Many students aspire to study in the USA, and understandably so. After all, the country is filled with lucrative opportunities, and studying in the US can give you the ideal kick-start for your professional life.
Getting a student visa for the USA can be a pretty extensive and confusing process. It’s best to understand all the requirements and details ahead of time so that you can plan accordingly.
Let’s not forget that the US is home to some of the most prestigious universities recognized worldwide. Therefore, if the idea of going through the tiresome process of acquiring a student visa makes you take a step back, remember, in the end, it’s going to be worth it. Follow the process carefully to avoid mistakes that can delay or derail the processes.
Types Of International Student Visas For The USA You Can Apply For
The first thing you will have to do is determine what type of visa you should apply for. Essentially, you have three options, and it’s vital to weigh what each type has to offer carefully. In fact, most colleges, universities or other programs accepting international students will have someone on their staff who can help with information. But it’s helpful to understand the processes and start compiling paperwork as early as possible. Here’s a deeper look into the different types of student visas for the USA.
F1 Visa
The F1 visa is for students who enroll in academic programs or English language programs in the US. If you are going to a college/university in the US, then this is the visa you will likely need. As long as you have been admitted into a college/university in the United States and meet the following requirements, you will likely be eligible.
F1 Visa Requirements
- Already accepted into a university, college, seminary, conservatory, or academic institution
- School must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program
- Will be a full-time student
- Proficient in English or enrolled in coursework to become proficient
- Proof of sufficient financial funds to support stay in the US
- Intent to return to home country
- Not living in the US at the time of application
Benefits of F1 Visa
- Allows you to work on campus (up to 20 hours a week)
- Can stay up to 60 days after graduation
- May apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) which allows you to stay in the US for 1-3 years after graduation.
M1 Visa
This student visa is for vocational studies, nonacademic institutions or language training programs. Program for those interested in becoming a pilot, a chef, ministry workers, artist, actors, dancers, or other trades may be eligible under M-1 Visa requirements. M1 visa holders cannot work while they are studying but they may stay in the US after the completion of their program for practical training.
M-1 Visa Requirements
- Already accepted into a program approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP)
- Proficient in English or enrolled in coursework to become proficient
- Proof of sufficient financial funds to support stay in the US
- Full-time student status (with additional program requirements such as hours of flight training or laboratory work)
- Intent to return to home country
- Not living in the US at the time of application
Benefits of M-1 Visa
- May stay in the US for up to six months after your program for practical training (one month of practical training for every four months of full-time study)
J1 Visa
J1 Visas are typically used for exchange programs to promote cultural exchange between the United States and other countries. There are 14 Exchange Visitor Categories of occupations that qualify under a J-1 Visa and may include those wanting to do research in the United states or students wanting practical training not available in their home country. The employment limitation (up to 20 hours a week) for the J1 visa is the same as the F1 visa but you will need permission from the exchange visitor program sponsor.
Exchange Visitor Categories
- Student, college/university
- Professor and Research Scholar
- Short-term Scholar
- Student, Secondary
- Teacher
- Trainee
- Specialist
- Summer Work Travel
- Physician
- Intern
- Camp Counselor
- Au pair and Educare
- International Visitor
- Government Visitor
J-1 Visa Requirements
- Acceptance in a program approved by the U.S. Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State (DOS)
- Unlike an F-1 or M-1 Visa, your funding must come from your government, the U.S. Government, or an organization. Funding may come in the form of a salary or a scholarship.
- Proficient in English or enrolled in coursework to become proficient
- Intent to return to home country
- Not living in the US at the time of application
Benefits of J-1 Visa
- Spouses and children may also come to the U.S. on a J-2 Visa and may apply to work or attend school
- J-1 Visa holders may work in the US as long as it is part of their program or has been granted permission
How To Apply For A Student Visa To The USA?
Before you are able to apply for a student visa to the US, you must be accepted into a program.
Academic Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for each school vary significantly. Applying to selective programs can take years of research and preparation while other programs may have more flexible admission criteria. With this in mind, start your research process early to understand all the options, fees, application deadlines and process.
Financial Stability
If you want your visa to be approved without any hassles, you will have to prove that you have the financial means to support your stay in the US without full-time employment.
Health Insurance
Yes, proof of health insurance has to be submitted too. You have to give evidence that your insurance covers medical expenses for emergencies. Of course, some schools offer school-sponsored insurance plans and others may require a third party insurance.
Get Started With The Visa Application Process
Once you are sure you are eligible to apply for a student visa for the US, you can start the application process. Remember, the application process can vary depending on the US embassy you deal with. So, if you want to avoid any surprises or setbacks, it’s advisable to double-check the details.
Five Step Visa Application Process
- Be Accepted To A Student And Exchange Visitor Program-Approved School
There’s no point in applying for a student visa until you have been accepted by a US institution. Additionally, it’s mandatory that your selected institution and program are approved by the Student and Exchange visitor program. You can easily find the list of accepted institutes online or on various websites.
