USA Student Visa

The United States of America has emerged as the ultimate destination for pursuing higher education, a position it has successfully maintained for quite some time now. Renowned for its prestigious Ivy League colleges and state universities offering top-notch STEM courses, American educational institutions are highly sought after by students aspiring to earn a degree from abroad. However, studying in the USA requires the submission of various documents, including but not limited to a Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), transcripts, and visas. The process of obtaining a USA Student Visa may appear challenging and complex. To provide clarity on this matter, we present a blog that elucidates the application process for a USA Visa, along with other essential details, to help pave your way towards a comprehensive education in the United States!

1200px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg USA Student Visa

THE CONTENTS OF THIS BLOG.

Types of USA Student Visa

A student visa is a requirement for individuals from any country who wish to pursue studies in the United States. Depending on the nature of their program, students generally need either an F or M visa to undertake a full course of study, such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or research program. Other visa types, such as the Visitor (B) visa or the Visa Waiver Program, do not apply to full-time study in the U.S. These visas are primarily intended for shorter periods of study or non-credit courses. The table below provides an overview of the various types of student visas available for studying in the USA and their respective application processes:

USA Student Visa Types	Applicable For
F1 Student Visa	An F1 visa is required for students applying to programs that require more than 18 hours of study per week. This includes all undergraduate and graduate programs such as MS, MBA, and so on.
F2 Student Dependent Visa	The student-dependent visa is referred to as the F2 Visa. The F2 visa is a non-immigrant dependent visa that allows immediate family members of F1 student visa holders to visit the United States. The spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 are considered dependents.
J1 Exchange Visitor Visa	The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is intended for students, visiting researchers, or lecturers who are participating in an exchange program. Fulbright scholars and many students on short-term study abroad programs from Nigerian institutions, for example, will enter the United States on a J-1 visa.
J-2 Visa	The J2 visa is a visa issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). It is a special visa for J1 visa holders’ wives and dependents. These people may later accompany or join a J1 visa holder in the United States.
M-1 Vocational/ Non-Academic Student Visa	The M1 visa is a sort of student visa that is only available to students attending vocational and technical schools. While the application procedure for the F1 visa and the M-1 visa is identical, the M1 visas are time-stamped upon entry and students cannot overstay their visit.
M-2 Visa	The M-2 nonimmigrant visa allows a valid M-1 student visa holder’s dependent spouse and children under the age of 21 to enter the United States.

USA Student Visa: Application Process

Whether you’re seeking admission to STEM courses in the United States or any other degree program, obtaining a student visa is a requirement. Although the application process may differ across countries, the following are the general steps to apply for a student visa in the USA:

Step 1: Apply to a SEVP Approved Academic Institute

The next step is to get your clearance from a SEVP-approved school in the United States. After your acceptance by the school, you will have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, following which, the school will issue Form I-20. After filling up the form duly, you must schedule an interview with your nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy. Ensure to complete the online application form for the USA student Visa after payment of the required fee and carry a copy of the confirmation on the interview day.

Step 2: Prepare for the USA Student Visa Interview

Always remember the interview process may be lengthy but it’s not rocket science. You have to be careful not to miss any steps and be extra careful with documents. There is a range of interview questions that you will be required to answer. Prepare beforehand for the common interview questions for a US visa.
Carry a valid passport whose validity must be six months beyond your actual stay in the United States.
Carry a printout of Form I-20 duly signed by you and the school you are applying to.