Student Visas

When a student wants to take higher education in another country or continue their studies there, they need to apply for a student visa. Types and requirements of student visas vary from country to country. We will discuss every aspect of US student visas here.

The USA has always been one of the best destinations for students. The number of students applying for student visas to the USA increases every year. However, many people from third or second-world countries are defrauded by agencies or even human traffickers due to ignorance about US visa requirements.

So, before applying for a USA student visa, it’s your responsibility to know all the details about the procedures and requirements of it. Anyway, we made this app to help you by providing all the required information about all types of US visas. Today we are going to tell you all the valid information about the US student visa.

What Need To Consider Before Applying For An US Student Visa

There are a few things you need to think about before you apply for a US student visa:

Do Your Own Research

You should know everything about a country before applying for a student visa. That’s why we always encourage you to do your own offline and online research. 

From our app, you will find all the relevant information you need to apply for a US student visa. With that, you can also take help from educational websites, YouTube channels, agencies, advisors, and other available sources. Hence, decide after analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of the US student visa.

Choosing The Right Student Visa

Well, we have already informed you about the types of US student visas. Our app describes each of the three types in detail. However, if you want to apply for a US student visa, you must figure out which type you are eligible for and which one suits you best.

Your Financial Capability

To get a US student visa, you have to show them that you are able to support yourself financially without doing any job there. In some cases, health insurance proof is also required for applying.

Compare The Requirements Of Institutions

In the United States, every academic institution has different criteria for selecting international students. You need to identify which academic institution best suits you based on your academic background and other requirements. So, before applying to any schools, colleges, or universities, make sure that this is the right one for yourself.

Basic Requirements for The U.S Student Visa

Student applicants should meet the following requirements f in order to obtain a U.S. student visa:

Become A SEVP-accepted Student

The student visa is only for residents who live outside the United States and are bound to return home after completing their studies. Students holding an F1, M1 visa are only permitted to study at the institution where they were accepted under the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

It is very important to check whether your preferred schools, colleges, or universities are on the SEVP list. Do that before applying for a U.S. student visa. You can submit your academic documents for the next steps if your dream institution is on the SEVP list. Otherwise, it is not a good idea to apply without a student visa despite institution acceptance.

Be A Full-time Student

Enrolling in a full-time course is another requirement for getting a U.S. student visa. That means in the United States, your status will be a full-time student. You can work part-time there, but the working hours are very minimal.

Financial Statement

Student visa applicants must provide proof of sufficient financial support. You must prove that there are enough funds available in your bank account to cover all the costs of living in the U.S.

However, students are also allowed to apply for scholarships. A scholarship will share the financial burden of your education with you. It does not make sense to not apply for a scholarship if you are eligible.

Proficiency in English is Required

To be able to enroll in an academic program in the United States, you must demonstrate that you have the ability to speak and understand English. The IELTS or TOEFL  are two standard tests that students can take to demonstrate their proficiency in English. You are more likely to get a U.S. student visa with a good IELTS and TOEFL score. 

Strong Ties with The Homeland

A solid connection to the home country is essential for candidates. Strong ties between the applicant and his/her motherland are evidenced by their assets, job joining letters after finishing their studies in the US, family members, financial information, etc.

Types Of US Student Visa

There are several types of visas available for international students who want to study in the USA. Here are the most common types of US student visas for international students:

F1 Student Visa

Students who desire to study English or pursue an educational program in the United States are granted an F1 Student Visa. This is the most common type of visa that international students prefer to take. Only full-time status students are eligible for this visa. Anyway, you are allowed to work a part-time job while on the F1 student visa, but the weekly hours cannot exceed 20.

Here is the detailed information about the F1 student visa:

Who Should Choose F1 Student Visa:

An F1 visa is good for high schools, colleges, universities, and private elementary school students.

The Application Procedures for F1 Visa:

These are the as usual application procedures for an F1 visa:

Step 1- Know The Requirements Where You Going to Study:

The admission requirements vary from university to university. However, this should not cause you concern. The university which you will choose for your study will inform you about their admission requirements. 

