Last Updated on March 29, 2022 by Visa Journal
Thousands of students are looking towards opportunities to travel to the US today. And why not? If you want to get the title of a global citizen then that is what you need to do. You can gain an edge over others in the market when it comes to getting high salary packages. There is no dearth of opportunities after you have gained some kind of international exposure. Student visa US is one of the most popular subjects among the student’s community who wants to study internationally.
Before, you move forward to find out various avenues to get access to the US read the various intricacies associated with the same. Get to know about the various types of US visas that you can use to get there for studies.
Types of Visas For The USA
There are three different types of US visas. Let us get to know about each one of them.
- F1 Student Visa – is for students who want to apply for a program that requires more than 18 hours of study per week. The undergraduate programs as well as graduate programs like MBA come under this.
- J1 Exchange Visitor Visa –is for students and lecturers who are visiting on an exchange program. Fullbright scholars and students who are studying short-term courses can also apply for the J1 visa. Working professionals going to the US on exchange programs can also apply for the J1 visa. The spouse and children of the J1 visa holders need to travel on J2 visa.
- M-1 Vocational or Non-academic visa – it is another category of a student visa, that is required to study programs in the technical schools. It is also apt for students who want to go abroad for vocational programs. There is a difference between the previous varieties and the M1 visa. The M1 visas are time-stamped, and students cannot exceed their stay.
F1 Visa USA Document Requirements
You should know about the documents required to get the US F1 visa students. The requirement is surely a lot more than you would require for a tourist visa. Apart from educational documents, you also need financial support documents that ascertain whether or not you can support your education in the US The US student visa process, is given underneath.
- The first thing that you require is a passport. The passport should have a minimum validity for six months more after you complete your course.
- The DS-160 form application in physical is also required.
- SEVIS fee receipt will also be required. The SEVIS fee is different from the visa application fee. It is a fees that is paid to USCIS for change of status. You can either pay it online or by mail. A third-party can also deposit the fees for you. It is $350. You have to send this before submitting the visa fees.
- The interview appointment letter is required for online booking
- Form I20 that is sent by the college is also required.
- You also need to produce the visa fees payment receipt.
- Bank statement for at least three years to show that you can support yourself for at least the first year will be required.
- Original academic mark sheets will be required.
- Additionally, the score sheets for examinations like TOEFL, GMAT, and IELTS are also required. Read about the .
US Student Visa Process Decoded
You have to undertake several steps to complete the visa application process. The process starts when you get the I20 form from the college. The SEVIS fees should be paid before you initiate the application process. After you get the receipt, you can apply with the DS-160 form. It is available online.
You have to print the form and take it along with you for the US Student Visa Interview. You can pay the visa fee through debit card or net banking. You have to schedule a biometric assessment and the interview online as well. For the first you need to get your photo clicked, and also get your fingerprints scanned.
Once, you head to the interview; the interviewer will ask you various questions about your academic background, your choice of course, college and financial stability. If the interviewer is satisfied with what you say you can get the visa stamped from there. You would have to leave the passport there to get stamped.
Your f1 visa USA can be issued 120 days before you formally begin the course. However, you will not be allowed to enter the USA before 30 days of starting the course.
The US student visa fee is $160. You have to pay this fee and get a receipt. You need to take the receipt with your other visa documents for the interview. You might be required to pay additional fee, based on which country you are from. The US Embassy that you are applying from, may also levy additional fees as and when needed. You need to check that separately. To have full registration, there is a SEVIS I-901 fee. The F1 visa fee is $200 for this.
More Details About Validity
After your visa is approved, you will get the visa assigned for one year, even if the course duration for two years. You will likely have to get it renewed to continue to study in the US, on the F1 visa. For the renewal, you have to follow the same procedure. The interview process may be waived out. It aims to give you continuity, so the authorities might not ask you to appear for the same once again. You may also complete the renewal process online.
You can also extend the stay after your visa expires. The visa can be renewed, but you have to prove your intent that you will return to your home country as soon as the course gets over.
Moreover, you can also work as an f1 student in the US but for short periods. You can work part time on the campus. You may also work outside the campus, but with permissions from the university authorities.
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