USA Study Visa
The United States of America has remained one of the top choices among international students looking to study abroad. The USA has some of the world's best universities that attract international students. To study in the USA, international students must obtain the USA study visa.
The most common visa for students is the F-1 visa, but other types are available depending on the nature of the study. The U.S. study visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enroll in accredited institutions, including universities, colleges, and high schools.
This comprehensive guide covers the USA study visa requirements and the application process for Indian students.
Types of study visa for USA
The government of the United States of America offers three types of study visas, each of which is designed according to different educational program requirements.
F-1 visa (Academic student visa)
The F-1 visa represents the most common form of study visa for the U.S. in which students are enrolled in a full-time program of study in accredited U.S. institutions, like universities, high schools, and language training programs.
This visa program allows foreign students to remain or stay in the USA during the period of research and, while there, provides opportunities for limited work, more particularly through on-campus employment and OPT after completing their studies.
To apply for a visa under this program, a candidate must meet the following requirements.
F-1 Visa requirement | Details |
Full-Time Enrollment | Must be enrolled full-time in an academic program at a university, college, high school, or language school that has received SEVP approval. |
English Proficiency | Show proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS or join a language training program. |
Financial Support | Provide proof of funds for tuition and living expenses (Bank statements, Scholarships, or sponsor guarantees). |
Form I-20 | Issued by the U.S. school, it confirms your program, costs, and funding required for the visa application. |
Maintain Status | Stay enrolled full-time throughout your studies. |
Non-Immigrant Intent | Demonstrate that you intend to return home after finishing your education. |
M-1 visa (Vocational student visa)
The M-1 Student visa program is a unique type of student visa that allows a student to take a course of study or training at a vocational or other institution with more than two years of academic research or term.
It is for a vocational school or other school that awards only non-academic degrees. Students have more restrictive work conditions and cannot work on campus with an M-1 Visa compared to the F-1.
The following information explains the eligibility criteria for this study visa program.
M-1 visa requirements | Details |
Enrollment in Vocational Program | Must be enrolled full-time in a vocational or technical program at an SEVP-certified school. |
English Proficiency | Show English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) or enroll in language courses. |
Financial Support | Give evidence that you have enough money for living expenses and tuition-restricted employment options. |
Non-Immigrant Intent | Prove your intent to return to your home country after your studies. |
Form I-20 | Your SEVP-approved institution issues the required document for visa application. |
Limited Duration | Must leave the U.S. after completing studies; no transfer to F-1 visa programs, limited post-study work options. |
J-1 visa (Exchange visitor visa)
The J-1 Visa covers students on exchange programs, including high school and college exchange students, research scholars, trainees, and professors. The most common users are students participating in government-sponsored or international exchange agreements.
The following are the eligibility criteria for this visa program.
J-1 Visa Eligibility | Details |
Participation in Approved Exchange Program | Must be enrolled in a U.S. government-recognized exchange program, often sponsored by a government or international organization. |
English Proficiency | Demonstrate proficiency through tests or program-approved means. |
Proof of Financial Support | Show proof of sufficient funds through scholarships, program funding, or personal resources. |
Form DS-2019 | The required form is issued by the exchange program sponsor for visa application. |
Home Residency Requirement | Some J-1 holders must return to their home country for two years after the program before applying for certain U.S. visas (e.g., H-1B). |
USA student visa general requirements for Indian students
Before applying for a student visa in USA, you must fulfill the following USA study visa requirements.
Acceptance into SEVP-approved institution
The first and most important requirement is to be registered at a US school or an educational institution with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- For an F-1 visa, these institutions include universities, colleges, high schools, private elementary schools, seminaries, conservatories, or language training programs.
- Vocational, as well as other non-academic courses, are included under the M-1 visa.
- For a J-1 visa, applicants are eligible if they can be accepted to participate in an exchange program approved by the U.S. government.
Evidence of financial sufficiency
You must demonstrate that you have financial resources to support your tuition, living expenses, and all costs during your stay in the U.S. Bank statements, affidavits of support, scholarship documentation, and even sponsorship letters are some documents that may be presented.
Generally, the amount you need to show will depend on what your Form I-20 shows for F-1 and M-1 visa holders. Funding For students who hold a J-1 visa, funding is usually indicated on the Form DS-2019.
English language proficiency
You should be fluent in english unless you are seeking enrollment in a training program for a language. Additionally, many educational institutions want students to take standardised english language tests such as TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
Some US institutions also offer conditional admission if you attend an english as a second language program before starting your primary course of study.
Proof of strong ties with home country
You must demonstrate that you have strong ties with your home country and intend to leave the country after completing your studies.
Evidence of familial ties, property ownership, or future job prospects in the home country is one method to establish proof of such instances.
The U.S. government wants you to know that you will not stay in the United States without legal status after completing your education.
Valid passport
You must hold a valid passport for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the United States.
No previous immigration violations
If you have previously overstayed your visa or have some other immigration violation history, you cannot receive a study visa for the United States quickly. Therefore, maintaining a spotless immigration record will increase your chances of acceptance.
Documents requirement for US student’s visas
In general, your application for a student visa must be submitted with the following documentation:
- Requisite application form duly filled and signed
- I-20 showing that you are enrolled in a US university
- Valid passport for at least six months beyond the period of stay
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Receipt of payment of visa processing fees
- Confirmation page of DS-160
- Documents to show you are a bonafide student
- Payment of the application fee for SEVIS
- Documents to show sponsorship
- Documents to show the availability of funds
Process to apply for USA student visa for Indian students
You must follow the following steps to initiate the application process for a student visa in the USA.
Step 1: Apply to a SEVP-approved school and obtain an I-20
Before applying for a student visa, a foreign student must be enrolled at a US institution. The US government's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) must accredit your institution.