In most cases, if you are academically eligible, you just need to prove that you are financially capable of supporting yourself while studying. You are not dependent on a part-time job in the USA.

You will receive an I-20 form from your chosen university once you fulfill all the requirements. It means now you can apply for your desired F1 student visa. Keep in mind that without an I-20 form, you cannot apply or take part in the F1 student visa interview.

Step 2- Apply for Your F1 Visa:

To get an F1 visa, you need to apply at the American Consulate or Embassy in your country. You are allowed to apply from any neighboring country if there is no US Consulate or Embassy in your country. However, this may limit your chances of getting an F1 visa.

After you get your Form I-20, you can start the usual application process. To do so, you will have to fill out the DS-160 form online by providing all the required information.

Step 3- Application Fees:

Visa applicants are required to pay $160 as application fees. You will need to show this receipt during your interview. Depending on the country, the application fee may differ. 

When a SEVP listed institution selects you, you need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee to register you as their student. In the case of an F1 student visa, the SEVIS I-901 fee is $200

Step 4- Take The Schedule Of An Interview

As soon as you have filed your DS-160 and paid the fee, you will be eligible to schedule an interview with the U.S. embassy. Without an interview, you will not be eligible to receive a U.S. student visa, so try to book an appointment as soon as you can. You will receive an interview appointment letter from the American embassy with the dates and times of your interview.  Reach on time during the interview day.

Attachment You Have To Provide With The F1 Visa Application

Following attachments, you have to provide with the application:

With your application, you must pay a non-refundable fee. The money will also be lost if your visa application fails.
For non-immigrant visas, all applicants must apply using the online DS-160 form.
Males aged 16-45 must complete the DS-157 form.
In the case of passports with more than one holder, each individual is required to apply separately.
A color photo that is clearly captured in the transparent background is needed to attach. You must have taken the image within the last six months to reflect your present appearance.
Processing Time For F1 Student Visas

It is very common to receive an answer on this visa immediately following your interview. An interviewer will either congratulate you on getting the F1 student visa or give you specific information on why you were not granted the visa. In some cases, results are notified after a few days.

Total Cost Of F1 Visa Application

Student exchange programs (SEVP) approved universities allow international students to study in the United States under F1 visas. In general, the total cost of an F1 visa application is between $500-$550 (current rate), but it can vary from country to country. The F1 visa application must be made at least three months prior to the start of your academic course.

What Is The Number Of Hours Allowed To Work In The United States Under An F1 Visa? 

The F1 visa will not allow you to join a permanent off-campus job. Anyway, are you worried about how to manage your living costs during your studies? 

You have nothing to worry about. The F1 student visa allows you to work a part-time job, but it will never exceed 20 hours in a week. Hopefully, you will easily be able to earn modest earnings from this period of working hours. With USCIS authorization, an F1 visa also allows applicants to work off-campus after their first year in student status.

How Long Can You Stay On An F-1 Visa?

You are bound to leave the USA within 60 days after completing academic graduation if you come here with an F1 student visa. A student whose course ends in two years needs to leave the United States in the next two months. You may request an F1 visa extension under certain circumstances.

Is Permanent Residence Possible For F1 Students?

Obtaining an F1 student visa requires strong ties to the motherland, but it can apply for permanent residency with this visa status. Unfortunately, the procedures are very complex, and many people have difficulty meeting the requirements. 

As long as you are working while you are studying, you are eligible to be sponsored by your employer. You can ask your employer to file an application on your behalf for an EB-2 or EB-3 green card. After that you can do the further procedures for getting permanent residence in the United States.

By investing a minimum of $500,000 in the US economy or self-applying as someone with extraordinary abilities you also can apply for citizenship with an F1 student visa. Anyhow, changing the visa status from F1 to H-1B greatly simplifies the process of acquiring citizenship.

