How to Get a USA Student Visa: F1 Visa Guide

The process typically starts with applying to a university of your choice in the US and securing admission. This step results in you receiving an I-20 form or an Acceptance Letter. With the expert guidance from services like iSchoolConnect, the entire journey—from selecting schools and submitting documents to paying SEVIS fees and navigating visa application steps—can become much more manageable.

Your I-20 form is an application requirement for F and M visa categories. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps and requirements, making your path to studying in the US smoother and less stressful.

Below are the three different types of student visa for USA

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Student Visa Types USA

Before you start wondering how to get a student visa for USA, check which type of student visa you want to apply for:

• M-1 Visa: is issued to international students looking to attend a vocational school or non-academic program.
• J-1 Visa: issued to exchange students, interns, teachers, professional trainees, or seasonal workers in the private cultural sector.
• F-1 Visa: is the type of student visa for USA issued to foreign students pursuing an academic or English Language program. The validity period lasts until you complete your study program.

Our focus is going to be on the F-1 visa, the class generally required for full-time academic studies in the US.

What is F1 Visa USA?

The F-1 visa allows a student to temporarily live in the United States for a defined period while studying at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution, or in a language training program. To qualify for an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate, and your school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students. The F-1 visa USA is valid for five years, and upon expiration, students can re-apply for an extension.

Student Visa Requirements USA 2024

F-1 Visas for International Students

International students can enter the US in the form of an F-1 student visa, which is typically awarded to those pursuing college degrees. As of 2023, there are about 763,760 international students in the US, with a majority on an F-1 visa. Last year In 2023 alone, 393,000 F-1 student visas were issued, and one in every five students was accepted.

F-1 Visas for Indian Students

Indian students represent a significant portion of international students in the US, often pursuing higher education under the F-1 visa category. The application process and requirements for Indian students are the same as for other international students.

F-1 Visa Application Steps, Requirements, & Conditions

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USA Study Visa Process Step by Step

Although your specific country or embassy may have additional application steps, requirements, and conditions, here is the general process of getting the F1 Visa USA:

• Get Accepted into a SEVP-approved Institution: Apply and gain admission to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved institution. Once accepted, you will be added to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee: Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, which is currently $350. This fee funds the SEVP program.
  Though you can pay this fee anytime during the application, it is strongly recommended to pay it before starting your US visa application.
• Receive the I-20 Form: After the SEVIS fee payment, your SEVP-approved school will issue you a Form I-20. This form is crucial as it confirms your acceptance at the school and your eligibility for the F-1 visa.
  Each dependent (children and/or spouse) traveling with you will also need an individual I-20 form, though they don’t need to enroll in SEVIS.
• Complete the DS-160 Form: Apply for a DS-160 visa form online. Complete the application and print the confirmation page, which you will need to bring to your visa interview.
• Pay the Visa Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee.
  This fee can be paid through NEFT or at authorized AXIS bank/Citi bank locations. Make sure to check the specific payment instructions for your country.
• Schedule Biometric and Interview Appointments: Schedule two appointments: a Biometric appointment and a Personal interview appointment.
  The Biometric appointment involves getting your photograph clicked for the visa and having your fingerprints scanned. 
• Prepare for and Attend Your Visa Interview: Prepare for your Personal interview, where you will be asked questions about your choice of course, college, finances, and your intent to return to your home country after your studies.
  If the interviewer is convinced of your eligibility and intent, they will keep your passport to get the visa stamped. The F1 visa processing time typically ranges from 15 days to 2 months, with an average of 5-7 working days after approval in a visa interview.
  

Read More: Top 6 reasons why you should study in USA!

USA Student Visa Requirements

• Non-immigrant visa application form (Form DS-160): Complete the online DS-160 form and print the confirmation page to bring to your visa interview.
  
• Standardized digital color passport photo: A recent standardized digital color passport photo that meets the required specifications.
• A valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.
• Receipt of visa application fee payment ($160)
• Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status (Form I-20): Obtain Form I-20 from the SEVP-approved institution where you will study. This form is crucial for your visa application.
• SEVIS Fee Receipt: Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and obtain the receipt to include in your application.
  
• Documents proving adequate financial support during your stay in the US (Bank Statement)
• Academic Records: Diplomas, Transcripts, Certificates, and Degrees from your attended schools. Along with that, scores from standardized tests such as TOEFL, GMAT, SAT, GRE, etc.
• Proof of Intent to Return: Documents that serve as proof of your intent to return, upon completing your program (for example; your asset documents or job offer letter valid after you complete the study).
  
