Your Guide to the 5-Year USA Student Visa in the USA

Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students. It offers a world-class education, diverse cultural experiences, and countless career opportunities. A 5-year student visa in the USA also known as an F1 study visa is a popular visa among international students as it allows them to stay in the USA for up to five years and grants them access to both on and off-campus jobs. Read on to learn about the 5-year student visa in the USA.

5-Year Student Visa/F1 Visa- Overview

The concept of a “5-year student visa in the USA” typically refers to the duration of certain student visas, particularly the F-1 visa, which is granted for the length of the academic program or any authorized practical training. However, it is important to note that the visa does not guarantee entry for five years. Students must maintain their status and comply with visa regulations to remain in the U.S. for the intended duration of their studies.

Eligibility Criteria

​Eligibility for a 5-year student visa in the USA or an F1 visa primarily requires the following:

• Students must be enrolled in an academic programme from a verified institution

You must be accepted by a college, university, or other academic institution in a full-time course of study authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

• Students should be able to meet the financial requirements 

You must show that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your tuition and living expenses in the USA. 

• Students must meet the Language Proficiency standards

You must fulfill the English proficiency requirement of your institution. 

• Students must show an Intent to Return to their native country

You must intend to return to your home country after the completion of your studies. 

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Application Process

The application process for a 5-year student visa in the USA, aka F-1 visa, involves several essential steps that must be completed in sequential order. The steps are as follows:

• Get Accepted at a US Institution- You must be accepted at a US institution.

• Completing I-20 Form– You will need to complete an I-20 form, which you will receive from your selected institution.

• Pay USA SEVIS Fees- You need to pay a USD 350 SEVIS fee to proceed further with your application.

• Completing Nonimmigrant Visa Application– You must complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Application which is known as DS-160. This will help you bring your visa interview confirmation.

Here are some tips to get your US visa appointment

• Pay Application Fee– You will be required to pay an application fee of $185 to submit your application.

Documents You Must Have to Attain an F1-Visa

​To Obtain an F-1 visa, you need to go through the F1 visa documents checklist before applying.​ 

The following are the F1 visa documents checklist :

• Your Application Fee
• Recent Passport Photos
• A Valid Passport
• Your Previous Academic Records
• Scorecards of English Proficiency Tests, like IELTS, GMAT, GRE, etc
• A completed I-20 Form
• A completed DS-160 Form
• If you are a male aged 16-45, a completed DS-157 form

Work and Employment Opportunities

With the 5-year student visa in the USA, you have access to various employment opportunities, which can be classified into on-campus employment and off-campus employment, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Let’s understand them thoroughly through the following points.

• On Campus Employment

With a 5-year student visa in the USA, you are permitted to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during your ongoing sessions and full-time during official school breaks. On-campus jobs include positions at the cafeteria, university bookstore, or other jobs that are affiliated with the institution. 

• Curricular Practical Training 

As an F1 visa holder, CPT allows you to work off-campus in positions that are integral to your academic programs. For CPT, there is no weekly hour limit; you can work full-time as long the position is authorized by your school’s DSO.

• Optical Practical Training

As a student with a 5-year student visa in the USA/ F1 visa, you can apply for OPT. OPT permits you to work in a job related to your major either after graduation or during your studies. However, it must be noted that if you have completed 12 months of full-time CPT, you will become ineligible for OPT. 

Common Interview Questions for F1 Student Visa Interview

To secure a 5-year student visa in the USA, the interview process is a critical step for international students seeking to study in the United States. During this interview, applicants should be prepared to answer various questions that assess their academic intentions, financial stability, and plans for returning to their home countries. Common categories of questions include the following:

Questions	How You Should Answer?
Why do you want to study in the US?	You can answer them by explaining the benefits of studying in the US. Here are the top 6 reasons why to study in the US.
What will be your major?	Answer the question by simply naming your major, which you can add to the reasons why you chose this as your field of study.
Why did you choose this university?	You can answer this by explaining to them the perks of graduating from the university like job opportunities, vibrant culture, or skill development.
How will you finance your education?	Let them know your finance source, it can be an educational loan, your savings, or your parent’s support.
Do you plan to return to your home country after your studies?	This is a crucial question, so you should answer them very diligently.
Do you have any friends or relatives in the US?	If you have any connections in the USA, you answer the interviewer by telling them about your relationship with them.

Summary

The 5-year student visa in the USA, commonly known as the F-1 visa, is essential for international students who wish to pursue academic programs in the US. This blog provides a detailed overview of the F-1 visa process, from eligibility criteria to the application steps, including paying the SEVIS fee, submitting the DS-160 form, and attending the visa interview. It also outlines the visa requirements, such as financial proof, language proficiency, and academic enrollment. Furthermore, the blog explains employment opportunities available through on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Lastly, it highlights common interview questions, offering helpful advice on how to answer them effectively, ensuring a successful visa application process.

Worried that your study gap can be a hurdle for studying in the USA? Here’s what you need to know: What is Acceptable Study Gap in USA

FAQs

1. What is the 5-year student visa for the USA?

The 5-year student visa, commonly known as the F-1 visa, allows international students to study full-time at accredited academic institutions in the US. The visa typically covers the duration of the academic program plus any authorized practical training.

2. How do I apply for a 5-year student visa in the USA?

The application process involves getting accepted at a US institution, completing the I-20 form, paying the SEVIS fee, filling out the DS-160 form, and attending a visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.

3. How much is the application fee for the F-1 visa?

The F-1 visa application fee is $185, and students must also pay the SEVIS fee of $350.