USA Student Visa Requirements for International Students

Do you want to apply for a USA student visa? The main requirement for a student visa in the USA is having an I-20 Form from a SEVP-approved school in the United States. Also, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee to apply for an F or M student visa in the USA.

In this blog, we will discuss the cost and other requirements for a USA student visa for international students. So, if you are planning to study in the USA, hopefully, this blog will help you a lot.

Types of the Student Visa in the USA

Before knowing the USA student visa requirements, let’s explore the types of the US student visa. The U.S. government offers three types of student visas: F, J, and M.

• F Student Visa: For studying at an accredited U.S. college or university or for studying English at a language institute.
• J Exchange Visa: For participating in an exchange program, including high school or university study.
• M Student Visa: For non-academic or vocational studies or training in the U.S.

USA Student Visa Requirements for International Students

To avoid visa rejection, you should know the USA student visa requirements for international students. Before you can apply for an F, J, or M student visa, you need to first apply to and be accepted by a U.S. school that is certified by the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP). Once you’re accepted, the school’s international student office will give you a Form I-20 or DS-2019, which you’ll need when you apply for your student visa.

English Language Requirements for a USA Student Visa

To get your U.S. student visa, you’ll need to show proof that you can speak and understand English well. This usually means passing an English language test.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most popular English test for studying, working, and moving abroad. Over three million tests were taken last year. IELTS results are accepted by more than 11,000 organizations, including schools, employers, and governments in 140 countries. The minimum IELTS requirement at most of the U.S. schools is 6.5.

Is IELTS Required for a USA Student Visa?

No, IELTS is not the only requirement to get a USA student visa. You can study in the USA without an IELTS or TOEFL score. However, to be considered for admission, you’ll need to prove your English language skills through other tests like Duolingo or PTE Academic.

Which Exam is Required for a USA Student Visa?

Entrance exams are required for some specific courses on a US student visa. For proof of English language proficiency, you can use score sheets from exams like TOEFL or IELTS. For undergraduate admissions, you’ll also need to submit either ACT or SAT scores, and for postgraduate admissions, you’ll need GMAT or GRE scores.

Which Documents Are Required for a USA Student Visa?

Gather and prepare these required documents before your visa interview:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for travel to the United States and should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay (unless your country has specific agreements). Each person needing a visa, including family members listed in your passport, must submit a separate application.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application: 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 filling out the online Form DS-160. If the upload fails, bring one printed photo that meets the Photograph Requirements.
• Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility): Your school will send you a Form I-20 after entering your information in the SEVIS database. Both you and your school official must sign it. All students must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS). If your spouse and/or children will live with you in the U.S., each will receive their Form I-20.

Additional Documents May Be Required:

During your visa interview, a consular officer will decide if you qualify for a student visa and may ask for extra documents, such as:

• Proof of your academic background, like transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you’ve attended, and any standardized test scores your U.S. school requires.
• Evidence of your intent to leave the U.S. after your studies.
• Proof of how you will cover all educational, living, and travel expenses.

Check the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you will apply for detailed instructions on how to apply for a visa.

How Much Bank Statement Required for a US Student Visa?

There’s no strict rule about how much money you need in the bank when applying for an F-1 visa in the USA. However, it’s generally recommended to have at least USD 18,000 to USD 24,000 in your bank account, which should also be shown in your statements from the past 6-9 months. This amount doesn’t include the SEVIS fee of USD 350 and the DS-160 form fee of USD 185, which are specifically for F-1 visa applicants. The exact bank statement requirements for a USA student visa can depend as follows:

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

The recommended bank balance is to ensure you have enough money to support yourself during your first year of study in the USA.

What is the 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 might also need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality. The USA student visa application fee for international students is $185. 

How Much Time Will It Take to Get a USA Student Visa?

U.S. student visas are usually processed quickly. Sometimes, your study permit is approved right after your immigration interview, which is the final step in the application process. By the end of the interview, the consular officer will let you know if your application was approved. On average, it takes about 3 to 4 weeks to get your U.S. student visa.

Final Words

In conclusion, while the I-20 form is issued to cover one year’s tuition fee in the USA, you can show multiple sources of funding when applying for a student visa, and your minimum bank balance will also be considered. So, applicants should prepare their funding proofs carefully. So, if you have any more queries regarding USA student visa requirements and get a successful visa application you can always contact AIMS Education. 

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