Being accepted to your preferred university isn’t enough to allow you to study abroad. The most important step in the entire process is the application for a visa. Making an application for the USA student visa on your own can be difficult however, it is certainly worth the waiting! Furthermore it is true that the US is among the top options for studying abroad, which makes the USA student visa application process quite competitive when compared with other nations.
This information will be a blessing for you if you plan to apply for a student visa for the USA. So continue reading to get the smallest details about the prerequisites, cost, processing time, and much more for USA student visas!
latest updates on US student visas
Students who have received all recommended vaccinations are exempt from pandemic limitations under the new US regulations. Additionally, 22 new STEM programmes have recently been introduced by the US Department of Homeland Security. The programmes also enable students to begin their employment upon graduation by extending their OPT, or optional practical training, from 12 months to 36 months.
The application process for US visas has also undergone a minor alteration that could take effect in the summer of 2022. Last but not least, for the majority of visa types, the US has also waived in-person visa interviews.
US student visa categories
Let’s first go over the prerequisites for US study visas before introducing you to the several US student visa categories. The three categories of US student visas are listed below:
One of the most popular forms of student visas in the US is the
- F-1, which is appropriate for courses needing more than 18 hours of attendance per week. UG and PG programmes are both covered by this sort of visa.
- J-1 Exchange Student Visa: Those looking for a short-term programme to study in the US should consider the J-1 visa. It is appropriate for students, scholars, and working professionals. Additionally, students travelling to the US as part of exchange programmes are eligible for the visa.
- M-1 Vocational/Non-Academic Visa: This specific visa is necessary for technical schools and vocational programmes. Students cannot overstay their visas in the US.
Conditions for a Student Visa for the United States
Let’s learn more about the prerequisites for US student visas today. The numerous pieces of documentation needed to begin your application for a student visa to the USA are listed below:
- Academic Papers
- High school transcripts of achievement
- Bachelor’s degree (if required)
- Acceptance letter from your college or university
- Proof of English language competency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
- ACT, SAT, GMAT, and GRE results
- Provisional certificates
- SOPs, LORs
- Work experience proof
Financial Records
- Banking records (I-20 proof of funds)
- earnings statements and a letter of employment
- Letter of support (if available)
- three years’ worth of tax returns
- letter approving a loan (if required)
- Remarks from CA
- financial aid letter (if available)
Visa Documents
- current passport
- DS-160 form in printed form with invitation to interview (original and copy)
- I-20 form with SEVIS fee receipt (provided by your college or university
- confirmation of payment for the visa fee
US student visa fees
Let’s find out the cost of an American student visa now that we are aware of the conditions for applying for one. The SEVIS fee and the visa application cost are the two components of the USA study visa fees.
The total breakdown of USA student visa fees for various visa kinds is provided below:
Type of Fee | F-1 Visa Type | J-1 Visa Type | M-1 Visa Type |
SEVIS Fee | 350 USD | 220 USD | 350 USD |
Visa Application Fee | 160 USD | 160 USD | 160 USD |
How can I apply for a student visa in the US?
How to apply for a student visa to the United States can be answered in the straightforward stages listed below:
- Get the I-20 document from your college or university.
- Before beginning the application for your USA student visa, pay the SEVIS fee.
- Fill out the DS-160 visa form and obtain the SEVIS fee receipt.
- Pay the application fee for a visa.
- Make a biometrics and US visa interview appointment.
Where Can I Apply for a Student Visa in the US?
For the F-1 visa, the complete application process for US student visas is done online. To complete their application for a student visa to the United States from India, applicants must go to the biometric and US visa interview centres.
The addresses for the US Embassy and Consulate are shown below for Indian students to complete the US student visa process:
- US Embassy in New Delhi, Shanti Path, Chanakyauri, New Delhi-110021
- US Consulate General in Mumbai, C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400051
- US Consulate General in Chennai, 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006
- US Consulate General in Kolkata, 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071
- US Consulate General in Hyderabad, Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003
Processing Time for US Student Visa
Depending on your application and visa category, the processing time for a USA student visa might range from 3-5 weeks on average to even 2-3 months. Applicants for F-1 visas might anticipate quicker processing times than for other visa classes.
The typical wait time for applicants to receive their visa hard copy after receiving a favourable response from the US visa consulate is two to three days. Additionally, F-1 visas are granted before 120 days have passed since the start of your US academic programmes.
Interviews for US student visas
The final step in the application procedure for an Indian student’s US visa is an interview. A favourable interview outcome may enable you to obtain a student visa as soon as your interview is over!
The US student visa interview typically lasts for 4-5 minutes, making it not the longest step in the overall USA student visa procedure from India. You must bring all of your US study visa interview materials with you, neatly organised in a file, to the interview.
Students from India can obtain US visas quickly and easily if their supporting documentation is accurate. Additionally, giving your best effort at the interview can undoubtedly help you have a better future! You can contact our Glaarus Counsellors for assistance if you’re still unclear about how to apply for a student visa for the USA.
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