Student Visa For USA

USA Study Visa: The United States remains the #1 choice for students planning to study abroad. If you are among the few who aspire and have already been admitted to your desired university, applying for a Student Visa is the next important step toward realizing your ambition of studying in the United States. This Students Visa Guide discusses briefly the various types of visas and attempts to provide a complete method for applying for the F1 Student Visa, which is available to students who are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the United States. Apart from that, aspirants should know why their US Student Visa gets rejected. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Types of USA Study Visa

There are three types of student visas to the US:

1. F1 Student Visa

• Students applying for a program that requires more than 18 hours of study in a week require an F1 visa. This includes all undergraduate programs as well as graduate programs like MS, MBA, etc.
• Spouses or children accompanying F-1 visa recipients will travel on an F-2 visa. Please note that spouses are not able to work but may accompany and/or apply for their own visa to the U.S. to work or study.

2. J1 Exchange Visitor Visa

• The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is for students, visiting scholars or lecturers pursuing an exchange program. For example, Fulbright scholars and many students on short-term study abroad programs from international universities will travel to the U.S. on a J-1 visa.
• A J1 visa is usually sought by a working professional who goes to America on an exchange program, hence the name Exchange Visitor Visa. These may include a 10-month vocational training or some research fellowship, etc. Whichever be the case, the applicants would be notified for the same by the respective institutions. 
• Spouses or children accompanying J-1 Visa recipients will travel on a J-2 Visa. Please note that spouses are able to work when permission is obtained in advance.

3. M-1 Vocational/ Non-Academic Student Visa

The M1 visa is a sort of student visa that is only available to students attending vocational and technical schools. While the application process for the F1 visa and the M-1 visa are similar, the M1 visas are time-stamped on entering and students cannot overstay their visit.

Latest Updates

February 21, 2023: Despite recent layoffs in the technology sector, US universities remain optimistic about international students seeking for admission in 2023. Even though there may be less placements or internship chances at large tech businesses for international students studying in the United States.

August 30, 2022: Indian students outnumber Chinese students in the United States, with 77,799 student visas issued between January and July 2022, compared to 46,145 student visas issued over the same time period. Normally, Chinese students are at the top of the list of international students in the United States, but with the country being severely affected by COVID-19, the number of Chinese students has declined.

April 7, 2022: The US Embassy may alter the student visa application process beginning in the summer of 2022.

Feb 27, 2022: The United States has waived in-person interviews for various visa applicants.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of the United States recently introduced 22 additional courses to the STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) program for international students.

The 22 new fields of the study added to the STEM OPT programme are Bioenergy, General Forestry, Forest Resources Production and Management, Human-Centred Technology Design, Cloud Computing, Anthrozoology, Climate Science, Earth Systems Science, Economics and Computer Science, Environmental Geosciences, Geobiology, Geography, and Environmental Studies, Mathematical Economics, Mathematics and Atmospheric/Oceanic Science, Data Science, General, Data Analytics, General, Business,

This allows foreign students with an F-1 visa to stay in the country for 36 months and work in their field of study once they have finished their degrees. More students will be eligible for the STEM OPT extension thanks to the newest additions.

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 ALERT

As of November 8th, the US has dropped its pandemic restrictions for everyone who have received their vaccinations. The White House has declared that beginning on November 8, 2021, vaccinated international tourists would be able to travel to the US by air and land. All vaccines approved by the World Health Organization and the Food and Drug Administration would be accepted for air travellers.

Working on USA Student Visa

Students are prohibited from taking on off-campus employment during their first academic year. They are not permitted to work more than 20 hours per week. They might put in up to 40 hours each week throughout vacations and holidays. The student may work for a business that offers services to the college, such a cafeteria or bookstore.

Cost of Student Visa in the USA

1. SEVIS fee which is at present at $350, US student visa fees.
2. Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) which is at present $160.

Here is the breakdown of different types of Student Visas

*Spouses and dependents do not need to pay the SEVIS fee if they are going to the U.S. on F-2 or J-2 visas.

Documents Required for F1 Student Visa Application

In comparison to a tourist visa, a student visa requires carrying a lot more documentation. Along with the required documents, you also need supporting documents financial and academic records. Before heading to the consulate for the visa interview, ensure that you review this checklist.

• A valid passport with a validity date of at least six months beyond your period of stay.
• A printed copy of DS-160, the online application form
• SEVIS Fee Receipt
• Interview appointment letter (original and copy)
• Form I-20 sent by the college (where you are going to study)
• Visa fees payment confirmation receipt
• Bank statement for at least three years showing that you have enough assets to pay for the first year (could be of parent or guardian)
• Pay/salary slips
• Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
• Score sheet of exams like TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, etc.
• Financial Documents are required to show financial strength to support education in the USA.

Students studying in the USA must provide documentation of the amount of money required to cover all first-year fees. It includes of tuition fees, living costs, and other costs (like books). In addition, students must provide evidence that they have the financial resources required to finish their studies.

Evidence of Financial Resources required for F1 Visa

• Tax returns for the past 3 years (Form 16)
• Bank statements/passbook for the past 3 years
• Original pay/salary slips and letters of employment
• Statement from certified CA
• Scholarship letter (If the applicant has received it)
• The loan approval letter by the bank or the concerned authority

How to Apply for US Student Visa (F1 Visa)?

There are several steps to apply for a USA Study Visa:

1. Your visa process starts when you receive Form I-20 from your college. Though you can pay the SEVIS fee anytime during the application, it is strongly recommended that you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before you start your US visa application.
2. After paying the SEVIS fee and getting a receipt, you can apply for a DS-160 visa form. It is an online application form.
3. Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
4. Pay the visa fee through NEFT or at authorized AXIS bank/Citi bank locations.
5. Schedule a Biometric appointment and Interview appointment.
6. For the Biometric appointment, you will be required to appear in person to get your photograph clicked for the visa and get your fingerprints scanned.
7. At the Personal interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about your choice, of course, college, finances, and intent of coming back. If s/he is convinced, they will keep your passport with them to get the visa stamped. Here is a guide to help you prepare for your F1 Visa Interview.

It’s important to keep in mind that F1 student visas can be obtained up to 120 days prior to the start of your course of study. But you won’t be permitted to go to the US on an F1 visa sooner than 30 days before your start date.

Dependents

F2 or M2 visas are required for partners and children under the age of 21 who intend to stay in the US with the applicant for the duration of their stay. A spouse with F2 status is permitted to attend classes that are vocational or recreational in nature, such as learning how to play tennis or cook, but they are not permitted to enrol in a full course of study. Children with F2 status are permitted to enrol full-time in elementary, middle, or high school. They are not permitted to enrol in a full-time program of study in a university or college. The spouse and children of students cannot accept employment at any time during their stay period on the F2 Visa.

Additional Information

After graduating, F1 visa holders are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT (optional practical training). That means that you can start working a year after completing your studies. It is a short-term job permission that enables students to get real-world experience in their subject of study. If you need to continue working in the US after that, you must apply for a work visa. Even if you don’t have a job offer or haven’t applied for OPT, you are permitted to stay in the US for up to 60 days following the end of your study.

Scholarships for studying in the USA

You can also apply for several scholarships offered at the institute or university you are applying to if you are a qualified student. Many scholarships are available for studying in the USA. Scholarships are considered as one of the most effective methods for paying for your education. Foreign students who intend to pursue their studies abroad worry about managing their finances. Also, many colleges and institutions provide scholarships for students. It may be merit- or need-based. Also, experts advise students to look into the various scholarship options that are available to them.