Approximately 30% of all international students choose to study in the USA. A combination of world-class institutions, state-of-the-art facilities, an excellent academic reputation and a diverse mix of cultures from all over the world makes it the number one destination for international students. Plus, due to its size, there's plenty of choice.
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Applying for a student visa is one of the central steps in preparing for an overseas education. If you are studying a course that is over eighteen hours a week then you will need to apply for a student visa. You can only apply for a visa once you have been accepted for enrolment by a school that is SEVP certified (click here to learn about SEVP and SEVIS).
Here are the different types of student visas:
How to apply
It is important to apply for your visa as soon as you’re prepared, to allow for processing times. Students should note that embassies and consulates are only able to issue your student visa up to 120 days in advance of the course start or registration date.
However, it is advisable to apply for your visa well in advance; the embassy or consulate will hold your application until it is able to issue the visa and may use this time for additional processing, if required. Initial student visitors cannot enter the USA more than 30 days in advance of the course start date, so bear this in mind when making your travel arrangements.
Once you have been accepted for enrolment at a SEVP certified US institution, the institution will send you a SEVIS document. You will be required to pay a SEVIS I-901 fee. Your institution may pay this fee for you but is not required to.
After you receive the SEVIS document from your institution, you must fill in the online DS-160 application form and normally will also be required to pay the application processing fee. You must print the confirmation barcode page when you have completed your application. You must then arrange an interview with your nearest US embassy or consulate. Wait times for appointments can vary so early application is advisable. Visit the US Embassy website to find your nearest office.
You will have an interview at your nearest consulate or embassy so that they can assess your application. You may also have a digital fingerprint taken.
Your application will be processed and, in most cases, your passport and visa will be sent to you by a secure postal method. Usually, processing times are less than one week; however students who are advised that their application requires additional processing may have to wait an extra 60-90 days.
What documentation will I need?
F-1 and M-1 applicants will need:
You may also be required to show, and should be prepared to provide:
In order for your application to be approved, the consular officer must be satisfied that you intend to leave the USA after you finish studying. Proof of this includes:
J-1 applicants will need:
In order for your application to be approved, the consular officer must be satisfied that you intend to only stay in the USA for a temporary, specific, limited period of study. Evidence of
this includes:
Application fees
The current application fee for all student visa categories is currently $140. This is non-refundable, even if your application fails. If you are issued with a visa, you may also be required to pay visa issuance reciprocity fee. To find out if you will be required to pay this, visit the US Department of State travel website.
Dependants
All dependants of a student must apply for their own visas (F-1 or F-2) and the student must provide proof of the relationship (i.e. marriage or birth certificates). It is preferable that families apply for their visas at the same time, but if dependants apply at a later date, they must also provide a copy of the student’s passport and visa.
You will usually be admitted to the USA on a student visa for the duration of your student status. This means you may stay as long as you are a full-time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in the USA. Students who have completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorised practical training, are allowed some additional time in the country before departure as follows:
Useful links
For more information on student visas and how to apply visit:
US Department of State
travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html
Education USA
www.educationusa.info
Online visa application (DS-160)
ceac.state.gov/genniv/
Last updated: 15 December 2011