- For your certification or degree to be accepted by companies globally, professional organizations, government agencies, other schools and universities, and ministries, accreditation is essential.
- The United States, unlike many other nations, does not have a centralized university application system. Thus, you will need to apply to each school or university.
- It implies that you will have to meet all of the conditions for admission that each school has, including supplying evidence of your financial stability.
- International students are only accepted and enrolled in schools that have received SEVP approval. After being admitted to a school, you will get a Form I-20 or DS-2020 and be registered in the SEVIS system.
- International students who qualify for a J1 student visa are awarded a DS-2020, while those who qualify for an F1 or M1 student visa are issued a Form I-20.
Step 2: Fill out an online visa application form
Following payment of your SEVIS fee, you must complete the DS-160 online application. You should complete this online application form three to four months before starting your study.
You must ensure you have the necessary documents for the information you enter on the online DS-160 form.
Our online application form, DS-160, must include the following personal information.
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Details of your passport.
- Details of your previous visits to the United States, if any.
- Details about your travel plans and travel companions.
- Your point of contact in the United States.
- Details about your family
- Your education details.
- Previous work experience, if any.
- Your SEVIS ID
- Address where you intend to enroll as mentioned in your I-20 or DS-2020 form.
Step 3: Attend the interview
Attending your interview is the final step in obtaining a US student visa. It should be possible for you to respond to inquiries made during the interview.
The majority of inquiries aim to determine whether:
- Studying is the main reason you are traveling to the United States.
- You possess the necessary abilities to finish and pass your course.
- In the US, you can cover your costs.
- Following the completion of your education, you plan to return home.
- The United States does not consider you to be a security threat.
Make sure you have proper documentation with you so it can support and authenticate your response. When you can impress the interviewer with your responses and pertinent documentation, your chances of having your student visa denied significantly decrease.
What is the fee for student visa in USA?
The following information explains the USA student visa fee.
Fee Type | F1 Visa | J1 Visa | M1 Visa | Payment Mode |
SEVIS Fee | $350 | $220 | $350 | Credit Card / Money Order / Demand Draft |
Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) | $160 | $160 | $160 | NEFT Online Transfer / IMPS (Instant Money Transfer by Mobile) |
USA student visa processing time
During your visa interview, your application for a student visa is often granted or refused. In 7-10 working days, if your student visa is granted, you will get both your passport and US student visa. You will have to wait until you obtain your passport, as most interviewers won’t let you know if your application was accepted or denied.
Top 10 Universities in the United States of America
The following is the list of the top 10 universities in the USA approved by the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program).
Rank | Name of the University |
1 | Stanford University |
2 | Princeton University |
3 | University of California, Berkeley |
4 | Carnegie Mellon University |
5 | New York University |
6 | Harvard University |
7 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
8 | Columbia University |
9 | University of California, Los Angeles |
10 | University of Michigan |
Annual intakes in US Universities
There are three intakes a year in US Universities;
- Fall Intake: It started in September and is the most popular intake among Indian students.
- Spring Intake: This intake began in January.
- Summer Intake: This intake usually starts in May.
How can Province Immigration help you?
Province Immigration offers you complete support throughout your study abroad journey to the USA. Visa processes are scary and overwhelming at times. Our expertise helps make the process more manageable for you. Find out how you'll be supported every step of the way:
- Acceptance letter from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-accredited university
- Valid passport
- Receipt of payment for the SEVIS fee.
- Proves for funds that can pay for the fees and expenses of living.
- Academic records and test scores (like TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, etc.).
- Our counseling ensures that all the documents in place perfectly satisfy the U.S. Consulate requirements, so there are no delays and rejections.
- Interview preparations: We arrange mock interview sessions so that you can confidently answer the visa officer's questions regarding the course, your financial background, and your study plan.
- Language coaching: Upgrade your level of English or get ready for TOEFL or IELTS with coaching from experts and ensure a good grade.
- Application guidance: Fill out US Visa application forms, like DS-160, correctly and according to all US visa rules.
- Medical and police clearance certificates support: Get guided on how to get medical reports and police clearance certificates if needed.
- Keep you informed regularly about the status of your visa application.
- Respond to your queries promptly and allay concerns to your satisfaction.
- Coordinate closely with you to ensure that application deadlines are met and submission requirements fulfilled.
- Our tailored approach ensures you are kept fully informed and supported throughout this complex process.
- Finding accommodation.
- Opening of bank accounts guidance.
- Support with transportation options.
- Essential services setups include mobile phones, health insurance, and more.
- Our after-landing services will make your stay in the USA easy and smooth without as much added stress as possible.
Profile evaluation
We assess your academic background, financial condition, and personal profile against the eligibility norms for a USA study visa (F-1). Consequently, we will professionally guide you on which options suit you the best so you can continue your desired education, including the visa options.
Whether it is an undergraduate, postgraduate, or specialized program, our in-depth assessment helps you to work through it well.
Assistance with documents
Get all the required documents- this is one of the most significant procedures for seeking a USA study visa. Our team helps you gather, validate, and organize every relevant paperwork, which might include, but is not limited to, the following:
Professional counseling
We assist you with visa interviews and resume building. Some services that we provide include:
Dedicated case officer
Each client at Province Immigration will be assigned a Dedicated Case Officer who will be your main point of contact during the visa process. Your Case Officer will:
Post-landing services
Once your USA study visa is confirmed and you land in the U.S., our support does not end there. We offer complete post-landing services to ensure a smooth integration into your new setup. These include:
Province Immigration is a one-stop solution to all your needs for a study visa for the USA. From profile evaluation to post-landing support, we take care of everything. Let our professionals deal with the intricacies of the visa process to allow you to focus on academic success and enlightenment in America.
Contact us today at +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com to get started with studying in the USA.
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