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Before moving to USA as a student, it’s very important to understand the visa you need to apply, its procedure, and its details properly. If not, visa rejection is a possibility. This post would help you understand almost all the aspects of this entire process so that you can take each and every step carefully and thoroughly without any mistakes. Obtain your USA student visa by taking informed decisions.

USA Student Visa Permit

To enter the United States, you typically need a visa, either nonimmigrant for temporary stay or immigrant for permanent residence. For studying, you’ll need a student visa (F visa for academic programs or M visa for vocational studies). The type of school and course of study dictate the specific visa required.

Getting The USA Study Visa

1. School Acceptance: Apply and get accepted by a SEVP-approved school in the US six to twelve months before your intended study.
2. SEVIS Fee: Pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee.
3. Visa Application: Complete the US student visa application and include recent photos.
4. Visa Application Fee: Pay the required visa application fee.
5. Interview: Schedule and attend a visa interview.

USA Student Visa Process

Navigating the USA student visa process may seem like a hassle, but the opportunities it opens up are definitely worth the effort. The U.S., being a top destination for studying abroad, makes the visa application competitive. It’s a crucial step in your journey to studying in the States, so buckle up for a bit of paperwork and preparation. The experience and education you’ll gain are bound to outweigh the temporary challenges of the application process.

Step-By-Step Process to Apply For USA Student Visa

1. Fill The Application To US College Or University Then Get Accepted
2. Receive DS-2019 Or I-20
3. Pay The SEVIS I-901 Fee
4. Fill The Online Visa Application
5. Make Payment For Your Visa Application Fee
6. Go For The Visa Interview

USA Student Visa Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

1. Age Requirement: Students must be over 18 years old.
2. On-Campus Work: International students can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during breaks, including summer.
3. Off-Campus Employment: Requires written authorization from USCIS or OISS.
4. Legal Status: Must be in legal status and enrolled on an F-1 visa in the US for at least one academic year for off-campus employment eligibility.

English Proficiency Test

Level of Study	English Skill Level
Undergraduate	IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80
Postgraduate	IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90
PhD	IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100

Documents Required For Student Visa For USA

Academic Documents

1. Academic Transcripts from High School
2. Bachelor’s Degree (if required)
3. Acceptance Letter (from your university/college)
4. English Language Proficiency Proof (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
5. ACT, SAT, GMAT, GRE Scores
6. Provisional Certificates
7. Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
8. Statement of Purpose (SOPs)
9. Work Experience Proof

Financial Documents

1. Bank Statements (I-20 Proof of Funds)
2. Salary Slips and Letter of Employment
3. Sponsorship Letter (if available)
4. Tax Returns from the Past 3 Years
5. Loan Approval Letter (if required)
6. Statement from CA
7. Scholarship Letter (if available)

Visa Documents

1. Valid Passport
2. Printed Copy of DS-160 Form
3. Interview Appointment Letter (Original and Copy)
4. SEVIS Fee Receipt
5. I-20 Form (Provided by your university/college)
6. Visa Fee Payment Confirmation Slip

For complete Visa Checklist, click here.

Student Visa Fees For USA

For the USA, there is no additional fee charged by universities for the visa application. However, students should include the visa application fees in their estimated budget for studying in the USA.

The table below outlines the US visa application fees at different levels:

Fee Type	Cost in USD
Non-petition based nonimmigrant visa	USD 160
Petition based visa	USD 190
Border Crossing Card Fees	USD 160
SEVIS Fee for F visa applicants	USD 350
SEVIS Fee for M visa applicants	USD 350
SEVIS Fee for J visa applicants	USD 220
SEVIS Fee for special J visa categories	USD 35
SEVIS Fee for Government visitor	Free of cost

How Much Bank Balance Is Required For USA Student Visa?

While there is no fixed minimum bank balance for US student visa, but one should have at least USD 10,000 and above which also must be reflected in the previous 6-9 months of bank statements.

Look for potential sponsors who can support your education abroad.

Various sources can sponsor your F-1 visa proof of funds, such as:

1. Parents: Your first go-to option is your father or mother.
2. Relatives: Blood relatives are acceptable sponsors. Grandparents, immediate uncles, aunts from both maternal and paternal sides, and even cousins can support you.
3. A mix of both: You may have a combination of parents and relatives as sponsors, providing a comprehensive view of the entire one-year cost.

Financial Documents for I-20 Visa

US universities and embassies only accept liquid cash as financial documents for I-20. You need to show these funds twice. Here is the list of financial documents for I-20:

1. Fixed Deposits Receipt: Make sure it’s attested by the bank.
2. Savings Bank Statement (for F-1 Visa): Obtain a balance certificate attested by the bank.
3. PF/PPF (Provident Fund/Public Provident Fund): Provide the passbook or bank statement for the US student visa.
4. Property Papers: If you own property, include the relevant documents.

Proof of Funds

International students must provide financial evidence showing that they or a sponsor have sufficient funds to cover the cost of attendance for at least one year of study at Maryville College before we can issue the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status (I-20).  The I-20 is the form you will use to apply for a U.S. student visa.

