Planning to study in the USA? Getting admission is just the first step! To legally enter and stay in the US for your course duration, you’ll need a student visa approved by the US government. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the entire USA student visa application process, so you’re fully prepared for every step.
“Achieving a USA student visa is the outcome of preparation, perseverance, attention to detail, patience, and commitment to your goals.”
Step-by-Step Process for a USA Student Visa
1. Apply for Offer Letter:
This is the letter you receive from a U.S. university after they have accepted you into a program (like a degree or a course). It’s like an invitation from the school, saying they want you to be a part of their academic community. The letter typically includes details about your program, start dates, tuition fees, and other essential info.
2. I-20 Form:
After you get the Offer Letter, the school sends you the I-20 form. This form is really important for your U.S. student visa application (F-1 visa). The I-20 confirms that you’ve been accepted to study in the U.S. and that you have the financial ability to support yourself while you study. You’ll need this form when you go to your visa interview and it’s also used to enter the U.S. when you start your studies
3. Submit the USA Visa Application (DS-160)
To start the visa process, you’ll need to fill out the DS-160, an online non-immigrant visa application form. Completing this form is mandatory for all international students. After submission, you’ll receive a DS-160 confirmation page, which you’ll need for your visa interview.
4. Pay the Visa Fee
Next, pay the visa application fee, known as the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee. This non-refundable fee, currently set at $185, covers your visa application processing. You can make the payment through credit card, or cash at authorized bank branches.Once you’ve made the payment, save the receipt with the acknowledgment number—you’ll need it to schedule your visa interview.
5. Schedule Your Visa Appointment
After payment, you’ll schedule two important appointments:
- Visa Application Center (VAC) appointment
- Embassy or Consulate visa interview
To schedule your appointment, you’ll need your passport number, the visa application fee receipt number, and the 10-digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.
Ensure you have all this information ready before scheduling your appointment.
6. Pay the SEVIS Fee
You’ll need to pay the $350 SEVIS fee at least 3 days before submitting your visa application. This fee supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You can pay it online or using a paper form through the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.
Once the payment is made, download and print the receipt. You’ll need to show this at your visa interview.
7. Visa Interview Process
The final step is your visa interview. You’ll appear for the interview at your nearest US consulate or embassy. Be punctual and well-prepared for the interview. The consular officer will assess your eligibility for the F-1 student visa by asking questions about your:
- Ties to your home country
- Educational background
- English language proficiency
- Financial resources
Once approved, your visa will be sent to you by mail, or you can collect it from the designated courier service.
Required Documents for the USA Student Visa Interview
Make sure to have the following documents ready for your visa interview:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
- Printed DS-160 confirmation, Appointment Confirmation and SEVIS payment confirmation.
- 1 passport-sized photo for your visa application
- Bank statements or proof of financial support
- School transcripts and official test scores
- Diploma (if applicable)
- Standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, GRE)- Not Mandatory
- Evidence of your intent to leave the US after completing your studies
