USA Study Visa Requirements For Pakistani Students

Overview

Many Pakistani students dream of studying in the United States due to its top-notch education, advanced technology, and diverse culture. But before anything else, it is important to understand the USA study visa requirements for Pakistani students. 

The USA student visa, also known as an F-1 student visa, is important to pursue higher education in a US college or university. This F-1 student visa remains valid for the duration of a student’s degree program (typically from two to five years). 

However, after completing a degree, a student can stay in the US for a maximum of 60 days through OPT (Optional Practical Training). Additionally, if you are a STEM-related field student, you can get an extra 24 months for a post-study stay in the US. 

In this blog, we will cover the types of USA student visas, their requirements, the application process, and more. This will surely be a comprehensive guide to USA study visa requirements for Pakistani students. Let’s begin!

Types Of Student Visas In The USA

Before anything else, it is important to know the types of USA Study Permit. There are three types of USA study visas offered by the US government. All three types are mentioned in the table below. 

USA Study Visa Type	Overview
F-1 Student Visa	If you want to pursue higher education at one of the accredited US Colleges and universities, you will require an F-1 Student Visa.
J-1 Exchange Visa	It is applied to students participating in an exchange program at US high schools or universities, like UGRADE, SUSI, etc.
M-1 Student Visa	If you are aspiring for a non-academic or vocational study in the US, you will require an M-1 student visa.

All three were the types of USA study visas. International students, particularly those from Pakistan see the USA as their dream study-abroad destination. In this blog, we will focus on the requirements for an F-1 student visa because a huge ratio of Pakistani students aspires to full-time higher education in the US. 

What Are The Requirements For A USA Study Visa?

There are no lengthy USA study visa requirements. The US government has a straightforward and efficient procedure for student visas. However, it reviews each visa application very carefully. The best part about the USA study visa requirements for Pakistani students is that there is no age limit for a USA student visa. 

Let’s discuss the requirements for an F-1 Student Visa. Keep in mind, that if you fail to meet any single USA study visa requirements, you will not be entertained. 

Admitted into a SEVP- Certified Institution

A USA student visa applicant needs to secure admission into an institution approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Form I-20

A USA institution issues a form I-20, which is important to submit at the time of visa application or interview. This form includes a student’s details and the university’s approval details. 

This form contains information about your funding source, the starting and completion dates of your previous academic programs, and your Student Information System ID. Ensure that each piece of information you put in the form must be accurate and authentic. 

Financial Support Proof

As a USA student visa applicant, one needs to demonstrate that he has enough money to pay for living expenses, tuition, and other costs. You will have to give a bank statement of approximately PKR 60,0000,0 for the first year of your study in the US. However, the details of financial requirements are given in the section below. 

Visa Application

International students must submit a visa application and attend a visa interview

Valid Passport

A valid passport is also required for F-1 Student Visa.

English Language Requirements for a USA Student Visa

It is another important requirement from the USA study visa requirements for Pakistani students. Demonstrating English language proficiency is essential to study in the USA. Pakistani students are usually required to appear in the TOEFL or IELTS exams. Additionally, one has to achieve a certain acceptable score on these tests. The language criteria vary depending on the institution and the program. 

The good thing here is that one can also submit proof of his prior academic accomplishments in the English Language. But only some institutions accept this proof. To study in the United States, you need good English language proficiency. For more details about your desired USA university’s English language requirements, you can contact AIMS Education.  

Financial Requirements For USA Student Visa

This is one important requirement of the USA study visa requirements for Pakistani students. A candidate must be able to pay for everything till his study tenure in the USA. However, the cost of living may vary depending on the institution you choose for yourself and the city you prefer to live in. 

If you can achieve a scholarship or early admission discount, it will reduce your overall cost of living in the US. So, it is better to apply as early as possible. However, you will need to meet the following financial requirements mentioned in the table. 

Expenses	Requirements
Tuition Fees	You will need to show that you can afford your USA institution’s tuition fee. The tuition fee in US universities ranges between $26,000 to $60,000 per year.
Living Expenses	Additionally, you will have to show that you have enough funds to meet your living expenses in the USA. This covers lodging, food, travel, health insurance, books, and any personal costs. You will need to have a budget of a minimum of $11,000 to $15,000 per year for living expenses.
Proof of Funds	You will need to show proof of your financial support. It can be in the form of bank statements, letters of recommendation for scholarships, or letters from sponsors.
Consent Form	This is another important aspect of USA study visa requirements. If somebody else is sponsoring your studies in the USA then you must submit a letter outlining his relationship to you, his financial support willingness, and his capacity to support you.
Affidavit of Support	An Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) from your sponsor is also important to submit.
Proof of Scholarship / Financial Aid	In case you have achieved any scholarship, then you will be required to proof of scholarship or financial aid with your visa application.

