Do you envision yourself pursuing a degree in the US? Well, because of its quality of education and exposure, the United States is considered the finest study-abroad destination by many international students. However, you must first obtain a student visa before starting this adventure with the assistance of the best US education consultants in India. Hence, to assist you in navigating the US student visa application procedure, we have written this blog.
| Table of Contents:
1. What is the US Study Visa? ● Types of US Study Visa 2. Required Documents to Apply for the US Study Visa 3. How to Obtain a US Student Visa? 4. To Wrap Up 5. FAQs |
What is the US Study Visa?
If you are a student, your passport will have a study visa for the United States stamped on it. Also, the US Embassy usually approves this document to permit you to study there. As a student-based abroad consultancy in Delhi, Mentored can assist you in obtaining a study visa that is accessible to non-immigrants and does not require citizenship.
Types of US Study Visa
Typically, you will find the tabulated types of USA study visas for students:
| Types of Student Visa | Description |
| 1) F-1 Student Visa | To enrol in an accredited US college or university, or to study English at a language school. |
| 2) J Exchange Visa (J-1) | For participating in an exchange programme. You can understand this from the best US education consultants in India. |
| 3) M Student Visa (M1) | For vocational or non-academic education or training in the US. |
Required Documents to Apply for the US Study Visa
While planning your education at a US university, you must ensure to
keep in hand some essential documents. Some of those documents will include-
- A Valid Passport
- Form DS-160 or Form I-20
- SEVIS I-901 Fee
- Photographs
- Receipt for Visa Fees
How to Obtain a US Student Visa?
Even though it will be difficult, you can successfully obtain a USA study visa in the allotted time by following the detailed instructions provided below and getting help from the best US education consultants in India.
● Step 1: Research and Choose an Accredited Institution
You should choose a US college according to your academic needs and objectives before submitting a US student visa application. Additionally, you need to ensure that your chosen institution is accredited by a recognised body. You should further check your chosen institution’s reputation, its available courses, professors, location, and other facilities.
● Step 2: Apply and Gain Acceptance
When you have decided on a suitable university, you need to gather and go over all the required paperwork, which includes financial statements, recommendation letters, personal essays, academic records, and results from standardised tests. In addition, the US education consultants in Delhi can assist you in submitting your paperwork and application before the university’s deadline.
● Step 3: Obtain the I-20 Form
You will acquire an I-20 Form, also called the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, after being accepted to the US university of your choice. Furthermore, you need to be extremely careful about the I-20 form’s accuracy since its information will be double-checked during your immigration interview.
● Step 4: Pay the SEVIS Fee
You have to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee before applying for a US student visa. The SEVIS fee will mostly cover your administrative expenses related to processing your I-20 and keeping up your SEVIS record.
● Step 5: Complete the DS-160 Form
Your next step is to apply for a non-immigrant visa online using the DS-160 Form, which will include your details, educational history, and motivations for studying in the US. Additionally, you can reach out to the best US education consultants in India to avoid any mistakes or discrepancies that will complicate your visa application process.
● Step 6: Schedule and Attend a Visa Interview
After completing the DS-160 form, you must make an appointment at the closest US embassy or consulate to have your visa interview. For this, don’t forget to have all the required paperwork ready for inspection, including your passport, photos, the I-20 form, the DS-160 confirmation page, the receipt for the SEVIS charge, and evidence of your stable finances.
● Step 7: Pay the Visa Application Fee
Most essentially, what you have to do is pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV), or visa application fee. In addition, you must preserve the payment receipt as evidence of your payment after completing this transaction. Moreover, the study visa consultants in Delhi can assist you with this.
● Step 8: Attend Biometrics Appointment
You will receive information about arranging a biometrics appointment after setting up your visa interview. And, during this appointment, you need to provide fingerprints and a photograph for security purposes.
● Step 9: Wait for Visa Processing
Your application will be reviewed by the consular official, who will then decide on it after your visa interview and biometrics appointment. Also, it would normally take a few weeks to process your US study visa. Moreover, the best US education consultants in India can help you stay informed about the progress of your application by providing regular updates.
● Step 10: Collect Your Visa and Prepare for Departure
You will get a passport with the student visa attached as soon as your application is granted. Additionally, make sure that the dates of validity on the visa match the information on it. Once you receive your visa, you will start making the appropriate travel plans, such as planning your exciting study abroad trip to the US and reserving your flights and accommodation.
To Wrap Up
We think that by following the instructions provided in this blog, you can successfully traverse the process of acquiring a student visa for the United States, even though it may appear complicated to you. Also, we believe that you can study in the US and have an amazing educational experience if you are determined and patient, and follow the advice of the best US education consultants in India.
FAQs
- Does obtaining a student visa require me to take the TOEFL/IELTS exam?
Certain institutions use your TOEFL/IELTS results to gauge your English language proficiency throughout the admissions process. However, the visa application process itself normally does not require it.
- Can I work while studying on a US Student Visa?
Yes, you are eligible for both off-campus and part-time on-campus employment options if you hold an F-1 Visa in the US.
- Will I get the SEVIS fee back if my visa application is rejected?
No, irrespective of your visa application’s result, you won’t get back your SEVIS fee.
- Can I change my course after getting the US Study Visa?
You might be eligible to transfer to a new course depending on the specifics of a US Student Visa. To learn about the precise steps involved, you should speak with the best US education consultants in India.