M1 Student Visa

M1 visas are issued for those students who are keen to participate in a vocational or non-academic school in the USA. During training, students are required to cover all expenses (tuition fees, food, transportation, housing, etc.) on their own. Anyway, after that, you are permitted to work in the United States on a part-time or full-time basis.

Details about the M1 student visa are as follows:

Who Should Choose M1 Student Visa

The M1 student visa is not for non-migrant academic students. This visa is issued for those students who are interested in joining a vocational or non-academic school in the United States. The M1 visa is the perfect choice for vocational background students.

Specific Requirements for M1 Visa:

The M1 visa is completely different from the academic F1 visa. To get an M1 visa, a student must be admitted to a full course with a specific goal. It’s not like general academic studies. The term full course of study refers to taking quarter credit hours or a minimum of 12 semesters at a community or junior college.

Hence, you need to find a school to complete quarter credit hours or at least 12 semesters at your own cost. You have to pay all the money for tuition fees, food, transportation, housing, and other expenses during the course period.

In the below, I have outlined some specific requirements of an M1 visa:

Students must be from a vocational or nonacademic study background to qualify for an M1 visa.

M1 student visa holders must bear all of their expenses in the United States.

In order to gain an M1 student visa, one must have the financial capability.

Students with M1 visas can work both part-time and full-time under certain conditions in the USA.

The Application Procedures for M1 Visa:

Exceptions to this rule are only needed in cases where you must take a small number of courses. In some cases, it refers to studying at a business or post-secondary vocational school that grants an Associate degree or another qualification. However, below I share the details of application procedures for an M1 visa:

Step 1- Start with The I-20 Form:

Like other student visas, M1 visa procedures also start with the I-20 form. I-20 forms are provided to you once you have been accepted to a vocational school where you applied.

Step 2- Pay The Application Fees:

After you receive the I-20 form, you can apply online to fill out the DS-160 form in order to obtain your M1 visa. During the application process, you will need to provide information about your background and the program you wish to enroll in. After submitting the DS-160 form, you will get a confirmation code. Keep this code because you will need it later.

The application fee for the M1 visa is around $160, and it is non-refundable. Depending on the country, a few costs may be added to that. International students also have to pay $200 as SEVIS  I-90 fees, which is mandatory. Keep all of the money receipts in a safe place because you will need them later as well.

Step 3- Documents Required for Application:

With the M1 student visa application, you have to attach a few documents such as your previous academic certificates, money receipts for application fees, a copy of the I-20 form, a DS-160 form confirmation page, tax information, and the last three years financial statement of your bank account. 

Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months after the visa expiration date. With that, a DS-157 form must also be completed by men 16-45 years of age. Attach a color photograph that is clearly captured on a transparent background. You must have taken the picture within the last six months so that it reflects your current appearance.

Step 4- Get Set Ready for The Interview:

When submitting all the documents properly, then the U.S. embassy will call you for an interview. You will be asked a few questions regarding your aims and courses during the interview. The interviewer tries to understand your intentions towards entering the United States and rechecking your legal documents. Don’t forget to bring all the documents with you to the interview. 

Processing Time For F1 Student Visas:

Often, you will receive an answer to this visa immediately after your interview. If you are granted the M1 visa, an interviewer will congratulate you or explain why you were denied.

It may take more than one month for the American embassy to complete all of the formalities. So do not be impatient, just wait for good news to come.

Can M1 Visa Holders Work?

M1 visa holders are permitted to work in the United States on a part-time or full-time basis. You can’t do a full-time job while your campus is open, but when it is closed, you can. During the semester, only part-time jobs are permitted. The maximum amount of time you can work as an M1 holder is up to six months.

What Is The Cost of An M1 Student Visa?

It costs $160 to apply for an M1 visa. In addition, you must pay $200 as SEVIS I-901 fee. Costs may change at any time. 

How Long Can You Stay On An M-1 Visa?

Depending on how long it takes you to complete your vocational education, your visa will remain valid for a certain amount of time. I-20s can only be used for one year, so you must renew them each year. You can extend the Form I-20   and M1 visa for a total of three years.