Financial Documents/Proof of Funding Include

1. Personal funds:
   • Provide bank statements in your name displaying the balance of the account.
2. Loan certificates/letters:
   • Include documents indicating your name and the approved loan amount.
3. Private sponsors, including parents:
   • Submit sponsor’s bank or other financial statements.
   • Include a letter indicating the relationship between you and the sponsor(s), specifying the amount and duration of support.
   • Alternatively, you can use the Guarantee of Financial Support along with the sponsor’s bank statements (Download Financial Sponsorship Form).

Bank / Financial Documents

• DO NOT submit long statements that include transaction history.
• Showing bank/financial statements from multiple accounts is acceptable.
• The bank statement should be a single-page document that meets the following criteria:
  • Printed on the bank’s official letterhead.
  • State the financial institution’s name.
  • Indicate the account holder’s name.
  • Clearly show the account balance and currency.
  • Be dated within the past 3 months (older statements will not be accepted).
  • Be translated into English (especially names) – unofficial translations are accepted.
  • Be from statements that show liquid assets that can be converted to cash.

USA Student Visa Processing Time

The USA student visa processing time typically ranges from 3 to 5 weeks, and in some cases, it can take up to 2 to 3 months, depending on various factors and visa types. For F-1 visa applicants, the processing time tends to be relatively shorter compared to other visa categories.

Once you receive a positive response from the US visa consulate, you can anticipate receiving the physical visa copy within approximately 2 to 3 days. It’s important to note that F-1 visas are typically issued up to 120 days before the start of your academic program in the United States.

USA Student Visa Rejection & Renewal

Rejection

Top reasons for USA Student Visa Rejection

1. English Language Proficiency:
   • Students must achieve the required score in exams like IELTS when applying through the SDS.
2. Insufficient Funds:
   • Failure to demonstrate enough money to sustain the first year of the course can lead to rejection.
3. Transparency about Return to Home Country:
   • Lack of documentation indicating intent to return after the study visa expires can result in rejection.
4. Choice of Programs:
   • Inconsistency in chosen programs, career goals, or past educational background may lead to rejection.
5. Acceptance Letter:
   • A letter of approval from a Canadian-designated learning institution (DLI) is crucial, along with meeting entrance criteria.
6. Insufficient Documentation:
   • Strong and trustworthy documentation is essential; lacking or faulty documents may lead to rejection.
7. Low Chances of Employment in Home Country:
   • Limited job prospects in the home country may suggest an unwillingness to return, leading to potential rejection.

Tips to Avoid Student Visa Rejection

1. Early Application:
   • Apply for your U.S. student visa well in advance to allow for processing time.
2. Verify Documents:
   • Double-check and ensure that all required documents are accurate and complete.
3. English Language Proficiency Proof:
   • Provide proof of English language proficiency as required.
4. Confidence during Interview:
   • Be confident and well-prepared for the visa interview.

Renewal

 If your visa is about to expire while you are abroad, then you can renew your visa before it expires if you want to re-enter the country.

1. Schedule a Visa Appointment:
   • Contact the U.S. Embassy in your home country to schedule a visa appointment.
2. Prepare Documentation:
   • Gather all necessary documents required for the visa application process.
3. Interview Preparation:
   • Prepare for the visa interview by understanding potential questions and having clear, concise responses.

SOP For USA Student Visa

A good SOP samples for USA will help you get admitted to the most competitive universities according to your profile. Let us discuss how to go about writing SOP format for USA universities. The length of the SOP for US universities varies according to the course and the university. We have jotted down a few details to understand the essential information that USA universities ask from a student’s SOP and visa officials from SOP for USA student visa. 

Tips to Write a Good SOP

1. Emphasize Diversity:
   • Mention your diverse cultural background and unique skills in your SOP for the USA student visa or university application.
2. Highlight Overall Personality:
   • U.S. universities value your complete personality, so ensure your SOP reflects not just academics but also your extracurricular activities.
3. Showcase Community Service:
   • Include any community service experience in your SOP, as it’s seen positively by U.S. institutions.
4. Avoid Plagiarism:
   • Universities strictly check for plagiarism, so ensure your SOP is original and not copied from elsewhere.
5. Stick to the Topic:
   • Write relevant information and adhere to the given topic and university prompts to make a strong impression.

SOP Format for USA

Paragraph Number	Description
1	Introduce educational background and reasons for choosing the degree with anecdotes.
2	Detail bachelor’s learning, related projects, co/extracurriculars, internships, and acquired skills.
3	Discuss obstacles faced, overcoming challenges, any year gap, and activities during that period.
4	Highlight job experience, roles, reasons for working in the field, and the decision to pursue further studies.
5	Explain the motive behind pursuing the degree, specifying the course and desired skills to learn.
6	Outline career goals and vision for the future.
7	Discuss reasons for choosing the particular university, emphasizing course, infrastructure, labs, and industrial support.
8	Conclude by summarizing why you are an ideal candidate, encapsulating past, present, and future endeavors in 2-3 sentences.

