USA Study Visa Requirements: An Exclusive Guide for Students

Understanding USA Study Visa Requirements

The USA is among the top destinations for those dreaming of studying abroad. It offers some of the highly reputed universities from around the world, along with a range of research facilities and academic courses. Studying in the USA can also lead to a lot of new career possibilities and growth. However, to experience all this, there is an important step that you will need to take, getting a USA study visa. Moreover, the type of visa that you are applying for will vary based on your age and the studies you wish to seek out in the country. So, let’s learn about these various USA student visa types in detail.

Types of USA Student Visa

The government of the USA offers three types of visas to students based on their age and academic needs. These visas have different conditions and benefits, and their application requirements are also variable. Hence, if you are interested in studying in USA universities, you will need to be aware of the type of student visa required.

USA Student Visa Types	1. F1 Visa
	2. J Visa
	3. M Visa

1. F1- Visa

If you want to study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified US institute, then the visa category that you need to apply for is an F1 visa. This is the popular study visa that allows students to study full-time at US institutions, colleges and seminaries. You are further allowed to pursue part-time work during your study period (20 hours per week and CPT) and practical training (OPT) after completing your degree. If you are in STEM courses, then you can get an extension for your OPT period.

2. J Visa                               

The J visas or exchange visitor visas are for non-immigrant individuals who wish to pursue a work or study-related exchange program from the USA. This program needs to be approved by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Moreover, your stay period will depend on the duration of the exchange program. As per the conditions of this visa, you can work on the campus for around 20 hours per week.  

3. M Visa

If you are getting admission to a vocational, technical or non-academic program in the USA, then you need to opt for the M visa. To obtain this visa, you will need to show proof of enough funds to cover your tuition and other living expenses for the complete stay. Moreover, the M visa does not allow students to seek work during their study period.

 

Documents Required for a USA Student Visa

To get a student visa USA you are required to carry many documents. Some mandatory documents are your financial and academic records that you need. Moreover, check out the following list that you will need for the visa interview.

• A valid passport (validity date of at least six months)
• A printed copy of DS-160 (online application form)
• Visa fee payment confirmation receipt
• Interview appointment letter (original and copy)
• SEVIS fee receipt
• Form I-20 sent by the university
• Bank statement for a minimum of three years
• Original mark sheets and provisional certificates
• Financial documents that show your financial strength to support education in the USA.
• Score sheet of exams like:

1. TOEFL or IELTS as ELP proofs
2. ACT or SAT scores for UG admissions or GMAT or GRE scores for PG admissions

Finally, you have explored the America study visa requirements list of documents. Let’s move ahead and find the eligibility criteria.

Fees for Student Visa USA

The total cost that you need to incur to get a study visa for the USA includes the amount paid to SEVIS or Student and Exchange Visitor Information System along with the specific application fee. Moreover, the application fee is paid to the US Department of State. You will also need to inculcate some extra charges, such as the cost of the DS-160 form, travel expenses and visa interview. Thus, the following is the cost of the different USA student visa types:

 

USA Study Visa Type	F1	M	J
SEVIS cost	$350 INR 30K	$350 INR 30K	$220 INR 18.9K
Application fee	$185 INR 15.9K	$160 INR 13K	$160 INR 13K
Total Cost	$535 INR 46K	$510 INR 43K	$380 INR 32K

Eligibility Criteria for a USA Student Visa

To start the US student visa process first, you must know the eligibility criteria. Moreover, if you are an Indian citizen, you have to meet the following conditions to get the visa.

• Students must be enrolled in an academic educational program, a vocational, or a language training program.
• Candidate’s school must be approved by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or Student and Exchange Visitors Program.
• To fulfill the student visa USA requirements, you should not have any history of crimes.
• Candidates must have enough financial resources.
• In addition, a student must undergo a medical test by an approved physician or doctor.
• To complete the USA study visa requirements, you should be a full-time student and proficient in English (enroll for English courses).

The above information was about the eligibility criteria for a US study visa. Now, we will read the USA student visa process step-by-step.

US Student Visa Process: Step-by-Step

Fulfilling the America study visa requirements is easy if you know the steps or procedure. There are major six steps that you need to follow to complete the USA student visa process, so let’s know about them.