You will have to apply for an extension of your visa that does not last for your studies. To apply for an extension or change of status, you need to submit your form I-20 and I-539 to USCIS.

Is It Possible To Change Your M1 Status?

Though the process is difficult, it is not impossible. You can apply to change your M1 student visa status to another like a green card. For a green card with an M1 student visa, it is necessary to invest at least $500,000 into the US economy, marry an American citizen, or self-apply with extraordinary abilities. 

J1 Student Visa

International students who need practical training but cannot do so in their home countries are eligible for a J1 visa.  Regarding employment and restrictions, the J1 student visas are absolutely similar to an F1 student visa. Like, F1 student visa you are also allowed to work a part-time job while on the J1 student visa, but the weekly hours cannot exceed 20.

Who Should Choose J1 Student Visa

Those who want to participate in work-and-study-based exchange and visitor programs in the United States can apply for the J-1 student visa. Nonprofit or educational institutions generally sponsor such programs. And the sponsor must be recognized by the American State Department through the Exchange Visitor Program.

Students, teachers, and trainers of special skills may come to the United States as J-1 exchange visitors. Those who require practical training but do not have access to it in their country may benefit from a J1 visa. J1 student visas allow them to complete this academic program in the United States efficiently.

Types of J1 Student Visa

There are a few types of J1 student visas. They are listed below with a short description:

Au Pair and EduCare:

This category is for those people who are between the ages of 18-26. This visa holder will have the opportunity to live with an American family for 12 months.

Camp Counselor: This visa holder will stay in the USA with the campers, and you must need to be fluent in English. Students who apply for this visa must be at least 18 years old. 

Government Visitor:

US state government or federal agency-selected people can apply for this type of J1 visa. This visa opens the door for you to build a good relationship with the United States by joining various cultural and social programs.

Intern:

Only students in some specific fields are eligible to get an internship in the United States. These fields are:

Architecture,
Construction and Building Trades,
Education,
Arts and culture,
Social Sciences,
Public Administration and Law,
Library Science, Management,
Business,
Finance,
Commerce,
The Sciences,
Industrial Occupations,
Mathematics,
Engineering, 
Information Media and Communications,
Services.Health-Related Occupations,
Fishing,
Agriculture,
Forestry, and
Counseling and Social Hospitality and Tourism.

International Visitors:

This visa is offered to those people who have special skills and are renowned in their own field.

Physician:

To qualify for the J-1 visa, you must have medical training and complete your education.

Professor and Research Scholar:

To qualify for this visa, you cannot be a candidate for a tenure track position, must not have been part of a J-visa program in the last 12 months, and must not have been part of a professorship program in the previous 24 months. In some exceptional cases, you may get some favor.

Short-term Scholar:

This visa is only issued to scholars or researchers. You will be allowed to stay in the United States for only 6 months if you go with a short-term scholar visa.

Specialist:

Specialists in specific fields are considered for this visa. These visa holders are not allowed to work full-time in the USA. With this visa, you can stay there for one year.

College and University Students:

Students must be sponsored for a J-1 visa, and their stay must be funded by either the US, their home country, or both governments. You can extend the validity of this visa according to the terms of your course, but generally, it is valid for 2 years.

Secondary Student:

This visa type has a minimum age requirement of 15 years old, and the maximum age is 18 years. In addition, you must need a primary school education. Excluding kindergarten, it cannot exceed 10 years. With this, you will need to confirm that you have never participated in a program like this before in the United States under other student visas.

Summer Work Travel:

Students in post-secondary education are allowed to travel and work in the US during the summer months when this program is in place.

Teacher:

For a period of up to three years, foreign teachers can teach in elementary and secondary schools in the US if they come with this visa. However, it is mandatory to have a minimum of 24 months of teaching experience to qualify for this visa.

Trainee:

A degree or a professional certificate from a university or an institution of similar standing is needed to qualify for the trainee visa category. One year of work experience is required as well.

How to Apply for The J1 Student Visa?

