If you are looking to continue your studies in the United States and are not a US citizen, it will be necessary for you to obtain an American visa for the purpose of study only.
Note that the process of applying for a student visa to the United States is considered a multi-step task and requires prior planning and preparation. It is preferable to start preparing for it early, a period ranging between three to five months before the planned start date of study at the university in which you intend to enroll.
Types of American visa for students
The F visa and the M visa are two visas for international students wishing to study in the United States. The F visa is for students studying in academic or language studies programs at US universities or colleges, while the M visa is for students studying in non-academic vocational training programs at accredited institutions.
The J visa, which is the DS-2019 form, is used for students and trainees in fellowship, cultural exchange, or academic research programs in the United States.
The main difference between them is the purpose of the visit and the type of study or training program the student intends to participate in in the United States.
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Steps to apply for an American visa
The general application process involves several stages, and these stages vary somewhat from one US embassy to another, so it is worth reviewing the instructions provided on the website of the embassy or consulate where you intend to apply.
- Admission to an accredited American university and obtaining official acceptance.
- Fill out Form DS-160 online.
- Pay the fees required to process the visa application.
- Schedule an interview at the US embassy or consulate in your country.
- Attend the interview and submit the required documents, such as passport, proof of acceptance, proof of financing, etc.
- After the interview, the decision to grant the visa is awaited.
It is worth noting that the details of the process and the required documents vary based on individual circumstances and the place of application, so it is preferable to review updated information from official sources before starting the process.
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Stages of submitting an American visa application
When students intend to obtain a student visa to study in the United States, they generally go through five basic stages:
- Application and acceptance by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
- The student must apply and gain admission from an accredited educational institution in the United States.
- This must be done six to twelve months before the planned study start date.
- Pay student information system fees and exchange visitors (SEVIS)
- Once accepted, a fee must be paid to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which is the system that follows the training and monitoring of international students and visitors.
- Complete your US student visa application with a recent photo(s).
- You must fill out the DS-160 Student Visa Application Form online and submit recent, high-quality photographs.
- The application fee for a study visa in America must be paid, and these fees change depending on the type of visa requested.
- After paying the visa fee to study in America, an appointment must be made for an interview at the American embassy or consulate in the student’s country.
- In this interview, the required documents will be submitted and the necessary inquiries will be made.
You can benefit from more details about each of these five steps by reading the full article.
For the abbreviation SEVP, it stands for the “Student and Exchange Visitor Program,” which is part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This program is supervised by By the US Department of Homeland Security It is managed by international students andExchange visitor programs in the United States Through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
1. Obtaining acceptance from an American university
When planning to obtain an American visa for students, it is necessary to make sure to choose an accredited university and study program. Accreditation is extremely important, as it ensures that your degree will be recognized by other universities, professional associations, employers and government agencies globally.
Only educational institutions such as universities or accredited language institutes can register students with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and provide the necessary documents to apply for a US student visa.
It should be noted that There is no central system in the United States for submitting university admission applications. You will therefore need to submit separate applications for each institution of interest.
The process will require you to adhere to each university or college's individual admission requirements. You will need to provide documents proving your qualifications and academic knowledge.
In addition, you will normally be asked to provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover the costs of your studies, and this evidence can include bank statements or financial proof from your parents. This information may be necessary to ensure that you can afford to live and study in the United States.
Once you have been accepted by a US university, the university will register your information with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and issue a document known as Form I-20 If you qualify for F or M visa, Or model DS-2019 If you are eligible for J visa.
2. Fees for obtaining a student visa to study in the United States
To obtain a student visa to America, you must pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee at least three days before submitting your visa application. To carry out this process, you will need to submit a form online or on paper.
Through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website operated by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the payment form can be accessed. You must ensure that you enter the details accurately and match what is on the I-20 or DS-2019 form that was issued to you.
- The Form I-901 fee is $200 for F/M visa holders
- US$180 for J student visa holders.
3. Complete the student visa application to America
Once you receive the SEVIS form and pay the US Visa fee, you can make an appointment with the US consulate or embassy in your country to apply for a US student visa.
It is best to apply as soon as possible, regardless of your program start date, as visa processing times may vary. Remember, your visa can be issued up to 120 days before you are due to enter the United States.
Most countries provide a dedicated website for US student visa application processes, which can be accessed via this home page. If you do not find your country on the list, you can learn more through the US Embassy or Consulate in your country via the US Embassy website.
Whether you have a DS-160 type F/M visa or a J visa, In all cases, you will need to complete the online study visa application form DS-160. You must locate the application and ensure that you have all the documents and information required to fill out the form.
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Fill out a student visa application form to study in the United States:
- Name and date of birth
- Address and phone number
- Passport details
- Details of travel plans and travel companions
- Details of previous travel to the United States
- Your point of contact in the United States
- Family, work and education details
- Security, background and medical information
You will need to upload a suitable recent photo based on the specific photo requirements. If you fail to upload a photo, you may submit a printed photo that meets the requirements during the US study visa interview.
Make sure you answer all questions accurately and completely, as any error could result in the need to reschedule your study visa interview in America. In case you get confused while filling out the form, you can search for answers to your questions on the website travel.state.gov.
