REQUIREMENTS FOR USA STUDENT VISA
A valid passport with a validity date a minimum of six months beyond your period of stay
- Recent passport size photograph
- Confirmation page of DS-160
- Form I -20
- Payment of application fees for SEVIS
- Application as a non-immigrant
- Your University will cause you to conscious of additional requirements if any before your application of USA student visa.
COST OF STUDYING within the USA
The US Universities fall into two major categories: public-funded and personal institutions. International students’ tuition expenses at state schools are supported nonresident costs, which are still usually less costly than those of personal universities. you’ll need approximately $10,000 to $55,000 annually to hide your tuition fees.
AFTER YOU GRADUATE:
- F1 USA student visa holders are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT (optional practical training) on completion of graduation. meaning you’ll work for a year after you finish your studies
- It is temporary employment permission allowing students the chance to realize practical experience in their field of study
- After that, you’ll be required to use for a piece visa if you’ve got to continue working within the US. you’ll remain within the US up to 60 days after the completion of your course albeit you don’t have employment offer or haven’t applied for OPT.
WHY STUDY within the USA?
- Affordable Education
- Diversity and adaptability
- Outstanding network for overseas students
- Healthy and Safe Communities
- International students can often work while they study & Internships
- Exciting Campus Lifestyle
F-1 Visa for International Students: Requirements, Rules, Status
What Is a F-1 USA Student Visa?
International students can come to the US and study at institutions approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program with the help of the F-1 student visa, which is a non-immigrant visa (SEVP). It is the most common sort of student visa for those looking to enrol in a US university or college, and you may only apply for an F-1 visa after your application has been accepted by a recognised US institution.
The length of your stay as an F-1 student will depend on the course you enrol in. The I-20 form that the university you want to attend will give you will include the program’s expiration date on it. This will offer you a general idea of how to complete your degree before the given expiration date.
F-1 USA Student Visa Requirements
There are several F-1 visa rules to keep in mind if you plan to apply for a F-1 student visa. You must meet these requirements for your application to be accepted:
Institution certification—The college or the university where you plan to study needs to be approved by SEVP Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
Full-time enrollment—You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution while your academic term is in session.
English language proficiency—You must meet the required English language proficiency score of the institution you are attending or be enrolled in courses that will help you improve your English proficiency.
Sufficient funding—You must prove you have sufficient funds available to finance your studies and living expenses while in the US.
Valid passport—Your passport should be valid for US travel for at least six months after your program completion date.
Home country residency—Students are required to have a residence in your home country to return to following the completion of your degree.
How to Apply for a F-1 Visa
Before you begin your F-1 visa application, you must take the following steps:
Get accepted by a SEVP-certified institution before submitting your visa application. When you are accepted, you will receive your I-20 form, which you will need to apply for your F-1 visa.
Pay your SEVIS fee.
Complete your DS-160 visa application.
Schedule your visa interview.
Attend your visa interview.
Once these steps are completed, you will be ready to complete and submit your F-1 student visa application.
F-1 USA Student Visa Application Process
1. Get Accepted and Get Your I-20
Once you are admitted to a US university recognised by SEVP, the F-1 student visa application procedure begins. The US government uses SEVP certification to show that your university is recognised and has the resources necessary to give you an education.
Your university will provide your I-20 form once you’ve been accepted. This form outlines your intended course of study and offers pertinent details regarding your visit.
The following information is recorded in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) when your I-20 is issued:
Your SEVIS ID number
Your program start and end dates
Their intended program of study
Your funding sources
Cost of attendance at your school of choice
Other personal information
Your university provides this information based off what you submit in your university application materials.
Immediately after receiving your I-20, double-check that all of your information is correct before signing the bottom of the first page. If there is a mistake on your I-20, it may take a while to have it fixed and you might not be allowed to enter the country. When you visit the US, keep your form I-20. You’ll require it to travel to the US, work, and engage in other activities.
2. Pay Your SEVIS Fee
The total cost for your F-1 student visa will be approximately $510, which includes the cost of the visa itself, plus SEVIS processing and maintenance fees.
Requirements: Your I-20
Cost: $350
Where to apply: Payment portal for your SEVIS fee
Make sure to save the I-901 SEVIS fee receipt. You will need it for your visa interview.
3. Complete Your DS-160 Visa Application
Your DS-160 is your visa application. All prospective international students must complete a DS-160 to receive an F-1 visa.
Requirements: Your I-20, passport, travel itinerary, photo for your visa
Cost: $160
Where to apply: Application portal for your DS-160
After you successfully submit your DS-160, you will receive a printed confirmation with a barcode on it. Save this form – you will need it for your visa interview.
4. Schedule Your Visa Interview
Set up your visa interview at the closest embassy or consulate of the United States. Considering that wait times might last months and vary by nation, make sure to schedule your visits as soon as feasible.
Ask your enrollment counsellor for advice on how to prepare for a mock interview if you are enrolling at a US university through Kiwi Immigration. You’ll feel more at ease with the procedure if you prepare for your visa interview.
5. Attend Your Visa Interview
The US consulate or embassy verifies that you are coming to study as a real, committed student during the interview phase of the F-1 visa application process. You must demonstrate financial support for your time spent studying in the US and confirm your intent to return home during the visa interview. Although there are a few very rare exceptions (for example, if you are younger than 14 or older than 80, or if you meet certain requirements for visa renewal), showing up in person for your visa interview is required.
Cost: Your DS-160 payment covers the cost
Where to apply: Scheduling portal for your visa interview
After you successfully complete your visa interview, you will be granted your F-1 visa and acquire F-1 status. You are now cleared to study in the USA!
F-1 Visa Admission Requirements
Before you attend your visa interview, make sure to have the following documents ready for evaluation by the consular officer:
A valid passport
A copy of the photo you will use for your visa
Printed copies of your DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmations
I-20 form
School transcript and official test scores cited on your university application
Diploma (if applicable)
Bank statements or other proof of finances
During your interview, the consular officer may request additional documents. To prepare, consider bringing the following documents:
Academic records such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
Standardized test scores required by your US institution
Evidence of your intent to depart the United States upon completion of your course of study
Statements proving your ability to pay all educational, living, and travel costs
F-1 Visa Interview
You might feel uneasy about your upcoming interview as an international student. It’s normal to feel nervous, but don’t forget to take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are well prepared! Although important, your interview shouldn’t be tense.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR VISA INTERVIEW
Your interviewer will ask questions to determine:
Are you a legitimate student?
Do you have the resources to pay for your studies?
Do you plan to return home after completing your degree?
To prepare for your F-1 student visa interview, here are some questions you might be asked:
Why did you pick this university?
Which other US universities did you apply to?
How will you pay for your education?
Do you have relatives in the USA?
Do you plan to work while in the USA?
What do you plan to do after graduation?