Document Checklist for USA Study Visa Application

You will need to submit the following documents along with your USA study visa application. Ensure that you are not missing a single document because it is an important Eligibility for a USA study visa. 

• National identity card
• Resume
• Five Personal Pictures 
• Bank Statement
• Affidavit of support from your sponsors 
• Three letters of recommendation 
• Secondary School Certificate/ O-Level certificate 
• Higher Secondary School Certificate/ A-Level Certificate
• Transcript  of Your Bachelors Degree
• Transcript of You Master’s Degree (if required) 
•  English language proficiency test certificate 
• A scanned copy of your passport
• Form I-20 
• Form DS-160 

What Is The Procedure To Obtain A USA Student Visa? 

To obtain a USA student visa from Pakistan, you will need to ensure all the steps mentioned below. 

Step 1: Apply For A US Institution And Get An Acceptance Letter

The first step is to apply for a US institution and get an acceptance letter with SEVP. Once you get accepted by your university, they will send you an I-20 form. This form is important for the F-1 visa application procedure. The details of this form are given in the above section of the USA study visa requirements. 

Step 2: Obtain A Receipt For Your Visa Interview

To proceed with your visa application further, you will need to first pay around $350 fee. After paying your fee, you will receive a receipt for your visa interview. 

Step 3: Submit An Online Non-immigrant Visa Application

After completing all the steps mentioned above, fill out the Form DS-160. It is the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application. You will also have to pay a non-refundable visa application fee. For details on this, you can contact the expert visa assistance team of AIMS Education. 

Step 4: Attend Your Visa Interview 

Book your appointment at your nearest US embassy or consulate and attend a visa interview. Ensure that you fill out the I-20 and DS-160 forms properly. Collect forms, passport photos, academic transcripts, and proof of financial stability.

Wait For Results: Now wait for visa processing and receive your passport and visa together, afterward. 

Now you are open to travel to the USA!

USA Study Visa Processing Time

When you submit your visa application, the authorities ensure that you meet each USA study visa requirements. According to various platforms, the USA study visa processing time varies depending on the type of USA visa application. Normally, it takes 3 – 4 weeks and sometimes 2 – 3 months. The F-1 student visa processing timing is generally shorter than the processing time of other visa types.

Visa Interview Process

This is another important aspect of the whole blog. USA study visa interview is the most important part of the visa process. After submitting an online non-immigrant visa application, you book an appointment at your nearest US embassy or consulate. The US consulates and embassies in Pakistan include, 

• The American Embassy in Islamabad
• General U.S. Consulate in Karachi
• American Consulate General in Lahore
• General U.S. Consulate in Peshawar

You are thus required to appear for a visa interview. Ensure that you fill out the I-20 and DS-160 forms properly. Appear well-dressed and confident in the interview and answer each question concisely and accurately. Moreover, mention your strong ties to your family and friends in Pakistan and your career plans back home. 

USA Student Visa Rejection Reasons

Obtaining a USA student visa is not that easy. One needs to be highly careful at each step of the visa application. Some of the reasons why Pakistani students often get their US student visa rejected are given below. 

Weak Financial Standing

Many times, students are unable to fulfil the financial requirements for a USA student visa. One has to demonstrate that he has enough money to pay for his studies and living costs. The USA student visa rejection mostly comes due to weak financial standing.

Incomplete Documentation

Secondly, sometimes students fail to meet the documentation requirements. A student’s paperwork needs to be completed or convincing enough. However, this lack of proper documentation results in visa rejection. 

Weak Performance In Visa

A visa interview is an important part of getting a USA student visa. Students fail to explain their study plans and career plans after returning to Pakistan.

Lack of Confidence 

The other important aspect of USA student visa rejection is the lack of confidence. Students do not feel confident while addressing visa questions thus, give incomplete and irrelevant answers. 

Tips for a Successful USA Study Visa Application

Here are some key points to keep in mind to minimize your chances of F-1 student visa rejection. We are sure that if you follow them, you will have a greater chance of obtaining a USA study visa. 

• Double-check all the documents required. 

• Prepare all your previous transcripts, diplomas, and English Language test scores well in advance. 
• Ensure that you submit the required proof of funds and have a sufficient amount for tuition and living expenses. 

• Prepare for the visa interview well in advance. Ensure you know everything from your study plans, and university, to career goals in Pakistan. 

• Demonstrate that you have strong ties to Pakistan. Your family, property, or future employment prospects are there in Pakistan. Ensure that you know your post-study plans. 

• Try to remain clear and specific. Your interview answers should be straightforward and truthful.

• To reduce the cost of living in the USA, hunt for scholarships or find affordable universities. 

Final Words

This was your comprehensive guide to the USA study visa requirements for Pakistani students. The US education offers everything that an international student needs for a successful professional career. If you need any help regarding the USA study visa, you can contact the expert visa assistance team of AIMS Education.

FAQ’s