The US remains the destination of choice for most foreign students who want to pursue studies at the highest level, with a variety of alternatives available to gain an education. However, before embarking on this journey, it is crucial to understand Apply for a US student visa by confirming your eligibility and type of visas the US student visa requirements, the application process, and the types of visas available, such as the F1 visa.
Eligibility Criteria for US Student Visa
The application for a US student visa shall meet the eligibility criteria as follows:
- Admission to a SEVP-Certified School: The most critical requirement is that the students have confirmation of acceptance for studying in any institution in the United States and certified by Student and Exchange Visitor Program, like institutions of higher learning such as colleges and universities.
- Suitable proof of funds: this would mean that he will have adequate funds to pursue the course—such as tuition money and other living expenses. It shall be given in the form of bank statement, sponsor letter, or scholarship award.
- Statement of Intent to Return: The applicant must prove his or her intention of returning back to their country once the US education gets completed. It can be furnished under family ties, job prospectus created or further studies to be continued back home.
- Language Proficiency: Although it is not stipulated formally as a requirement in the visa, language proficiency is supposed to be central to success at US academic institutions. Language proficiency in English is checked through documented proof by test scores from TOEFL or IELTS, specifically required by some universities.
- Health Insurance: Students are generally required to be covered under adequate health insurance throughout their stay in the US. This is specifically provided by an institution, or if none is noted, may be arranged privately by students.
US Study Visa Process
The process to enjoy a student visa in the US usually has the following steps:
- Form I–20: When the SEVP-certified institution accepts the application of a student, the institution—if the student is admitted—issues him or her the Form I–20, the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. Some of the information contained within this form includes duration of study, cost of the program, and other information necessary to get this visa.
- Paying the SEVIS Fee: One has to pay the SEVIS fee and take a receipt prior to applying for the visa. It is sustaining a fee for maintaining relevant and updated records of the students and exchange visitors for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
- Fill in form DS-160, which will be an online application for a nonimmigrant visa. This form requires an applicant’s bio-data and what he/she is going to do in the United States.
- Schedule Visa Interview: After the DS-160 form is completed, an appointment must be secured for conducting the visa interview with the nearest available US embassy or consulate in the country of residence. However, the appointment should be made quite early since the wait time varies.
- Prepare Required Documents: The following documents have to be prepared for issuance of the visa:
- Passport validity at the time of going to the US.
- A printout of the confirmation page of online form DS-160
- Form I-20- It is provided by the institution.
- Receipt of the amount one has paid for the SEVIS fee.
- One passport-sized photo meeting the requirements for US visa
- Proof that someone has sufficient funds which will cater to and support his education and Livelihood.
- Proof of ties to one country of origin.
- Apply for Visa Interview: On that day of the interview, the applicant will, upon arrival, go early and be ready to give all the documents and answer questions relating to the course to be undertaken, financial background, and further plans after completion.
- Visa Decision: The Consular Officer, at the very end of the interview, shall now make the decision to approve or deny the visa application. If approved, the applicant will get the passport with them having the visa stamped inside. One should know that a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. Entry to the United States is decided by US Customs and Border Protection officers available at the port of entry.
Types of Visas
There are various kinds of visas granted to international students for admission and studying in the US, which are mentioned here below:
- F1 Visa: This is a visa issued to those coming for full-time academic studies. It is issued to those attending accredited US colleges, universities, seminaries, academies of music or other arts, Language training programs, and any other academic institution or language training program in the United States.
- J1 Visa: This kind of visa is issued to exchange visitors where they have participated in programs meant for cultural exchange, especially for receipt of medical or business training in the US.
- M1 Visa: This is a student visa for studying non-academic or vocational courses in the US.
This is a very rewarding pursuit based on the initiation procedures that start with understanding and meeting all of the requirements needed for a US study visa. Seeking help from trusted immigration consultants like Oasis Resource Management will allow an individual to follow through with the outlined process and start off in confidence and ease.
For more information on how Oasis Resource Management can assist you, visit our website or call us today.