• Firstly, students must receive an offer letter from the university. Additionally, you will need to provide your financial statements and fill out a SEVIS form, which includes the program start and end date, funding sources, cost of attendance, and some personal information.
• The second step for completing the US study visa requirements is paying the SEVIS fee. For this, create an account on the SEVP portal and pay the $350 I-901 SEVIS fee in your home country.
• In the next, students have to pay the fee for visa interviews and submit the application. However, the booking fee is $160. (Note that USA student visa fees in Indian rupees are $510).
• Now, you have to schedule your visa interview with the closest US embassy. However, your appointment can be fixed in a month or a week so try to start the US student visa process as early as possible.
• The next step is preparing the documents required for your student visa application interview, which are already mentioned above. Make sure to include all the papers to avoid any issues.
• In the last, a candidate will have an interview with the visa instructor to determine whether you are qualified for the student visa USA requirements, so you must attend the interview in person.

Remember that the visa officer will identify whether you are coming to study as a genuine student in the US, so be prepared with your motive and documents. Now, there are some essential do’s and don’t for the USA students visa requirements that you must know.

Essential Do's & Don'ts for Student Visa USA

When students begin their planning to study in USA, they should be careful with some essential things. Here, we have listed major do’s and don’ts so it can be easy for you to fulfill the student visa USA requirements. Read further for better insights.

Do’s for USA Student Visa

For the USA student visa, students must follow some do’s, which are listed below.

1. Initiate the Process Early

Whenever you start the US student visa process, start it as early as possible. However, embarking on the application demand is a proactive approach, so instead of waiting for the last moment, start early. It can secure your application of enrolment, and ensure a smooth and worry-free application procedure.

2. Diligently Research Visa Specifications

As you know, visa requirements and types are based on country-specific. However, it is necessary to know the special demands, rules and regulations, acceptance letters, health insurance, financial proofs, etc. Moreover, whatever are the student visa USA requirements, you must research accordingly.

3. Select an Esteemed Institution

When you choose your university for higher studies, select an esteemed institution. Sometimes, visa officers weigh the reputation of the respective college. Therefore, apply for a well-reputed and renowned college that is also suitable for your career goal.

4. Develop a Persuasive Statement of Purpose

You must know that to get an offer letter or fulfill the America study visa requirements, SOP is important. Without having an SOP, you cannot apply for admission to many top colleges, so craft it effectively. Moreover, explain your aspirations, choice of country, and course that can enhance your application’s credibility.

Don’ts for USA Student Visa

The following are some don’ts that you must avoid if you want to secure your USA student visa.

1. Don’t Falsify Information

Filling out the wrong details in your application form can be harmful to your visa process. Moreover, it can lead to denial or a future application ban, so ensure honesty and accuracy when completing the visa process.

2. Don’t Underestimate Language Tests

Sometimes, students think that for completing the USA student visa requirements, language tests are not mandatory, thinking this is the biggest mistake. Some English test systems like TOEFL and IELTS help prove your proficiency, so be prepared for them.

3. Don’t Neglect Documentation Importance

As mentioned above, all the documents are important for you to complete the USA study visa requirements. However, missing any paper or document can be the cause of your visa rejection. Make sure that all necessary documents are in place during your application process.

4. Don’t Be Unclear in Interviews

An interview is a crucial part of your USA study visa process. Therefore, attend to it with clarity and confidence. Moreover, be clear with your career goals, study plans, and the reasons to choose the country for higher studies.

Conclusion

To conclude, we have discussed the overall USA study visa requirements in this blog. Hopefully, you found it helpful for your career and will follow the do’s and don’ts when it’s your turn to apply for the visa. However, many students face issues with collecting documents and understanding the procedure, so it is advisable to consult with our study abroad consultant so that you can fulfill the requirements and get a visa within the deadline.

Here are some useful link tools: University Finder in USA and Course Finder in USA

FAQs

Ques.1 Can I Work on a Student Visa for the US?

Yes, you can work in the USA on a student visa, but only if USCIS approves your application. After this, you will receive a Form I-766 EAD (Employment Authorization Document) from USCIS, then you can begin working.

Ques.2 How Long Can I Stay in the US on a Student Visa?

International students in the US with F visas can stay for 60 days after their course ends, plus any authorized practical training. This extra time is called a grace period.

Ques.3 How Much Does a US Student Visa Cost?

The student visa USA costs around $510 per application, and you must apply for the visa three months before when your course starts.

Ques.4 How to Extend a Student Visa?

To request a USA student visa extension, candidates have to reapply for the visa at a US embassy. Moreover, you students can request for extension through the (USCIS) US Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Ques.5 How Long Is the Process of Student Visa in the USA?

The process of a student visa in the USA can be completed from a week to a few months. Moreover, it depends on the complexity of the application profile, and if you apply as soon as possible, you can get a visa in less time.