Get your USA Student Visa easier than you imagine!
Learn everything you need to know about USA student visa and
get end-to-end expert guidance from us.
Get your USA Student Visa easier than you imagine!
Learn everything you need to know about USA student visa and get end-to-end expert guidance from us.
USA Student Visa
One of the most popular places for international students looking for a top-notch education and a wide range of cultural experiences is the United States. Access to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, advanced research facilities, and extensive options of academic programmes are all provided by studying in the US.
Every year, more than a million international students come to the US, accounting for 5.5% of all students. With its developed economy, wide range of cultural traditions, and excellent facilities, the US offers an unforgettable educational experience that can lead to extensive professional and personal development.
USA Student Visa Latest News 2024 - 25
International students are impacted by several major changes that have been made to the most recent updates on US student visas. To expedite the application process and minimize delays, students can now apply for their F-1 or M-1 visas up to a year in advance. Furthermore, as of May 2023, the visa application fee for these categories has increased from $160 to $185.
These modifications have also been made to the visa application procedure. To potentially lower the number of visa denials, the State Department has now given consular officers more latitude in assessing applicants, emphasizing their present intent rather than strict residency requirements. Additionally, more students can skip this step thanks to the extension of the waiver for in-person interviews, though consulates may still decide to do so.
Types of USA Student Visa for International Students
There are three different types of USA Student Visa for International Students.
- In the USA, applicants for programmes requiring more than eighteen hours of study per week must have an F1 visa.
- This covers all undergraduate programmes in addition to graduate programmes such as the MBA or MS programmes offered in the US.
2. J1 Exchange Visitor Visa
- Students, visiting scholars, and lecturers participating in exchange programmes are eligible for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.
- The term "Exchange Visitor Visa" refers to a J1 visa that is typically requested by a working professional traveling to the United States on an exchange programme.
- These could be a research fellowship or a 10-month vocational course, among other things. Whichever the situation, the relevant institutions would notify the applicants of it.
3. M-1 Vocational / Non-Academic Student Visa
- One kind of USA Student Visa for International Students specifically designated for vocational and technical schools is the M1 visa.
- The M1 visa application process differs from the F1 visa application process in that students cannot overstay their visitation period and the M1 visa is time-stamped upon entry.
Costs and Fees for USA Student Visa from India
The F1 Student Visa for USA has two costs attached to it.
The current SEVIS fee is $350. The cost of a USA student visa in Indian Rupees is roughly INR 29,116.
The current Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) of $185 is equivalent to INR 15,390.
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Type of Student Visas in USA and costs |
|||
|
Types of Student Visas |
F1 |
J1 |
M1 |
|
SEVIS Fee |
|||
|
Amount |
$350 |
$220 |
$350 |
|
Accepted Modes of Payment |
Credit Card Money Order/ Demand Draft |
||
USA Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students
Applicants for USA Student Visa must speak English fluently in order for them to succeed in an academic setting where the language is used. However, in order to be granted an M-1 visa, the selected candidate must show advance language proficiency.
Recognised English proficiency exams, including the TOEFL, IELTS, and others, are accepted by the US immigration department as proof of language proficiency for a USA Student Visa.
|
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 |
Which Documents are required for a USA Student Visa?
In comparison, a USA Student Visa for International Students necessitates carrying a lot more documentation than a tourist visa. Together with the required paperwork, you also need the supporting financial and academic record documents.
- A passport that is currently valid and has at least six months remaining on it after your intended stay.
- A hard copy of the online application form, DS-160.
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Appointment letter for interview (both original and copy)
- Sending Form I-20 from the college (where you plan to study).
- Receipt for confirmation of payment for the visa fee.
- Bank statement (maybe a parent or guardian's) for the last three years proving that you have sufficient assets to cover the first year's expenses.
- Salary/pay slips
- Initial grade reports and temporary certifications
- Exam results, such as the TOEFL Score or IELTS score sheet, as evidence of English language proficiency (ELP), in addition to the results of the ACT, SAT, or GMAT for graduate admissions.
- To fund education in the United States, financial documents are necessary.
The Step-By-Step USA Student Visa Process
There are several steps to apply for a USA Student Visa Process :
Step 1: As soon as the college sends you Form I-20, the USA International Students Visa application process will begin.
Step 2: It is advised that you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before beginning the USA Student Visa Process.
Step 3: You can apply for a DS-160 visa form once you have paid the SEVIS fee and received a receipt.
Step 4: To bring to your interview, print the confirmation page from the application form.
Step 5: The visa fee may be paid at approved AXIS bank/Citibank locations or via NEFT.
Step 6: Make an appointment for the biometrics and the interview. You will need to show up in person for the Biometric appointment to have your fingerprints scanned and have your photo taken for the visa.
Step 7: The interviewer will question you about your choice, college, finances, and intention to return during the personal interview. If they are convinced, they will retain your passport to stamp the visa.
Related Article: How to Check visa Application status
USA Student Visa Timeline and Processing Time for International Students
The processing of a USA International student visa and setting up an interview date can take eight to thirteen weeks. Schedule your Student Visa for USA appointment as soon as possible, as wait times vary based on the embassy's schedule and your place of application.
USA Student Visa Rejection Rate & Reasons
A candidate's chances of having their Student Visa for USA application denied are increased if they are unable to persuade the visa officer of their intentions. If the applicant neglects to explain why they chose a specific course and college/university.
- The applicant's failure to submit their application for a USA student visa within the allotted time frame.
- The applicant may receive a 212(g) rejection slip or have their visa denied if they apply through an agent.
- Applying to prestigious US universities can be risky for people with bad academic records in terms of getting accepted for a student visa. The visa application will be denied if the cause for the low grades is not reasonable, regardless of the reason.
- Social media profiles suggest that the applicant may be a drug addict or that their persona does not align with that of a serious student.
- Students who have been diagnosed with a communicable disease that is significant for public health, people who have a physical or mental illness that makes them a threat to themselves or others.
Related Article: USA Student Visa Rejection Reason
Conclusion
A U.S. embassy or consulate interview, evidence of financial stability, and acceptance from an SEVP-approved institution are the requirements for obtaining a USA student visa, mainly the F-1 visa. Important factors include the need to retain full-time enrollment, the restrictions on on-campus work hours, and the availability of Optional Practical Training (OPT), which enables students to obtain experience in the workplace related to their field of study.
International students applying for USA Student Visa must understand challenging application procedures, closely follow the terms of their visas to avoid fines, and potentially benefit from work opportunities through OPT, which can improve their academic and professional experiences in the United States.
Are you prepared to start your educational journey in the USA? Allow AECC to assist you in obtaining your student visa. Our experienced consultants are available to assist you at every turn, from selecting the ideal school to making sure you fulfill all visa requirements. Get in touch with AECC right now to start living your dream!
