Visa Process In The USA
Non-U.S. citizens who want to pursue higher education in the United States must first get a student visa. Make sure to start working on your application for a US student visa at least three to five months before the start of your studies. In the US, applying for a student visa frequently entails numerous steps. Since these steps are different at each US consular office or embassy, you must read the instructions on the website of the consular office or embassy where you want to apply.
- What kind of visa do I require to study in the USA
- When should I submit my US student visa application?
- The processing period for US study visas
- What paperwork is required to apply for a student visa in the US?
- What is the fee?
- Where to submit a US student visa application
- How To Submit A Us Student Visa Application: Step By Step
1. What Type Of Visa Is Required For Me To Study In The USA?
If you want to study in the United States, you’ll need one of three possible visas. Most students opt for the F1 Visa. This is intended for students who will be taking a course full-time. Undergraduate and graduate students should apply for this visa type. A student’s spouse or child must get an F2 visa in order to join them in the United States. However, they cannot use this visa to gain employment in the United States.
As an alternative, you can apply for a J1 Cooperation Visitor Visa. Anyone planning to study in the United States for a prolonged vocational program of ten months or more must fill out this form (no longer). Your spouse or minor children may join you in Japan on a J2 visa, but they are restricted from working unless specifically allowed to do so by the Japanese government (this will be established during their application).
The final category of visa is the M1 Student Visa. This is only applicable during the time you are engaged in the study and only applies to courses that are not considered academic. In conclusion, you should check with the school to which you have applied to ensure that you are eligible for an F1 Visa.
2. When Will I Apply For A Student Visa In The US?
Visa Process In The USA: It is recommended that you start the visa application procedure three months before the start of your study term. It is recommended to begin the visa application procedure around five months before you need the visa because there are several steps to take and documentation to get before you can apply.
3. Processing Time For US Study Visas
A wait time of 3–5 weeks is expected once the application has been submitted. After your visa has been approved, the US consulate in your country will send it to you within two or three business days, depending on where you are based.
4. What Paperwork Is Required To Apply For A Student Visa In The US?
Okay, now comes the hard part! Before requesting your student visa, you will need to gather several documents.
In most cases, you’ll need the following documents, though they may vary slightly based on the visa you’re asking for and your circumstances:
- A passport that will still be valid for at least six months after the conclusion of your anticipated stay in the US. If your current passport is set to expire, you must apply for a new one.
- I-20 or at least a college form. This standard document confirms your acceptance into a full-time university program in the US.
- A printed copy of your completed online visa application (DS-160).
- Letter of appointment for the visa interview
- After submitting the aforementioned form, you will be given instructions on how to arrange an appointment at the nearest US consulate to get this letter.
- Original exam scores, diplomas, and transcripts. alternatively, documentation of each important high school grade.
- A test of English language skills, such as the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo, will often provide an original score report.
- Bank records over the last three years prove you have the money to cover your stay in the US. To help pay for your education, you may also provide bank statements from your parents or legal guardians. See our post if you think you’ll need financial help.
5. What Is The Fee?
A US student visa requires two payments to be made: the SEVIS fee and the application/processing cost (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). The following is a basic estimate; however, the cost may vary significantly based on the kind of visa: For the F1 and M1 Student Visas, there is a US$350 application/processing cost as well as a SEVIS charge. That comes to $510 US in total. On the other hand, a J1 Exchange Visitor Visa costs a total of US$380: $220 for SEVIS fees and $160 for the visa application fee.
6. Where To Submit A US Student Visa Application
Visa Process In The USA: At this point, confusion begins to creep in since, depending on your local US Embassy or consulate, the place to apply and the order of application activities might differ.
To keep you on the right track, go to the US Embassy website, choose your country, and then choose the embassy that is nearest to you. Click on their website’s Visa page to find it. To begin your online application, you may access some simple steps. If you’re still uncertain, contact them by email or phone.
You will nonetheless be sent to the Consular Electronic Application Center of the US Department of State. The DS-160 form has to be filled out here.
You must go to the embassy (or consulate) in person after completing your online application and setting up your biometrics and interview appointments.
7. How To Submit A US Student Visa Application: Step-by-Step
- As soon as you receive your I-20 form from your institution, register with SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). You’ll need the receipt when you have to pay a charge, so be sure to retain it for later use (SEVIS I-901).
- At the US Department of State Consular Electronic Application Centre, complete the application (DS-160). You must fill out this form with your personal data (and supporting evidence), including passport data, trip plans, previous US entries, work and educational background, criminal history, and SEVIS ID (as included in your university-issued I-20 form). Print the confirmation paper after you’re done.
- You may use NEFT to pay your visa processing costs online or in person at Axis/Citibank outlets. Obtain the payment confirmation receipts and save them. You will be given instructions on how to do this throughout the application process.
- Make a reservation at the nearest embassy for your biometrics and visa interview. You may either make a reservation through the website or by calling in. You must use your receipt number to make the aforementioned payment!
- Attend the interview. Bring all the supporting documentation indicated in the section above for this article, as well as all the receipts for items you made while completing your application. Don’t worry about the interview, by the way! Make sure your documentation is orderly because you’ve worked so hard on it. But it’s important to be aware that the officer you meet with will want to know why you’re coming to the US, what institution you want to attend, your academic history, etc. You’ll be able to prevent unneeded tension as a result.
- Passport sent in; wait three to five weeks. They will get in touch with you when the time arrives to pick it up.
The Top 5 Tips for Obtaining a Visa Process In The USA
As you continue with your US student visa application, keep the following in mind:
1. Make A Plan
Contact the embassy or consulate that will be reviewing your application and schedule a meeting. Since the winter and summer holidays are often hectic, making an appointment in advance may be required to ensure that you get one when you need it.
2. Prepare Your Documents
For your US student visa application, you will need copies of your application as well as proof of payment for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee and visa application fee. A current passport and supporting documentation, such as transcripts and your school’s letter of admission, should also be present.
3. Demonstrate Your Intention To Go Home
Show that you are willing to break US immigration law and that you have no interest in doing so. Applications for non-immigrant visas must be reviewed carefully per US law. Applicants must show they have close enough links to their home countries. This is to indicate they are not just using a student visa to enter the US. Family links, financial interests, and employment are a few examples of things you may use to show that you have ties to your home country.
4. Clearly State Your Goals
Show that you are knowledgeable about the program. Display that you are interested in it and that you are aware of how it fits into your professional objectives. Do this when you apply to an academic or vocational program. You must be able to articulate the link between your academic goals and your work. This is necessary to convince the consular officer that your goal is to study in the US, not to immigrate.
5. Improve Your Command Of The English Language
Improve your communication skills in English so that you can inform the consular agent in an easy-to-understand manner. If you get along well with the authorities, you’ll have a better chance of getting your student visa application approved.
