USA Student Visa Application
The United States is a destination hub for international students, and the wide variety of study programs, top-ranked universities, Ph.D. funding, well-equipped laboratories, and the chance to explore diverse cultures.
Considering new American immigration guidelines as well as the health emergency, the visa application process may be more complicated and lengthy, however, it shouldn’t prevent you from pursuing your dream of studying in the US. This article will discuss the US visa application steps.
1. Apply to a college and get your acknowledgment letter
Before you apply for a US study visa, you must be sure of where you want to study. As you will be required to submit an acceptance letter (Form I-20) as part of the visa application process. Some universities may likewise offer you help with the visa application process, so don’t hesitate to come to them with your inquiries.
The following are some of the top-ranking universities in the U.S:
Georgia Institute of Technology
Harvard Kennedy School
College of South Florida
California State University Northridge
Bryant University
Marshall University
2. Know The Type of USA Study Visa You Need
There are three diverse study visas that could be issued to an international student.:
F-1 Visa – this visa category is issued to international students who are going to an English language program or an academic program, and the visa is valid until the end of the study program.
J1-Visa – this visa category is available for exchange students
M-1 Visa – for international students who intend to attend a technical (non-academic) or vocational school, excluding language schools.
3. Understand the Eligibility Criteria for the US Study visa
To qualify, applicants must satisfy the eligibility criteria to get the visa, including:
Applicants must have a residency status in their home country, where they will return upon completion of their studies.
Applicants are required to study only at designated learning institutions (SEVP endorsed schools) through which the visa was granted.
Applicants must show proof of financial self-sufficiency
Applicants must show that they have solid connections to their home country, for example, personal assets (i.e., house, land, vehicle, and so on), ledgers, family, offer of employment upon completion of studies.
Depending on your home country, you may be required to provide additional documents.
Proficiency in English is not an obligate requirement, however, it will be a requirement for your university admission.
4. Gather Your Visa Document and Begin Your Visa Application
To start with, you should find the consulate or embassy in your home country where you will have to submit your visa application.
Depending on your home country, the following documents may be required during the US study visa application process:
Declaration of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status (Form I-20), your preferred study institution issued you after you pay the SEVIS charge: $350.
Receipt of paid application fee for the U.S. Consulate in your nation ($160).
Submit Online Form DS-160 for a non-immigrant visa, and carry it to your scheduled interview.
Valid passport, with at least 6 months validity beyond your extended period of stay.
Passport photographs.
Proof of fund (bank statement), to support you during your studies.
Transcripts, certificates or degrees from schools you attended.
5. Attend The Scheduled Interview
Your scheduled interview will determine if you are eligible for the F-1 study visa. Depending on your country of origin, you may be required to provide biometrics and submit your passport.
Before attending the interview, ensure you bring along all supporting documents.
The following questions will be the focus of the interview:
Why you decided to study in the U.S.
Test scores (academic qualifications) and inquiries about the universities you selected
Ties and commitments that guarantee you will return to your home country, after graduation.
Evidence that you have the financial means to support your schooling
6. Patiently Wait for Your Visa Confirmation.
In advance of the start date for a course of study, student visas (F and M) can be issued in 120 days.
Depending on your country of origin, the waiting time vary. Depending on the case, you could get it in 3 days or in 3 months. The waiting period has been complicated by the COVID-19 global crisis.
So ensure you check the normal visa arrangement waiting time for the local consulate or embassy in your home country.
