United States

USA Student Visa Requirements 

Overview of US Student Visa

If you’re a foreign national planning to study in the United States, you’ll need a student visa. The type of visa you require depends on the institution and course you plan to attend:

• University or college: F visa
• High School, Private elementary school, Seminary, Conservatory, Language training program, Vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution: M visa

It’s important to note that students cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas. A student visa (F or M) is necessary, as studying under a visitor (B) visa or the Visa Waiver Program is not permitted, except for recreational non-credit study.

Student Acceptance at a SEVP Approved School

The initial step is to apply to a SEVP-approved school in the US. Once accepted, you’ll be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Your school will issue you a Form I-20, which you’ll need for your visa application. If your family accompanies you, they must also enroll in SEVIS and apply for visas, though they don’t pay the SEVIS fee.

Studying in the USA: Understanding the F-1 Student Visa Process

If you’re considering studying in the United States, understanding the F-1 student visa process is essential.

What is an F-1 Visa?

The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for international students wishing to pursue education at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It’s the primary visa for studying at US universities or colleges, requiring acceptance from an accredited institution before application.

How to Apply

The application process involves several steps, which may vary by embassy or consulate:

1. Complete the Online Visa Application: Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160, and print the confirmation page.
2. Schedule an Interview: You must schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in your country. Interview wait times vary, so apply early.
3. Prepare for Your Interview: Pay any applicable visa application fees before your interview. If approved, you may also pay a visa issuance fee based on your nationality.

Gathering Required Documentation for Your Visa Interview

Before your visa interview, it’s essential to gather and prepare the following required documents:

1. Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for travel to the United States with a validity of at least six months beyond your intended period of stay. Each individual applying for a visa, including family members listed in the passport, must submit a separate application.
2. Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Bring the confirmation page of your completed Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
3. Application Fee Payment Receipt: If applicable, bring the receipt confirming payment of the application fee.
4. Photo: While completing the online Form DS-160, you’ll upload your photo. If the upload fails, bring one printed photo meeting the specified requirements.
5. Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20):
   • For Academic and Language Students (F-1): Your school will provide Form I-20 after entering your information into the SEVIS database. Both you and your school official must sign it.
   • For Vocational Students (M-1): Similarly, your school will issue Form I-20 for vocational studies. It must be signed by both you and your school official.
   • All students must be registered in SEVIS. If your spouse and/or minor children intend to join you in the US, they’ll also receive individual Form I-20s.

Additional Documentation May Be Required

During your interview, the consular officer may request further documentation, such as:

• Academic records: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from previous educational institutions, along with any required standardized test scores.
• Intent to Depart: Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to your home country upon completion of your studies.
• Financial Capability: Details showing how you’ll cover educational, living, and travel expenses.
• DS-160 and SEVIS payment confirmations
• I-20 form

Review the specific instructions provided by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you’ll apply for detailed guidance on the visa application process. Ensure you have all necessary documentation to support your visa application.
Attending Your Visa Interview

During your visa interview, a consular officer will assess whether you meet the qualifications for a student visa under U.S. law. Digital fingerprint scans are typically taken as part of the process, usually during the interview.

Following the interview, the consular officer may determine that further administrative processing of your application is necessary and will inform you accordingly.

If your visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality) and arrange for the return of your passport and visa. Check visa processing times for more information.

Entering the United States

It’s important to note that having a visa doesn’t guarantee entry into the United States. Upon arrival at a U.S. port-of-entry, typically an airport, officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), have the authority to grant or deny entry.

After presenting your passport, visa, and Form I-20, a CBP official will decide whether to allow you entry. If permitted, you’ll receive an admission stamp or Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.

Learn about entry procedures for students with F or M visas on the CBP website. Review requirements regarding restricted items and other regulations.

Extending Your Stay

Students with F visas must leave the U.S. within 60 days after the program end date specified on Form I-20, including any authorized practical training.

Extensions can be requested through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For information on maintaining student status, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement SEVP website.

Failure to depart on time results in being out of status, voiding your visa under Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This could affect future visa eligibility.

Change of Status

If circumstances change while in the U.S. (e.g., marriage to a U.S. citizen or job offer), you may request a change in your nonimmigrant status through USCIS. Visit the USCIS website for more details.

Note that changing status within the U.S. doesn’t require a new visa. However, upon leaving the U.S., you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate as per your travel category.

F-1 Visa Interview Tips

Expect questions related to your university choice, financial ability, study plans, and post-graduation intentions. Practice answering common interview questions to boost confidence.

Potential Visa Denials

Carefully follow instructions and review documents to minimize the risk of visa denial. Denial reasons are provided in writing, and thorough preparation can prevent such outcomes.

Maintaining F-1 Visa Status

To maintain F-1 status, adhere to university regulations, attend classes regularly, and communicate any program extensions or changes with your designated school official (DSO).

Working on an F-1 Visa

Part-time on-campus work is allowed during academic terms, with a maximum of 20 hours per week. Off-campus work may be permitted with university approval, and full-time work is possible during academic breaks.