If you want to study in the United States as an international student, you'll need to obtain a student visa. The type of visa you need depends on your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend.
Generally, foreigners who wish to travel to the United States must first obtain either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. You must have a U.S. Student Visa to travel to the United States to study. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F1 Visa or an M1 Visa.
A visitor (B) visa permits enrollment in a short recreational course of study, which is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate. Study leading to a U.S. conferred degree or certificate is not permitted on a visitor (B) visa under any duration.
You may not study to obtain an academic certificate after entering on a visitor (B) visa unless you have received a change of status from USCIS.
One of the U.S. Student Visa requirements is to apply to a School approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted by the SEVP-approved school, you will be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS fee. The SEVP-approved school will then issue Form I-20.
After receiving the Form I-20 and registering in SEVIS, you can apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M) visa. You must present the Form I-20 during your visa interview.
If your spouse and children are moving with you to the United States while you study, they must also enroll in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s from the F1 or M1 approved school, and apply for a visa. However, they do not required to pay the SEVIS fee. In addition, they must have separate visa applications.
Visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website to learn more about SEVIS and the SEVIS I-901 fee.
Foreigners wishing to participate in U.S. exchange programs must first obtain a visa. Exchange Visitor (J) visa are nonimmigrant visas for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the U.S.
Apply for an exchange visitor program through a pre-approved organization in the U.S.
You will automatically be registered in SEVIS after being accepted into a program.
Once your registration is active, pay the SEVIS fee. Sometimes, payment is not required, so check if your fee has already been waived.
The J-1 Visa allows international students to study at American tertiary institutions or participate in a student internship program that aligns with the educational objectives of their home country's degree program. This visa is part of the Exchange Visitor Program and is available to students who meet specific funding or program participation criteria.
The student must be financed directly or indirectly by the U.S. government, the government of their home country, or an international organization of which the United States is a member by treaty or statute. Alternatively, the student may be supported substantially by funding from sources other than personal or family finances.
The student's exchange program must be based on an agreement between the U.S. government and a foreign government, a written agreement between American and foreign educational institutions, or an agreement between an American educational institution and foreign government. Similarly, the program could be based on contracts between U.S. state or local governments and foreign governments.
Students participating in an internship program that fulfills the educational objectives of the degree program in their home country may also qualify for the J-1 Visa.
Students pursuing a non-degree program must be enrolled full-time in a prescribed course. The maximum duration for non-degree programs is 24 months, which includes any academic training.
The J-1 Visa is also available for foreign secondary school students who wish to travel to the United States to study at an accredited public or private high school. These students typically live with an American host family or attend an accredited boarding school, providing them with an immersive cultural and educational experience.
Students must be at least 15 years old but at most 18 years and six months old by the program start date.
Students must not have completed more than 11 years of primary and secondary education, excluding kindergarten, by the time their exchange program begins.
The student must not have previously participated in a secondary school academic year or semester exchange program or attended school in the U.S. in either F-1 or J-1 status.
Visit the Department of State J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program website to learn more about these programs.
Applying for a U.S. Student Visa involves several steps. The exact process and order to complete these steps may vary by Embassy or Consulate, so it is essential to consult the instructions provided on their websites. Below is a general guide on how to navigate the F1 Visa application and M1 visa application processes.
Complete the form online and ensure all information is accurate and current. After submitting the form, print the confirmation page and bring it to your visa interview.
You must upload a photo that meets specific requirements. Ensure the image complies with the Photograph Requirements listed by the U.S. State Department. If the upload fails, bring a printed photo that meets the guidelines to your interview.
In most cases, applicants for a U.S. Student Visa will need to attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Exceptions may apply based on factors such as age or previous visa issuance.
A non-refundable visa application fee of $185 is part of the U.S. student visa cost. If required, pay the fees before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality.
Interview wait times can vary depending on location, visa category, and time of year. It is advisable to start your application early to avoid delays. Check the U.S. embassy or consulate website for specific interview requirements and procedures in your country.
After your interview, the consular officer may inform you that your application requires further administrative processing. This additional step may extend your waiting time.
The path to studying in the U.S. is an exciting opportunity, and by meeting the Student Visa requirements, you can make your dream a reality. For more information on how to apply for a U.S. Student Visa, speak with an experienced immigration attorney or visit the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
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