USA Study Visa
USA study visa: USA is considered as one of the best choices for students planning to study abroad. If you have already applied and selected one of the desired universities then the next step is to apply for a student visa for the USA. This article will help to get information about how to apply for a USA study visa and the requirements for applying for the VISA.
The US citizenship and Immigration services (USCIS) reports that 1,99,812 Indian students pursued higher education in the US in 2022. Compared to 2021 around 19% more Indian students enrolled in US universities in 2022. Is it easy to get a student visa in the USA? Was the question among all the international students. The answer to the question is easy as the students can do the paperwork, documents and perform the interviews on time the international students can get a USA student visa easily.
There are three main categories of USA study visas such as F,J and M student visas which are for university study, exchange program study visas and vocational education visas with respective categories. Each student visa has a different timeline depending on the visa categories.
This USA student visa guide provides a detailed explanation to an application process for the F1 student visa which is available to students wishing to pursue both bachelors and masters degree in the USA. It also briefly explains the various types of visas available to international students.
1. Types of student visas in the USA
For international students there are three types of student visas. The following are the types of USA study visa and the requirements needed for the student visas.
- F1 student visa
- A F1 visa is necessary for students applying to study in the USA for more than 18 hours of study per week. This covers both undergraduate and graduate programs such as MS, MBA programs
- F2 visas are issued for spouses or children travelling with F1 visa holders. Wives may travel to the USA with their respective spouses or apply for their own visa in order to work or study but they are not permitted to hold a job.
- J1 exchange visitor visa
- This visa is for students, visiting scholars or lecturers pursuing an exchange program. For instance J 1 visas are used by many Indian university students on short term study abroad programs as well as Fulbright scholars to enter the USA.
- The J1 visa is also called an exchange visitor visa which is normally applied for by a working professional visiting the USA on an exchange program. Examples of these could be research fellowship or a 10 month vocational program. In any case the relevant institutions would notify the applicants of this.
- J2 visas are required for spouses or kids travelling with J1 visa holders. Please note that spouses may be able to work when permission is granted in advance.
- M -1 vocational / non-academic student visa
- Vocational and technical schools are the only institutions eligible to receive the M1 student visa. M1 visas are time stamped upon the entry that means that students are not allowed to stay longer than necessary even though the application processes for the two types of visas are similar. Check out our article on study abroad student visas.
2. Latest updates on US student visa
November 29, 2023: According to the US government statement released on November 28. 2023 the US embassy and its consulates have approved over 140,000 student visas for Indian students between October 2022 and September 2023.
June 30, 2023: before reaching their goals of one million visas by the end of this year, the US breaks the record by giving half a million Idians visas in the summer of 2023. This is the outcome of the 50% waiting time slashed for the USA visa interviews for Indian students. Interview dates for July and August of 2023 are available for Indian students.
June 26, 2023: Summer schedule for US student visa interviews has been released, candidates can reserve a time slot between mid july and mid AUgust of this year. Applicants can start scheduling their appointments according to the official notification.
April 28, 2023: Indian students who have previously had their applications approved are eligible to defer interviews according to a proposal from the US embassy in India. Only those applicants whose visas have expired and who are applying within 48 months of the expiration date are eligible for this.
April 20, 2023: in response to an increase in applications US consul General Mike Hankey of Mumbai has declared that starting this summer, he will be conducting 30% more interviews for student visas for Indian students. Overall it is expected that the majority of applications this year will come from Indian students, therefore Indian students will profit from it to help from the number of applications.
April 11, 2023: the cost of a student visa to the USA will rise from 160 USD to 185 USD on May 30, 2023. The new fee will not be applied to students who applied for their student visas on or before October 1, 2022, they will only be assessed on September 30, 2023.
Mach 9, 2023: those with a STEM F 1 student visa who are waiting on their form I – 765 may apply for premium work permit processing. Only students pursuing STEM and OPT extensions are eligible for this extension.
February 25, 2023: the deadline for international students to apply for US student visas is now one year before their program starts. The US consulates and embassies are receiving a large volume of student visa applications and it will take up to 300 days to review and approve the application. This is the announcement that has been made.
February 21, 2023: US colleges are still excited about Indian students applying for admission in 2023 despite recent large Tech layoffs. Despite the possibility that international students studying in the USA may have fewer placement or internship opportunities across major tech companies.
3. Working on student visa in the USA
Students are not permitted to take jobs off campus during their first year of study. They are not permitted to work more than 20 hours a week. They could put up to 40 hours a week when there are breaks and holidays. The student may work for a for profit company that supplies the college with goods and services like a cafeteria or bookstore. Students can view the USA’s top 10 part time jobs.
4. Cost of student visa in the USA
There are two fees associated with F1 student visa for the Visa
- The current SEVIS fee is $350. In Indian rupees the cost of a US student visa is roughly INR 29,116.