  Additional documents may be requested depending on your location or the specific program you have been admitted into.

Where to Apply for a Student Visa in the USA?

You can apply for a US student visa at any US embassy or consulate in your home country or the country where you currently reside. The application process typically involves the following steps:

• Complete the DS-160 Form Online: Access the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov.
• Pay the SEVIS Fee: Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at fmjfee.com.
• Schedule Your Visa Interview: Schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the US embassy or consulate where you plan to apply. Check the specific embassy or consulate website for additional details on scheduling and required documents.

By following these steps and preparing thoroughly, you can successfully navigate the process of obtaining a US student visa and look forward to starting your academic journey in the United States.

Attend your scheduled Visa Interview

Your qualification for an F-1 visa USA hinges on the short interview-

• During this, you will be asked a few personal questions related to your desire to study in the United States.
• You will have to carry all the appropriate documents we have listed above.
• Share your fingerprints for records and get your F-1 visa interview documents verified in advance.
• Your success in the interview depends upon how you can convince the Consular Officer of your qualification and intent to study.
• You will also have to give your passport so they can issue your visa with instructions on it.

Last-minute tips

This entire visa application process is highly crucial for your dreams of studying abroad. And yet, it can be a grueling and exhausting process.

You have to work closely with your international adviser within the restrictions of your visa.

For instance, students only have 60 extra days after completing their study program in the US. After this, they either have to leave the country or get a transfer to another school or find a job. Also, extensions are possible, provided you follow the required conditions and procedures.

Key Takeaways

• Visa Types & Popularity: International students can enter the US using various visas like the F-1, M-1, and J-1. The F-1 visa is the most common type, typically awarded to students pursuing college degrees. The US issued 644,204 F-1 visas in 2016 with an 80% acceptance rate, indicating a positive outlook for aspiring students.

• Visa Application Process: The process for obtaining a US student visa is elaborate. After gaining admission to an SEVP-approved institution, students need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, obtain the I-20 form, and pay the visa application fee. The I-20 form is essential for both F and M visa categories. There are specific steps and documentation needed, which can vary by country.

• F-1 Visa Specifics: This visa is issued to foreign students pursuing academic or language programs. Before traveling to the US, it’s important to note the visa’s validity. Students can get their US F-1 visa up to 120 days before their study program starts but can only use it to enter the US within 30 days of their course start date.

• F-1 Visa Interview: The visa interview is pivotal for securing the F-1 visa. It generally lasts 3-4 minutes and assesses a student’s intent and qualifications for studying in the US. Essential documents include the DS-160 form, passport, I-20 form, financial proofs, educational certificates, and more.

• COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic posed challenges for international students, particularly in obtaining visas. After an initial improvement with the introduction of vaccines, a second wave hit, causing disruptions again. It’s essential to stay updated with the latest information and embassy decisions related to student visas.

So if you get stuck or have any doubts, you can drop a comment, contact us or check out our website and the many other helpful blogs we have on the visa application process.
We’d be very happy to help!

FAQ

Q1. What are the USA Student visa requirements ?

Answer- You need a completed DS-160 form, a valid passport, a recent passport photo, visa application fee receipt, Form I-20 from a SEVP-approved institution, SEVIS fee receipt, financial support documents, academic records, and proof of intent to return to your home country.

Q2. Can H4 visa holder study in USA?

Answer- Yes, H-4 visa holders can study in the U.S. on a part-time or full-time basis without impacting their immigration status, as long as they maintain their H-4 status.

Q3. How much does a student visa USA cost?

Answer- The application fee is $160, plus possible additional fees depending on your country and embassy.

Q4. What is the F1 visa processing time?

Answer- The processing time for an F-1 visa typically ranges from 15 days to 2 months, with an average of 5-7 working days after approval in a visa interview.

Q5. What is the US Student Visa Eligibility?

Answer- You must be accepted into a SEVP-approved institution, enrolled full-time, have a valid I-20 form, demonstrate financial support, and show intent to return home after your studies.

Q6. Who can sponsor the F1 visa?

Answer- Parents and relatives can sponsor the F1 visa. In addition, education loans can also sponsor the visa.

Q7. How long is an F1 visa valid for?

Answer- Students on F-1 visas are allowed a 60-day period of stay in the United States after their university program ends. Authorized exceptions for work, internships, or continued learning are available.