- Pay The Fees
You have to pay the fee for your program at least three days before the submission of your visa application. But don’t worry since you can make the payment both online and in paper form. This fee will vary depending on which type of visa you are applying for. You can pay the fee via check, international money order, debit, and credit card. You can also make arrangements for third-party payment.
- Complete The Visa Application Form
After you have paid the SEVIS fee, you can look for an appointment with the US embassy in your country to apply for the visa.
The online visa application form has many requirements. These include your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and passport details. You will also have to provide details regarding your travel plans and travel companions. They may also ask about past travels to the US and any points of contact in the country. The form also requires the following:
- Details of your family, work, and education
- Security, background, and medical health information
- SEVIS ID and address of the US institution you intend to enroll at
- A recent photograph
- Pay The Visa Application Fee
After your form is submitted, you have to pay your visa application fee. It’s also often referred to as the machine-readable visa fee.
- Schedule A Visa Interview
You have to make an appointment for your student visa interview at your US embassy. Don’t forget to be on time and take the following documents with you.
- Passport – valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your course
- The signed SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 and SEVIS fee receipt
- The DS-160 application confirmation page with barcode and application ID number
- The visa fee payment receipt
- A printed copy of the visa interview appointment letter
- Two 2×2 identical photos printed on photo paper
It’s also advisable to carry your test scores and degrees from previously attended educational institutes along with your financial evidence.
What To Do Once You Get Your Student Visa For The US
After your visa is approved and you arrive in the US, you have to keep a few things in mind. For starters, don’t enter the country more than thirty days before the commencement of your program.
It’s advisable to contact your school official as soon as you enter the US. You will have to contact them again when your program date starts.
It’s very important to follow your visa requirements so you don’t get deported! If you have any questions about the requirements you should contact your school’s international student office so they can clarify any requirement.
How Long Can You Stay In The US After Graduation On A Student Visa
This is quite important. You need to leave the county within 60 days of completing your program. Look at your I-10 for the date listed. Students with J1 or M visas have to leave the country within 30 days after their program ends.
On the positive side, If you want to extend your stay, you can apply for a visa extension via the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
It’s quite probable that your plans change while staying in the US. You can apply for a change in your visa status in that case. If this happens when you are already living in the country, you don’t have to apply for a new visa. You can request to change your nonimmigrant status through USCIS. But don’t forget to update your DSO before you apply for any such change. And the DSO can even help you with it all.
Validity Of The Student Visa To The US
Follow all the rules and conditions so you don’t jeopardize your visa. Here are some things you have to do to ensure your visa remains valid.
- Do what you set out to do. If you are here for a bachelor’s degree, finish that bachelor’s degree.
- Abide by all the regulations associated with your visa
- Attend and pass all the classes. If you are unable to do so or encounter any difficulty in your class, speak with your school’s International Student Office or to your DSO immediately to come up with a solution.
- Speak to your school’s International Student Office or DSO about program extension if you feel you won’t be able to complete your program by the date listed on your form.
- Enroll as a full-time student every term and talk to your school’s International Student Office or DSO if you need to drop a course
From Student visa to the usa to Stay In The US After Completing Your Program
So you want to stay in the US after you graduate? There are options! If you have an F1 student visa, you have three options to prolong your stay in the country.
OPT – Optional Practical Training
This is temporary employment authorization. Of course, your employment has to be related to your F1 area of study. To clarify, you can apply for this one after you complete your program and may stay up to one year of OPT authorization.
But if you have a degree in technology, science, Math or engineering you can also apply for an additional two-year extension of OPT for a total of three years.
Apply For A Non-Immigrant Work Visa
There are various options for this one.
H-1B Specialty Occupations
With this visa, immigrants can work in high-skilled occupations temporarily. To clarify, to apply for this visa you should have specialized knowledge along with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
E-1/E-2 Treaty Trader and Investor
This one’s for immigrants who belong to countries having a treaty of commerce with the US.
L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa
This visa is for workers who work outside the US and are now being transferred to the US or for workers who will be establishing a new company. However, Keep in mind that this visa does not allow you to stay in the country permanently.
Apply For A Green Card
All things considered, this is the ultimate solution for those who want to stay in the US long-term. You can become a lawful permanent resident of the country if you get a green card. International students can obtain a green card through asylum status, immediate family sponsorship, and green card lottery. In addition, Joining the military or getting sponsorship through work increase your chances.
Make Adequate Preparations Beforehand
Lastly, If you are hoping to stay in the US after you complete your program, It’s best to plan ahead. F1 visa holders have more options to stay long term. And you can increase your chances of landing a job immediately after graduation by taking unpaid internships as you study.
Make sure you take full advantage of internships offered by your school or program as these may get your notice by potential employers. You may complete multiple internships during your program and most schools also offer career centers that can help with resume building, job interviews, and finding a job after you complete your program.