Types of Visa

F-1 Student Visa

The F-1 student visa is for international students who want to study in the US. It’s a non-immigrant visa, allowing entry for studying at SEVP-certified institutions. To apply, you need an acceptance from a US university or college.

Your stay in the US on an F-1 student visa depends on your enrolled program’s duration, as indicated in the I-20 form from your university. Complete your degree before the expiration date to determine your length of stay in the US.

F-1 Visa Requirements

1. Institution certification: Choose a college or university certified by SEVP Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
2. Full-time enrollment: Enroll as a full-time student during your academic term.
3. English language proficiency: Meet the required English language proficiency score of your institution or enroll in language courses to improve proficiency.
4. Sufficient funding: Demonstrate you have enough funds for tuition and living expenses in the US.
5. Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for US travel for at least six months after program completion.
6. Home country residency: Maintain a residence in your home country to return to after completing your degree.

Application Process

Get Accepted and Get Your I-20 : F-1 student visa journey begins with acceptance into a SEVP-certified US university, ensuring it meets government standards for accreditation and resources. Once accepted, your university issues the crucial I-20 form, outlining your study plans and essential details for your stay in the US.

Pay Your SEVIS Fee : To secure your F-1 student visa, budget around USD 510, covering the visa fee, SEVIS processing, and maintenance expenses.

Complete Your DS-160 Visa Application: A crucial step for international students aspiring to study in the U.S. Fill it out to kickstart your visa application process.

Schedule Your Visa Interview: To embark on your U.S. study journey, locate the closest embassy or consulate and book your visa interview. Be proactive, as wait times differ by country and can be lengthy. If you’re enrolling with Shorelight, reach out to your enrollment advisor for visa interview tips or a mock interview. Practicing beforehand will boost your confidence for the real deal.

J-1 Exchange Student Visa

The J-1 visa, or Exchange Visitor Visa, is for individuals outside the US participating in approved study and work exchange programs. It’s usually sponsored by educational or nonprofit institutions.

J-1 Visa Requirements

1. Maintain Your Funding Source: Ensure at least 50% of your program funding is from an accredited sponsor, not a personal friend or family member.
2. Meet English Language Proficiency Requirements: Achieve the required English language proficiency score of your chosen university or college.
3. Maintain Valid Insurance: Have medical insurance meeting the minimum standards outlined by your host university for both you and any dependents.
4. Follow Pre-Arrival Information: Attend orientation and receive pre-arrival information from your sponsor about the selected program and the region where you’ll study.
5. Adhere to J-1 Visa Rules: Follow all J-1 visa requirements, actively maintain your status, and ensure your sponsor provides a 24-hour emergency contact.

Differences Between J1 And F1 Visa

Factor	J-1 Visa	F-1 Visa
Source of Funding	Requires at least 51% external funding (scholarship or grant); rest can be personal or family	Flexible with any kind of funding, or a combination of personal and external funding
Spouses and Children	Can apply for a work permit; can study full-time or part-time	Spouses and children must change visa status to be eligible for working and full-time studying
On-campus Employment	Limited to 20 hours; requires prior authorization	Limited to 20 hours; no prior authorization required
Off-campus Employment	Can apply for Academic Training without fee, up to 18-36 months	Can apply for Optional Practical Training with a fee, only up to 12 months
Grace Period	30-day grace period	60-day grace period
Health Insurance	Required for a minimum amount	Optional but recommend

M-1 Exchange Student Visa

The M-1 visa is designed for vocational or non-academic studies in the US. Holders cannot work during the M1 visa duration. Additionally, applicants must show proof of ample funds to cover living and tuition costs for the entire period.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Foreign nationals visiting the US to attend a complete vocational course.
2. Foreign nationals visiting the US for attending non-academic courses at universities, colleges, or conservatories in the country.

Visa Requirements

1. The course program should have an objective, and the aspirant should enter a ‘full course of study.’
2. This requires studying in a junior/community college with a minimum of 12 quarter or semester hours, where individuals attending at least 12 quarter/semester hours will be charged the full tuition fees or be perceived as full-time students.
3. Exceptions can be made where a shorter course duration is required to complete the program.
4. Courses undertaken at a post-secondary vocational or business school that offers associate or similar degrees can come within the ambit of the M1 visa.

Application Process

1. Payment of an application fee is non-refundable.
2. All applicants have to complete and submit the DS-160 form, an online application for the non-immigrant visa.
3. The DS-157 form is required for male applicants between 16-45 years of age.

Differences Between M1 And F1 Visa

M1 Visa	F1 Visa
Used for non-academic or vocational courses	Used for academic and language training courses
Transfer to a university after completing community vocational program is an option	No option to continue to university level; limited to vocational programs for one year
Cost: Approximately $160 (Rs 12,000), non-refundable	Cost: Approximately $510 (Rs 38,000)
Additional charges may apply depending on the embassy	Additional SEVIS maintenance and processing charges may apply
Retention of I-901 SEVIS fee receipt required for the visa interview	Retention of I-901 SEVIS fee receipt required for the visa interview

Frequently Asked Questions

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