The United States has for long been the first choice destination to many international students mainly attributed to the world-class universities, diversity of programs offered by the country, and what it gives in terms of cultural exposure. However, getting a USA study visa is the most critical factor in this journey. One may consider the whole exercise as intimidating, but surely, with proper planning, it can be handled. This article will take you through the different types of study visas available, the application process, eligibility requirements, and tips for a successful visa interview.
Types of USA Study Visas
There are three main types of student visas available for international students in the U.S., depending on the type of program or institution you plan to attend:
F-1 Visa: Academic Student Visa This is the most common visa for international students who want to study at an accredited U.S. college, university, high school, private elementary school, or in a language training program. The F-1 visa allows students to pursue full-time academic studies.
M-1 Visa (Vocational Student Visa): A student who goes to a vocational school or non-academic school like technical schools, holds this visa. M-1 visa is mostly shorter in course and specialized in the technical field.
J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor Visa): The J-1 visa is meant for those students who are planning to attend an exchange program that can be a school exchange program or a college one. It also accommodates traineeship or internship, training programs or any other short-term research related work.
Eligibility Criteria for a US Study Visa
The applicants must satisfy the following eligibility criteria for a study visa:
Being accepted by a SEVP-authorized U.S. educational institution is the very first step. The institution will give you the I-20 form if you are applying for F-1 or M-1 visas; for J-1, it should be a DS-2019 form to begin the whole visa application procedure.
Full-time Study: F-1 visa applicants must be full-time degree-seeking students, and M-1 visa applicants must pursue a full-time course at a vocational or technical school in the United States.
Demonstrate English Language Ability: Or, you will need to be enrolled in an English language course while in the United States, or your institution can confirm that you have shown sufficient English for your particular program.
Financial Support: You are supposed to show that you have the financial capability to pay for your tuition fees, and other living costs, as well as related expenses throughout your stay. This normally includes bank statements, scholarships, or even proof of family support.
Non-Immigrant Intent: You have to prove your intention to return to your home country after completing your studies. This is a major part of the visa interview process.
The USA Study Visa Application Process
Here’s the step-by-step guide for applying for a study visa in the U.S.:
1. Get Accepted by a SEVP-Approved School
Before you apply for a visa, you first need to be accepted into a SEVP-approved U.S. institution. Upon acceptance, the school will send you a Form I-20 (for F-1/M-1 visas) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 visas). You will need this form to begin your visa application.
2. Pay the SEVIS Fee
Upon getting your I-20 or DS-2019, you will be charged the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVIS I-901 fee is applied to fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. This is a system by the U.S. government used in tracking and monitoring schools and exchange visitors.
3. Fill out the DS-160 Visa Application Form
The DS-160 form is the online application of the non-immigrant visa form. You have to access it and fill it while uploading it online. Filling the DS-160, one has to give certain personal information, travel, educational background, and experiences while working. Once filed, you will receive an confirmation page that you may take with you for attending your visa interview.
4. Schedule and Attend Visa Interview
Book for an interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate within your country. The duration will be determined by the embassy depending on where you are from so the earlier you apply, the better.
Below is some of the requirements when attending the interview
Valid passport, at least six months beyond your stay in the U.S.
I-20 or DS-2019 form
Payment receipt for SEVIS I-901 fee
DS-160 confirmation page
Photographs
Evidence of monetary assets that prove you will have enough to spend throughout your stay in the United States
Evidence of connection ties back to your country such as property, family ties or employment
The interviewer is likely to question the plan of your studies in an institution that you might select and after graduating.
All this will ensure the intent of going to the U.S for studies purposes, you being a real student after accomplishing your education plans
5. Pay Visa Fee
Before the interview, you will have to pay a visa application fee, which now is at $160. Bring this receipt because it is necessary to present at the time of the interview.
6. Wait for Visa Approval
After the interview, the consular officer will decide whether to approve or deny your visa application. If approved, the passport with the visa stamp will be returned to you. Processing time may take from a few days to several weeks at the embassy or consulate.
Maintaining Your USA Study Visa Status
Once you receive a study visa and arrive in the United States, you must keep your visa status. This includes:
Full-Time Program: You are required to continue being enrolled on at least a full-time basis throughout your program, unless you have received permission from your school to enroll less than full-time.
No Unauthorized Employment: F-1 students can work up to 20 hours on campus during the school term and full-time during the holidays; all other employment must be authorized. Students holding an M-1 visa are not allowed to work at all while pursuing their studies.
Maintain Your Documents Current: Ensure that your visa and passport remain valid for the duration of your stay in the U.S. You are also obligated to report any change of address or status to your school and the Department of Homeland Security.
Post-Graduation Options for Students
After graduating, there are a few options available to students holding an F-1 visa who want to gain some work experience in the United States:
OPT: The F-1 students may opt to do work in the area that they were studying up to 12 months. Should they have finished their college as a STEM graduate, there is additional availability for this OPT by as much as 24 months.
CPT: Curricular Practical Training. Under CPT, a student could receive a practical education at the time of their degree. Such would most probably be on-the-job internship or some form of cooperative program.
H-1B Visa: You will be eligible to apply for an H-1B visa that lets you work in the U.S. for up to six years once you have completed your studies and OPT.
How to Apply for a Study Visa in the USA with Success
Begin Early: Apply for a visa once you receive your I-20 or DS-2019 form. The visa process takes some time, and delays may affect your study plans.
Be Honest: Be truthful in the interview and provide answers to all questions. Visa officers are trained to detect inconsistencies, and thus it is highly advisable to be clear and consice.
Prepare for the Interview: Be prepared with answers on your study plans, your future goals, and why you want to join a certain institution
Conclusion
Acquisition of a USA study visa is the most crucial step for any international student looking forward to studying in the United States. Though the entire process might look quite cumbersome, with the right approach and proper preparation in consideration, it should be as smooth and successful an experience. With the right approach, international students can look forward to enriching academic and cultural experiences in the United States.