Every year, the United States (US) sees a massive influx of students from across the globe, especially India. If you, too, want to jump on the bandwagon and leverage American education to your professional advantage, you must first understand the United States of America visa requirements.
Types of US student visas:
The US offers three types of visas for students:
1. F-1 student visa: This visa is for full-time students applying for undergraduate as well as graduate programs in the US. You can also go through 5 key facts for the F1 visa.
2. J-1 exchange visa: This visa type is for students participating in an exchange program in the US.
3. M-1 student visa: This one is for students enrolling in US universities for non-academic or vocational courses.
Steps to apply for a United States student visa:
1. Get accepted in an education institution: Before you apply for any of the three America visa types, you must first seek and secure admission into a US institution of higher education certified by the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP). Once admission is granted, you will receive Form I-20 or DS-2019, which is a document certifying your F-1/M-1 or J-1 status, respectively.
2. Pay the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee: The SEVIS I-901 fee is charged to cover the administration and maintenance costs of the SEVIS program. Pay the same and safely keep the receipt for your visa interview. You must pay the fee at least three days prior to your interview date.
3. Complete the US visa application process online: To complete the American visa application online, visit the official website of the US Department of State, duly fill out and submit the DS-160 form, and pay the US visa fee. Once you make the payment, you will be routed to a confirmation page. Save the same.
4. Schedule your US visa appointment: Choose a date for your biometric authentication and interview at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. It is wise to make the US visa slot booking early. Gather all the essential documents (as listed below) well before the scheduled date. Also, prepare to answer questions about the funding of your education, managing living expenses when abroad, etc. These questions are important because well-planned finances are vital to ensure a smooth student life in a foreign country. Thanks to Flywire’s Student Services, you can easily transfer money abroad, be it for paying your tuition fees or managing your living expenses. Flywire is a quick, reliable, affordable, and secure payment platform trusted by millions of students worldwide.
Documents needed:
- A passport that must be valid for at least six months post your intended period of stay in the US
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa application fee payment receipt
- SEVIS fee receipt (required for F and M visa applicants)
- Form I-20 or DS-2019
- Admission letter
- Proof of funds
- Academic documents such as transcripts, degrees, and certificates
- English language test scores such as Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if your university or course demands them
- A recent passport-sized photo that meets the specifications outlined by the US Embassy or Consulate
Important things to keep in mind with the F1 Visa:
1. You can get your visa issued up to 120 days before your course starts. However, you cannot enter the country earlier than 30 days before the course starts.
2. You are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 12 months after your graduation. After 12 months, you must apply for a work visa if you wish to continue working in the US.
3. If you don’t have a job or haven’t applied for the OPT, you can stay in the US only for up to 30 days after completing your course.
4. You can take up on-campus jobs for up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and 40 hours a week during breaks. For off-campus employment, you will need special permissions and authorisation.
In summary, the first step in fulfilling your American education dream is getting a valid American student visa. You must be aware of the US visa types, check, and comply with the visa requirements as well as make the required efforts to sustain your visa.
This content does not constitute legal advice; for the most up-to-date rules and regulations, we recommend consulting a professional with knowledge of your specific situation.