consultants at admissions@winenetedu.com to help you process your admission to any top school in the world.
Photo by Lagos Techie on Unsplash
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