- The current visa application fee (MRV fee) of $185 is equivalent to INR 15,390.
The various categories of student visas in the United States along with the associated costs are listed below:
Type of Student Visas in USA & Costs | |||
Types of Student Visas | F1 | J1 | M1 |
SEVIS Fee* | |||
Amount | $350 | $220 | $350 |
Accepted modes of payment | Credit Card Money Order/ Demand Draft | ||
Payable in | Dollars at the applicable exchange rate as determined by the bank | ||
MRV Application Fee / Visa Application Fee** | |||
Amount | $185 | $185 | $185 |
Accepted Modes of Payment | NEFT Online Transfer Instant Money Transfer by Mobile – IMPS By Cash at counters of Axis Bank/ Citibank | ||
Payable in | Payable in INR at the Exchange Rate Fixed by the Consular Office (At present the exchange rate is fixed at $1 = INR 83.18 – Sept 6, 2023) | ||
* spouses and dependents don’t need to pay SEVIS if they are going on F2 or J2 visas.
** MRV is a Machine Readable Visa Fee, its mandatory to take MRV receipt when students go for an interview.
5. US student visa requirements
Process for obtaining a student visa for the United States : compared to a tourist visa student visa requires a lot more paperwork. Together with the required paperwork you also need the supporting financial and academic record documents. Before you visit the consulate for the visa interview make sure to review this checklist.
- A valid passport with a validity date of at least six months your period of stay.
- A printed copy of DS 160 the online application form
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Interview appointment letter
- Form I-20 sent by the college
- Visa fee payment confirmation receipt
- Bank statement for at least three years showing that you have enough assets to pay for the first year
- Pay salary slips
- Original mark sheets/ provisional certificates
- Score sheet of exams like TOEFL or IELTS as ELP proofs along with either ACT or SAT for UG admissions or GMAT or GRE for PG admissions
- In order to fund education in the USA financial documents are necessary.
Students must provide documentation proving they have the money necessary to pay for all their first years expenses in the USA. living costs, tuition and other costs are included. In addition, for the duration of their education students must provide documentation of their easy access to funds.
6.Evidence of financial resources required for F1 Visa
- Tax returns for the past 3 years
- Passbook or bank statement for the past 3 years.
- Original employment letters, payslip and original pay certified by CA
- Scholarship letter (if the applicant has received it)
- Loan approval letter from the bank or relevant authority
7. How to apply for a US student visa - F1 visa?
The steps involved in applying the student visa in US is:
- When college sends you form I-20 the visa application process will begin. It is advised that you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before beginning your US visa application, even if you do so at any point during the application process.
- You can apply for a DS – 160 visa form once you have paid the SEVIS fee and received the receipt. It is a form for online applications.
- Bring the confirmation page print during the interview
- Pay the visa fee through NEFT or at authorised AXIS bank or Citi Bank locations.
- Schedule biometric and interview appointment
- You need to showup in person for the biometric appointment in order to have your fingerprint scanned and have your photo taken for the visa
- The interviewer will ask questions about your choice, college, finances and return during the personal interview. In the interview if they are convinced they will keep your passport to stamp the visa. This guide will help you get ready for your interview for an F1 visa.
Remember that F1 student visas can be granted up to 120 days prior to the commencement of your academic program. And also you are not allowed to travel to the US before 30 days prior to the start date if you are granted F1 student visa.
8. Dependents
For the duration of their stay in the US spouses and minors under 21 who wish to travel with the primary applicants need to get an F2 or M2 visa. While studying a hobby or interest like cooking or tennis, spouses on F2 status are permitted to attend classes that are vocational or recreational but not full time courses. Children with f2 status are eligible to enrol full time in elementary, middle or hike school. A college or university may not allow them to enrol in the full time course of study.
Spouses or children can’t accept full time jobs when they are on F2 visa.
9. Additional information
After completion of studies if you are holding an F1 visa then you are eligible for up to 12 months of optional practical training or OPT. This implies that after completing your studies you can work for a year. Students are able to obtain real world experience in their field of study with the help of the temporary work permit. If you need to continue working in the US after that you need to apply for a work visa. Even if you haven’t applied for OPT or received a job offer you are still eligible to stay in the US for up to 60 days following the end of your course.
10.Scholarship for studying in the USA
You can apply for other scholarships offered by the college or university you are applying to if you’re a meritorious student. Scholarships are available for studying in the USA. One of the best options for paying your education fees is through scholarships. When they plan to continue their education overseas, international students are mainly concerned about their money management. Moreover students can apply for scholarships from a number of colleges and institutions. Eligibility can depend on merit or need. Experts advise students to look into the various scholarship options that are open. The following are the few most popular scholarships for students who wish to study in the USA.
- Global Study Awards
- TATA Scholarship:
- Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship for SC etc. candidates
