Are you wondering how to apply for a student visa in the USA? Here is all you need to know!

The type of student visa you need to study in the USA will mainly depend on the degree you want to pursue there. If you want to study in the USA, read on to learn about the US student visa types, requirements, how to apply for a student visa in the US, costs, and more. You can also visit the USA Government’s Department of State website to find out more about the USA student visa types.

The USA Student Visa Types

The US Government offers three different types of student visas:

  • F Student Visa :used to study at an accredited US college or university or to study English at an English language institute

  • J Exchange Visa: for participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study

  • M Student Visa: for non-academic or vocational study or training in the US

How to Apply for a USA Student Visa

Before applying for a student visa in the US you must be accepted by a SEVP-approved school or institute. After your enrolment to the SEVP-approved school, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and should pay an application fee. Then you will receive your I-20 Form issued by the SERV-approved school. After these steps, you will be ready to apply for a student visa at a US Embassy or Consulate.

The USA Student Visa Requirements and Application Process

Once you are accepted to a SEVP-approved school and got your I-20 form, the next step would be completing the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. After completing DS-160 you can schedule your visa interview. Remember to prepare your documents before attending your visa interview.

Required Documents for the USA Student Visa

Here are the documents you need for a student visa in the USA:

  • A valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the USA (unless exempt by country-specific agreements)

  • Acceptance at a SEVP-approved school and your Form I-20

  • Application fee payment for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)

  • Non-immigrant visa application and the Form DS-160 confirmation page

  • One or two photographs in the requested format

During the interview additional documentation may also be required:

  • Academic preparation documents such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates

  • Evidence that you have sufficient funds to maintain your living expenses throughout the period of your stay in the USA. This may include bank statements, a financial undertaking by a sponsor to cover your accommodation and living costs or a scholarship program.

  • Evidence that you will leave the USA once you have completed your course of study. This can be in the form of an airline ticket out of the USA to your home country.

The USA Student Visa Interview

The visa interview is the most important part of the visa application. So, knowing the reason behind the interview would be helpful. In the USA student visa interview, the consular officer will ask you questions to know more about you. Before entering the USA, they want to see your real intentions, if you really wish to study or if is there any other reason behind your visa application. So, they may ask about your program, research field or if you are applying for a master’s degree and so on. Being ready for these questions and preparing your answers will play a significant role in supporting your documents.

The Cost of a Student Visa in the USA

The US Student visa application fee is $160 but with the SEVIS application fee, the total process may cost up to $510. See the Fees for Visa Services website for detailed information.

IDP is a leading student placement organisation that helps international students study their dream program in an English-speaking country every year. If you need USA visa assistance, speak to our IDP certified visa counsellors to help you throughout your visa application process and more.