By following these simple steps, you can easily apply for the J1 student visa:

Step 1- A Sponsor for J:

It is necessary to find a sponsor before you apply for a J1 visa. Because when a designated sponsor accepts you, you will be confirmed. A list of designated sponsor organizations for J1 student visas is available on the United States Department of State website. From there, you can apply.

Step 2- Apply Through The Official Form:

When a designated sponsor organization approves you for their sponsorship, now it’s time to apply through the official form. DS-2019 forms are usually required to apply for a J1 student visa. Your sponsor issued this two-page form to you. This includes all the details about your program, such as course length, cost, etc. 

DS-2019 forms for spouses and children will need to be completed separately. However, to get an interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate, you need this form as the official document.

Step 3- Prepare Yourself for The Interview:

After submitting the DS-2019 form, you need to prepare yourself for the upcoming interview with the U.S. consulate or embassy. Here is one thing I should mention that during the application, you have to pay SEVIS I-901 and Visa Service fees.

Anyway, you will receive your interview appointment within a few days. In the interview, you will be asked questions about your program and the reason behind choosing the United States. You also have to schedule an interview appointment for your spouse and children if you intend to bring them with you.

Attachment You Have To Provide With The J1 Visa Application:

The bellow attachments you need to provide with the J1 visa application:

A valid passport for traveling the US with a validity period of six months after the intended period of stay.
Your 2*2 size photo. Follow this guideline.
Money Receipts for SEVIS I-901 and Visa Service fees,
DS-160 Form, 
DS-7002 Form, 
DS-2019 Form,
Health Insurance is mandatory for the J1 Visas, and your sponsor needs to make sure that.

What Is The Cost Of A J-1 Student Visa?

It costs about $160 to obtain a J-1 visa. Although this fee differs depending on the country, as well as the type of J-1 visa you are applying for.

Working Hours for J1 Student Visa Holders:

The J1 student visa holders can take part-time jobs during their classes, but their working period cannot exceed 20 hours in a week. During university holidays and summer breaks, students can work full-time on campus.

Can You Stay on A J-1 Visa for An Extended Period of Time?

You are allowed to stay a maximum of 2-3 years on a J-1 student visa. Anyway, the staying period depends on the program you applied for, the length of your stay may differ. After your J1 visa expires, you must leave the USA within 30 days.

How Do You Extend Your J1 Visa?

By requesting an extension of your program, your J-1 visa can be extended. You have to coordinate with your sponsor for the visa extension. You will get a new DS-2019 form when your visa extension request is approved.

Is It Possible To Change Your Category On A J-1 Visa?

The J1 visa category can be changed if you have strong reasons for doing so. It costs $367 (changeable) to apply. 

Frequently Asked Questions About J1 Student Visa:

What Is An I-20, And Where Can You Get One?

I-20 form is mandatory for those international students who are seeking an M1 or F1 visa to the United States. This form is a copy of the proof of acceptance. It is an official form issued by the certified schools under the United States Government.

I-20 form also contains the SEVIS identification number of an individual student. The SEVIS identification number of a student begins with the letter N and consists of ten digits. It appears on the I-20 form on the upper left hand side.

When Should You Apply For A US Student Visa?

You should apply as soon as possible after getting Form I-20. Students who start their academic careers in the United States normally receive their F1 and M1 visas three to four months before starting class.

How Should You Respond If You Receive An I-20 From A Different School?

If you receive your new I-20 after scheduling your appointment, mention it to the U.S. consular officer during the interview.

Questions That Can Be Asked In An USA Student Visa Interview:

Some demo questions that will be asked in a USA student visa interview:

Instead of working in your country of origin, why did you decide to study in the US?
Which of the following tests did you take, and how did you do in the past? (It can be IELTS/GRE/TOEFL/GMAT/SAT)
What was your GPA?
In what way is this university the best fit for you, and why did you choose it?
How will you manage your tuition fee, room and board, transportation, and all other expenses during your education?
How long will you stay in the United States after you graduate?
Will you go back home or will you stay here?

