If you are a prospective student, planning to study in the USA, you must have a thorough understanding of the student visa USA. There are two types of Visas for students – F or M, determined by the course of study and type of school you plan to attend.
You shall obtain M Visa category if you are entering the United States to attend vocational or other recognized non-academic institution, other than a language training program.
However, if you intend to study in USA in a University or College, High School, Private Elementary School, Seminary, Conservatory or another academic institution, including a language training program, you must obtain the F Visa category.
You can approach study abroad consultants with your profile to have better insights regarding the Visa types and the formalities required thereafter. There are several steps to apply for a student visa, the order of which may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is better to consult the instructions on the embassy or consulate website to have the better understanding of the same. Below mentioned are some basic steps to obtain student visa USA:
The interview with consular officer will decide if you are qualified to receive a student visa. You should be able to prove that you meet all the criteria under U.S. law to receive the Visa, however, the officer may still determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this is required.
A visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry, after which U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer will authorize your entry into the United States. The officer can permit or deny your admission into the country after you present your passport, visa and Form I-20. Once you are allowed to enter, the CBP official will prove an admission stamp or paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure record.
A student visa USA (F or M) for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the program, however a student is not permitted to enter the United States earlier than 30 days before the start date of the program. Wilful misinterpretation of a material fact, or attempting to obtain a visa through unfair means or fraud can lead to permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.
You shall obtain M Visa category if you are entering the United States to attend vocational or other recognized non-academic institution, other than a language training program.
However, if you intend to study in USA in a University or College, High School, Private Elementary School, Seminary, Conservatory or another academic institution, including a language training program, you must obtain the F Visa category.
You can approach study abroad consultants with your profile to have better insights regarding the Visa types and the formalities required thereafter. There are several steps to apply for a student visa, the order of which may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is better to consult the instructions on the embassy or consulate website to have the better understanding of the same. Below mentioned are some basic steps to obtain student visa USA:
- Complete the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 and print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview
- Upload your photo while completing the online form DS-160 as per the format explained in the photographs requirement
- Schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your native country
- Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, if you’re required to pay it before the interview. If the visa is approved, you may also be required to pay the visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality.
- Be prepared with the following documents before your interview:
- A valid passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States
- Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
- Printed photographs as per the photograph requirement
- Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20 (which shall be sent by your Institute once they have entered your information in the Student and Exchange Visitor system)
- Additional documents may also be required such as evidence of your academic preparation, intent of returning back to home country and proof of financial stability.
The interview with consular officer will decide if you are qualified to receive a student visa. You should be able to prove that you meet all the criteria under U.S. law to receive the Visa, however, the officer may still determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this is required.
A visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry, after which U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer will authorize your entry into the United States. The officer can permit or deny your admission into the country after you present your passport, visa and Form I-20. Once you are allowed to enter, the CBP official will prove an admission stamp or paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure record.
A student visa USA (F or M) for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the program, however a student is not permitted to enter the United States earlier than 30 days before the start date of the program. Wilful misinterpretation of a material fact, or attempting to obtain a visa through unfair means or fraud can lead to permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.
