USA Student Visa: Requirements, Process, Fees and Checklist

Do you want to study in the USA? 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 USA student visa types, requirements, costs, and the application process. So, if you want to study in the USA hopefully, 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 should you 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 recognized nonacademic 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. If you’re going to the U.S. to study, you’ll need a student visa. Let’s explore the requirements for a USA student visa.

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 F, J, or M 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 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. Most U.S. universities require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

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.

Entrance Exam Required for USA Student Visa

Some courses in the U.S. require entrance exams for a student visa. 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, and for postgraduate programs, you’ll need GMAT or GRE scores.

Documents Requirements for a USA Student Visa

As an international student, you must have to submit some documents to the immigration officer so that they can check your eligibility. Before your visa interview, make sure to gather and prepare these documents:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for travel to the U.S. and should be valid for at least six months after your planned stay. Each person applying for a visa, including family members, needs to submit their application.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Bring the confirmation page of Form DS-160.
• Application Fee Receipt: If you need to pay before your interview, bring the payment receipt.
• Photo: You will upload a photo when you fill out Form DS-160 online. If the upload doesn’t work, bring a printed photo that meets the photo requirements.
• Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility): After your school enters your information in the SEVIS database, they will send you a Form I-20. Both you and your school official must sign it. All students must be registered in SEVIS. If your spouse or children will live with you in the U.S., they will each get their Form I-20.

Extra Documents May Be Needed: 

During your visa interview, the officer will decide if you qualify for a student visa. They might ask for more 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 Student Visa Application Fee in the USA?

Pay the non-refundable visa application fee if you need to do so before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality. The application fee for a USA student visa is $185 for international students.

How to Apply for a USA Student Visa?

The first step to study in the U.S. is to apply to a school that is approved by SEVP. Once you’re accepted, you’ll be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The school will then send you a Form I-20. After you receive this form and are registered in SEVIS, you can apply for a student visa (F or M) at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Make sure to bring the Form I-20 with you to your visa interview.

There are a few steps to apply for a visa, and the process may vary depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

• Fill out the online visa application form
• Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) online and print the confirmation page to bring to your interview. You’ll also need to upload a photo that meets the visa photo requirements when filling out the form.
• Plan an interview
• Most visa applicants need to have an interview. 

You should schedule your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You can schedule it at a different U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but getting a visa outside your home country might be harder.

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 Reasons behind the USA Student Visa Rejection?

There are many reasons for the USA student visa rejection. Among them we have mentioned some common mistakes for the student visa denial in the USA. 

• Inadequate or Inadequately Documented Finances
• Previous US Visa Denial
• Change of Status in US
• Interview problems
• Inadequate english proficiency
• Incomplete application
• Criminal history
• No intent to return home, etc. 

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. To get more information about the USA student visa, you can always contact AIMS Education. 

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