Once you have completed the visa application form, you will need to sign it electronically by clicking on the “Register Application” button at the end. After uploading your application, you will receive a confirmation page containing a barcode, barcode number and your Application ID, which you must print and bring with you to your visa interview. Note that there is no need to print the entire form.
4. Schedule an appointment for a student visa to America at the American Embassy
The final step in obtaining a US student visa is to schedule an appointment and attend the visa interview. You can do this either online or by contacting the nearest US embassy or consulate using the phone. In both cases, you must pay the MRV fee first. You will need to provide the US study visa fee number when booking your interview appointment.
The US study visa application process cannot be completed until you attend an interview with a consular officer. Don't worry if you need to schedule your interview at a different U.S. embassy or consulate than the one you used to submit your visa application.
You should be aware that qualifying for a study visa in America may be more difficult if you decide to apply for an interview at a US embassy or consulate outside your permanent place of residence. Wait times for interview appointments can vary by location, season and visa category.
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Documents required to obtain an American student visa
Make sure to visit the website of the embassy or consulate where you will be submitting your visa application to check all documents required for your interview. These documents may include:
- The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months.
- SEVIS Form (I-20 or DS-2019).
- If you are applying for a J-1 visa, you may also need Form DS-7002.
- Proof of your payment of the student and exchange program visitor information system fees.
- DS-160 order confirmation page.
- Receipt confirming payment of the MRV fee.
- A printed copy of your interview confirmation letter.
- You need 1-2 photographs that meet the specific image requirements. Photos must be of high quality, colour, and printed on photo paper.
- You need to provide certificates from previous educational institutions to prove your educational background.
- If your institution requires specific tests such as TOEFL, LSAT, GRE, or GMAT, you will need to provide the respective scores.
- You must provide financial proof that you or your sponsor has the ability to cover the costs of education and living in the United States.
- A copy of the marriage certificate and/or birth certificate.
Always remember to check the website of the embassy or consulate where you will be interviewing to ensure all required documents and any additional requirements before appearing for the interview.
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Visa interview at the US Embassy
The purpose of the visa interview is to determine your qualifications for a US student visa and, if qualifications are met, to determine the appropriate category for your visa.
During the visa interview at the US Embassy, several questions are asked to ensure the applicant is eligible for a visa and understands the purpose of his or her trip to the United States. These questions include:
- Purpose of visit: Why do you want to travel to the United States? What is the main purpose of your visit?
- details of the trip: What are your exact travel plans? When do you plan to travel? How long do you plan to stay?
- Funding sourceHow do you plan to finance your trip and stay in the United States? Do you have financial support from someone?
- Personal background: What is your educational and professional history? Do you have any previous travel experience?
- Family and community connections:Are you currently working? Do you have family or local connections in your country?
- Return to the country of origin: How do you plan to return to your country after the visit ends? What are your plans to continue your career path after returning?
- Answer doubts: If there are any doubts about the information provided, you may be asked for additional evidence or clarifications.
These questions are based on a comprehensive assessment of the applicant to ensure that the visit is conducted lawfully and in accordance with his or her stated goals, and each case is evaluated individually according to current U.S. immigration standards and policies.
Read also: US Student and Exchange Visitor Program SEVIS
Using a study visa in America
It is important to be aware that obtaining a study visa in America is not guaranteed, and therefore you should not make final travel plans or purchase tickets until you obtain the visa.
You should realize that a valid visa does not necessarily mean entry into the United States, but rather only allows you to travel to the port of entry and request permission to enter the country.
Entry authorization is granted by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Always keep your visa-related documents in your hand luggage, as you will need them when you arrive at the airport when entering America. Documents you should carry with you include:
- passport
- SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019
- Proof of financial resources
- Evidence of student status (such as receipts and recent school records)
- The name and contact information of the designated school official (DSO), including the 24-hour emergency contact number at your chosen institution.
- If you are an exchange student, you are required to receive a letter from your home university stating your intention to return to your home university.
You must carry a Form I-20 or DS-2019 every time you enter the United States. If you intend to take a vacation outside the United States, you must obtain a SEVIS form in order to re-enter the country.
SEVIS Form I-20 and Form DS-2019 are official documents issued by educational institutions in the United States to international students who wish to study in the United States.
These documents express your acceptance by the institution and prove your eligibility to obtain a student visa (F-1 or M-1) or a visa to study in America for cultural exchange (J-1), as the case may be.
These documents are essential for international students planning to travel and study in the United States. You must keep and take care of these documents during your studies in the United States.
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How much is the amount required in the American Visa bank account?
There is no specific and fixed amount to prove financial resources when applying for an American student visa. The amount required varies depending on the university or institute to which you are accepted, the cost of living in the area where you will study, and the duration of the study programme.
In general, you must show that you have enough money to cover the full tuition fees and living costs (accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, etc.) for the duration of your studies. You may also need to show that you have enough to cover travel costs to and from the United States.
It is advisable to check the website of the university or institute where you will be studying, as they usually provide an estimate of the tuition and living costs for international students. You may also contact the university's admissions office with any questions you have about proof of financial resources.
