USA Student Visa: Requirements, Process, Fees and Checklist

Do you want to study in the USA? To obtain a USA student visa, you’ll need a valid passport, acceptance from a SEVP-approved school, a Form I-20, and you’ll need to pay the SEVIS fee. Also, you’ll have to prove that you’ve sufficient funds to cover your education and living expenses and an English language certificate. 

You must have an F or M student visa to enter the USA for study. The type of your USA student visa will determine what you will be studying in the United States. The student visa application fee in the USA is $185. Also, you have to pay additional charges to apply for a US student visa. 

In this blog, we will discuss the types, requirements, costs, and application process of USA student visas. So, if you want to study in the USA, this blog will help you a lot.

Types of USA Student Visa

There are two types of student visas in the USA. Such as- F student and M student visa. The type of your visa will determine what you can study in the USA. Let’s explore the types of student visas in the USA.

To enter the United States to attend:	You need the following visa category:
University or college	F
High School
Private elementary school
Seminary
Conservatory
Another academic institution, including a language training program
Vocational or other recognised non-academic institution, other than a language training program	M

What are the Requirements for a USA Student Visa?

If you want to travel to the United States, you usually need to get a visa first. There are two main types: a nonimmigrant visa for a short visit, and an immigrant visa if you plan to live there permanently. 

However, if you’re going to the USA for studying, you’ll need a student visa which is also known as F1 student visa. Let’s explore the requirements for a USA student visa.

Certification From the US Institutions

To avoid getting your student visa rejected, it’s important to know the requirements for a USA study visa for international students. Before you apply for an F1 student visa, you must first apply to a U.S. school that is approved by the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) and get accepted. After you’re accepted, the school’s international student office will give you a Form I-20 or DS-2019, which you’ll need to apply for your student visa.

English Language Requirements for a US Student Visa

To get a U.S. student visa, you need to prove that you can speak and understand English well. This usually means taking an English test. The minimum IELTS score requirement at most of the US university is 6.5.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most popular English test for studying, working, or moving to another country. Last year, over three million people took this test. IELTS scores are accepted by more than 11,000 schools, employers, and governments in 140 countries. However, most international students are afraid of the IELTS test as the test is strict and fair. But you can also go for other options if your university accepts them.

Is IELTS Mandatory for a Student Visa in the USA?

No, IELTS isn’t the only requirement for getting a U.S. student visa. You can still study in the U.S. without an IELTS or TOEFL score. However, to be accepted, you’ll need to show your English language skills through other tests, like Duolingo or PTE Academic. 

Some US universities also accept MOI. So, if you don’t want to take any kind of English language test you can also go for it.

Entrance Exam Required for USA Student Visa

Some courses at US universities require entrance exams for an F1 study permit. To show your English skills, you can use test scores from exams like TOEFL or IELTS. For undergraduate programs, you’ll also need to submit ACT or SAT scores; on the other hand, for postgraduate programs, you’ll need GMAT or GRE scores.

Document Requirements for F1 Student Visa Interview

As an international student, you must have to submit some documents to the immigration officer so that they can check your eligibility. Let’s explore the documents requirements for F1 student visa interview in USA.

• A valid passport
• A copy of the photo you will use for your visa
• Printed copies of your DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmations
• I-20 form
• School transcript and official test scores cited on your university application
• Diploma and other certificates (if applicable)
• Bank statements or other proof of finances

Extra Documents May Be Required:

During your visa interview, the immigration officer may request you to submit some additional documents, like:

• Proof of your academic background (transcripts, diplomas, or test scores).
• Proof that you plan to leave the U.S. after your studies.
• Proof of how you will pay for your education, living expenses, and travel.
• Check the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for detailed instructions on how to apply for a visa.

What are the Financial Requirements for a USA Study Visa?

There’s no exact rule for how much money you need in the bank when applying for an F-1 visa in the USA. But it’s usually recommended to have at least USD 18,000 to USD 24,000 in your account, which should be shown in your bank statements from the past 6-9 months. This amount does not include the SEVIS fee of USD 350 or the DS-160 form fee of USD 185, which is required for F-1 visa applicants.

The exact bank balance needed can depend on:

• The school and program you choose
• The cost of living in the state where you’ll study
• Your situation

This recommended balance is to show you have enough money to support yourself during your first year of studying in the USA.

What is the Application Process for an F1 Student Visa?

The application process for an F-1 student visa involves several steps. It starts with securing acceptance into a SEVP-certified institution and obtaining the I-20 form, followed by paying the SEVIS fee and completing the DS-160 visa application. You’ll then need to schedule and attend your F1 visa interview. Let’s explore the application process for an F1 student visa.

Get an Acceptance Letter and I 20 Form

The application process for an F1 student visa starts when you get accepted from an SEVP-accredited university in the USA. Once you are accepted by your preferred university, the authority will provide you with an I20 form. The form I-20 will contain the following information about your stay in the USA. 

• Your SEVIS ID number
• Your program’s start and end dates
• Your intended program of study
• Your funding sources
• Cost of attendance at your school of choice
• Other personal information

Once you have received your Form I20 from the university, make sure all the information of this form is accurate. After checking all the information, you have to sign at the first page of this Form. You have to retain your Form I20 in the USA as this Form is required for many things such as: work, getting driving license, etc.

Pay the SEVIS Fee

The application for an F1 visa entirely costy $535 which includes the visa application fee the SEVIS fee as well. For SEVIS charge, you have to pay $350 through the SEVIS payment portal. 

Make sure you have saved the I-901 SEVIS fee receipt as it will require at the moment of your USA student visa interview. 

Complete the DS-160 Visa Application

DS-160 is your actual visa application. All international students must complete a DS-160 to obtain an F1 student visa. The DS-160 visa application fee is $185. 

Schedule and Attend the F1 Visa Interview

You should find the nearest visa embassy to schedule for your F1 study visa in the USA. It is required to attend an F1 study visa interview in person, though there are a few rare exceptions (e.g., if you are younger than 14 or older than 80 years of age, or if you meet certain visa renewal requirements).

How Long Does the USA Student Visa Process Take?

If your visa application is approved during the interview, it usually takes about 3 to 5 working days to process. You should also allow an extra 2 to 3 working days for your passport to be delivered.

If you qualify for the ‘Interview Waiver Program’ and send your application by courier without an interview, the processing time is about 21 working days from when the Embassy receives your application. You should also allow an extra 2 to 3 working days for your passport to be returned.

What are the Requirements to Maintain a USA Student Visa? 

As an international student, you must maintain your F1 student visa status to continue your studies in the USA. The USA Government have some requirements to provide you a study permit. You have to maintain those requirements strictly. 

• Make sure to enter the US no more than 30 days before your class.
• As soon as you arrive in the country, contact your designated school official (DSO).
• When you arrive at your university, contact your DSO again before the start date listed on your I-20 form.

Final Words

The United States has many great academic opportunities for international students. With the right visa, you can take full advantage of these opportunities. Make sure to think carefully about what you want to study and check the requirements of your chosen school when deciding which student visa to apply for. 

Want to apply for a USA student visa? To get more information about the USA student visa, you can always contact AIMS Education.

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