You can study in United States of America in any of the legally recognized University with F1 or M1 Visa after your application is approved. To apply for USA Student Visa here as an international student, you need to follow the step by step guide here from the official portal.
The F and M Student Visa in US enable students to pursue their studies at any of the Institutions approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for a specified period of time. Make sure you have all the required documents ready and handy only qualified applicants will be given the F1 or M1 Student Visa in US.
Interested Applicants should try as much as possible to apply three months before the course starting date to avoid delay. Note the requirements, costs, processing time and how to easily apply for the US student visa at the embassy.
Types of US student Visa
There are three most common types of student visa in United state of America which include the F-1, M-1 and J-1 visas for full-time international students
1.F1 US Students Visa: F-1 These visas is mainly for full-time international students pursuing academic studies.
2.M1 US student Visa: M-1 These visas permit students to embark on for full-time international students pursuing vocational studies.
3. J Exchange Visa: this visa is for those that participate in an exchange program, including high school and university study
This article will focus more on F1 US student visa which is the most prominent and used ones by students among the others.
What are the Requirements for F1 USA Student Visa?
To apply and obtain a study permit from United States government you have to fulfill all the necessary requirements. The requirements for the student visa are:
- A valid passport with validity up to six months beyond your period of stay in the USA
- Acceptance at a SEVP-approved school and your Form I-20
- Evidence of fee payment for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
- Online Visa form Receipt (DS-160) for Non-immigrant visa application.
- Two recent color photos of yourself, one physical, one digital. These must also meet US immigration’s image requirements
- Transcripts, test scores, qualifications, or certificates from schools you have attended
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How to Apply for F1 US Student Visa
The United States Students Visa application requires a carefully process. Many people are denied access to permit simply because of the mistakes made during the application. To Successfully apply for the Students Visa follow the steps below:
- Get your Evidence of acceptance for educational program: You should ensures that their I-20 form obtained for the international student office are kept safe, as they will need it for visa interview.
- Registration and Payment for SEVIS: You are expected to register and pay $350 at the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System before the DS-160 is completed.
- Complete the application form and pay for an online non-immigrant visa (DS-160 – $160): You should fill the application form and make the required payment. You are expected to upload a photo of yourself that meets specific requirements, and provide any other requested documents.
- Book an appointment an interview: You will need to schedule a Visa interview appointment at the U.S Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. During the interview, you will be questioned on things such as previous test scores and your finances.
- Get a feedback: At the interview you will be given a decision on your visa approval
Processing time
The time taken to get your student visa ready after application is the processing time. The time may vary from some days or weeks to a month.
Your visa can possibly be ready after few days of your application. Start your student visa application as soon as you’ve been admitted and offered acceptance letter or at least least three months before your departure date.
Thing to know before your F1 US visa interview
The following are what to expect during the United state F1 Student Via:
- The visa interview is always in English
- It normally takes place in front of a visa officer at a US embassy or consulate.
- It is usually straightforward and quick, and may not last more than five minutes.
- The questions always vary but often concern your chosen program, academic achievements, finances, post-graduation plans, and choice of university.
Applicants should show no plans of remaining in the US when their program finishes. Make sure you plan and make funds available to buy a plane ticket home after your program.
What to do if your US F1 Student visa application is declined
If your student visa is refused, do not be discouraged. There is always room to work more on your reapplication to meet the expectations.
If you do choose to reapply without making an improvement, further refusal is almost guaranteed by the embassy.
It is only the United States government that knows the reasons for your visa denial, however below are some common reasons:
- Failure to provide the necessary requirements
- Errors made during the application
- Lack or limited financial Evidence for your bills
- Lack of enough evidence that you’ll be returning home after the expiration of your visa.
Make proper adjustment and correct the previous errors during you next application to get you visa.
Can your Family Join you in US?
US F2 visas for dependents helps your family to join you in the United state during your studies. Your family will have to apply and get an approved F2 visa.
to make the process simple, reach out to your chosen university before getting your I-20, and inform them about your children under 21 years or a spouse that will visit you in US. You will then be sent their I-20 forms along with your own I-20.
Your university may need proof that you can take care of yourself and your family before sending you the required documents.
Finally, United state of America Student visa helps your dreams and make your academic journey a huge success in US. Use the steps provided above to get your visa and let us know any other questions you have concerning the application.