A U.S. Student Visa May Be Denied For The Following Reasons:

Your U.S. student visa can be denied for the following reasons:

Your student visa application can be denied if it violates any immigration law of the US.

Candidates who cannot provide valid documentation at the interview or can’t impress the authorities are often rejected from the US. Student visas. 

You don’t get a U.S. student visa if you cannot prove you intend to return home after graduating.

Sometimes fraud and misrepresentation of providing information will be a reason for not getting an F1 student visa.

It is impossible to get a student visa to the United States if you are involved in criminal activity.

If your intention of entering the United States is not clear to the authorities, you will be rejected directly. Because every year, a vast number of students go there only for earning or getting citizenship in place of a student visa.

Can International Students Bring Their Spouses In the USA?

Yes, but for that, you need to show proof that you are financially capable to bear all expenses of your spouse. 

How to Proceed When You Can’t Obtain An U.S. Student Visa For Study:

We have already told you some possible reasons for failing to get a U.S. student visa. An unsuccessful visa application does not necessarily mean you are out of the running. The option is always available to you to re-apply for a student visa. 

Applicants can re-apply for a U.S. visa as many times as they want. However, if you have continuously failed to get approval, you should consult with the consular officers about the issue.

After Receiving Your Visa, When Should You Travel To The United States?

You are only eligible to enter the US just one month before your course starts. In the I-20 form, you will get the information about when your class will be started.

These Activities Can Ruin Your Visa Validity After You Arrive in The USA:

As soon as you receive your student visa, you are welcome in the United States. But you have to represent yourself sincerely to keep the valid status of your student visa. Here some major rules that you should have been followed:

Arriving in the USA 30 days before the start of your class is not allowed. Therefore, speak to your academic institution before making travel arrangements.

Your status will be a full-time student in the USA, so don’t act as a full-time worker.

Those with F1 or J1 student visas can only work part-time on campus, and their working hours are limited. An M1 visa holder can work full-time during vacation and part-time when the campus is open. Be mindful of these points. 

Upon Gaining Admission to A School And Receiving A Form I-20, Can Someone on A Visitor Visa Change Their Status to Student?

Under specific terms and conditions, visa status changes are always possible in the United States. Anyway, if you are legally admitted to a USA academic institution and you have not committed any illegal work that violated the terms of your nonimmigrant visitor visa, then you can apply for changing your visa status to a student visa.

How To Change Your Visa Status During Studying:

You can change your visa status in the US during your study period by following a process. There is no need to apply again for a new visa. You just need to submit an application to USCIS for the change of status of your current nonimmigrant visa.

You should inform your Designated School Official (DSO) before submitting your application to USCIS. DSO can assist you in the process of changing the status of your current visa.

How Does The SEVIS System Affect Students?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System program is known as SEVIS. All schools and exchange programs involved in the SEVIS must verify the international enrollment status of all new and continuing international students. Student visa applicants must pay SEVIS fees before visas can be issued.

Staying in the United States After Graduation:

According to the United States immigration law, F student visa holders are permitted to remain in the United States for up to 60 days after graduation, while J and M visa holders must leave the country within 30 days. In the I-20 form, you will find the start and end dates of your academic program.

Anyway, if you want to extend the date of your student visa, then you can apply for it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It would be wise to explore your visa options after graduation before requesting a visa extension.

How Does An International Student Become A Citizen Of The United States?

Many students want to get citizenship in the USA after completing their studies. Students generally come here with F, M, and J student visas. You have to go back to your home country after completing your studies if you come here with these student visas.

The United States offers 5 years of student visas for bachelor’s degree candidates and 3 years for master’s degree candidates. You can begin to look forward to the procedure of getting citizenship after completing your study period.

In order to secure permanent citizenship in the U.S., international students use the H1B visa. There are usually 2-4 years of validity for this visa, though it can be extended up to a total of eight years. Once your H1B visa has expired, you should apply for a green card to become a United States citizen.