US Student Visa Guide: The US Student visa is the 3rd most applied visa across the world. In 2021, the acceptance rate for student visas to the United States was 85 percent. Many students from all over the world, including India, apply for Student Visas in order to enroll in the world’s best universities. However, obtaining US Student Visa is a difficult task much like admission into US universities.
US Student Visa Guide – Major Highlights:
- Depending on their travel aspirations and course type, potential students can choose between three types of US student visas: F Visa, M Visa, and J Visa.
- The application fee for a visa to study in the United States is around INR 12,000 (approximately).
- Candidates between the ages of 14 and 79 must attend a visa interview in the United States. Other applicants are treated as one-of-a-kind cases.
- In order to enter the United States on a student visa, aspirants must be vaccinated against covid 19. Visitors to the United States must also have a negative covid certificate procured before one-day priot to the visit.
US Student Visa Guide Requirements:
Before applying for a visa in the United States, Indian students should gather a variety of documents. The following are the requirements for obtaining a student visa in the United States:
- A Valid Passport
- Candidates are required to submit the confirmation page of form DS-160
- Students must present an I-20 form that has been signed by both themselves and school administrators. Individual I-20 forms are also available for the applicant’s partner and children.
- Candidates are required to pay the application fee of $160 before the visa interview
- Along with the student visa application fee, students must pay a fee for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is an automated system that tracks exchange visitors and students in the United States.
- Proof that you have enough money to cover your schooling, living cost, and travel costs. Despite the fact that there is no fixed sum, pupils should have at least 1.5 times the amount stated on their I-20 form.
- While filling out the online application, candidates should upload a picture of themselves. Aspirants can bring their printed pictures in the guided format if their photo upload fails.
USA Student Visa Application Process:
The application process for a student visa in the United States consists of multiple phases. The following are the basic steps in applying for a visa:
- Fill out form DS-160 to apply for a non-immigrant visa online.
- Upload your picture in the appropriate format.
- Keep a copy of the confirmation page from the registration form for the interview.
- Book an appointment with the closest US Consulate or Embassy in your native country for a question and answer session. Students can apply for a visa at a US Embassy or Consulate outside of their country, but the visa will be difficult to obtain.
- Pay the visa application fee of 160 USD, which is non-refundable.
- Pay the SEVIS fee once for a continuous period of F1, M1, or J1 status.
- Prepare all of the required documentation for the visa interview.
- Join the visa interview, and then travel to the United States to study.
Types of US Student Visa:
The various types of US visas are classified according to the purpose of travel, course duration, and intake in the United States. The three types of US student visas are determined by the programme type and duration of the course. The F visa, M visa, and J visa are the three types of visas available for studying in the United States.
F Visa:
Admission to full-time programmes at American institutes requires an F visa. The F visa is divided into three subcategories: F-1, F-2, and F-3. The following are the eligibility requirements and benefits associated with these three types of visas:
F1 Visa:
For overseas students admitted to a full-time programme at a SEVP-approved US institution, an F1 visa is required. Thus candidates must have an official admission offer letter from the SEVP-approved university to obtain the F1 visa.
Students with an F1 visa are permitted to work part-time for a total of 20 hours per week. After receiving temporary employment authorization, students can participate in a 12-month OPT programme after graduation.
F2 Visa:
The F2 Visa is given to those individuals who are family members or dependents of F1 visa holders. This includes spouse or children of F1 visa holder.
Part-time postsecondary programmes and full-time elementary courses are available to F-2 visa holders in the United States.
F3 Visa:
The F3 visa is for Canadian students who are studying full-time or part-time at US universities while staying in their home country.
F-3 visa holders are eligible for a green card in the United States. This enables them to obtain a work permit in the United States.
M Visa:
Non-academic students pursuing vocational courses or training in the United States are granted an M visa. An M visa allows you to stay in the United States for a maximum of one year. The following sections go over the three different types of M visas:
M1 Visa:
It is required by students who are pursuing non-academic or vocational courses in the United States. M1 Visa holders are given various benefits like permission to work in the USA (with certain restrictions), access to healthcare schemes, banks and other facilities.
M2 Visa:
Only dependents and family members of M1 visa holders are allowed to hold M2 Visa. M 2 visa holders can attend elementary and career training schools in the United States. They are free to travel within and outside of the United States at any time.
M3 Visa:
This visa is given to only Mexican or Canadian citizens for pursuing vocational courses in the United States.
J Visa:
The J visa is for students who are enrolled in exchange visitor programmes in the United States. J visas are divided into two categories: J-1 and J-2.
J1 Visa:
The J1 visa is for nonimmigrants who are participating in an exchange visitor programme in the United States.
J2 Visa
The J2 visa is given to the dependents and family members of J1 Visa holders.