Applying for a U.S. Student Visa: Your Guide to Study in the United States

Are you a foreign citizen looking to pursue your education in the United States? If so, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining a U.S. student visa and provide essential information about the qualifications and requirements.

Visa Options

There are two primary types of student visas in the United States:

1. F-1 Visa: This is the most common student visa and is required for formal education at accredited schools like colleges and universities in the U.S. It's necessary whether you're studying full-time or part-time (more than 18 hours a week).

2. M-1 Visa: If you plan to pursue vocational education or training at a U.S. institution, you'll need an M-1 visa.

To learn more about these visa categories and access to education in the United States, visit the Education USA webpage.

Studying in Public Schools

International students are generally not allowed to enroll in adult education programs at public schools (kindergarten to 8th grade) or government-funded schools in the United States. However, F-1 visas can be issued for education from 9th to 12th grade, with a maximum duration of 12 months. Students should inform the school through the I-20 form that they have paid tuition fees without subsidies, which grants them permission to study.

Required Materials

To apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa, you'll need the following:

1. A completed Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application Form (DS-160).
2. A valid passport with at least six months of validity for your U.S. travel.
3. One passport-sized photo taken within the last six months.
4. A non-refundable visa processing fee of $160, payable in the local currency.
5. Additional visa issuance fee, if applicable based on your nationality.
6. An approved Form from the U.S. school you plan to attend.

You'll also need an appointment confirmation letter to schedule an interview.

Application Process

Here's a step-by-step guide to applying for your student visa:

Step 1: Complete DS-160 Form

• Fill out the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application Form (DS-160) online.
• Each applicant must have their own DS-160 form.
• Keep the barcode number from the DS-160 confirmation page, as you'll need it for your interview.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee

• Pay the machine-readable visa fee, which is mandatory for visa processing.
• Payment instructions can be found on the official website for your location.

Step 3: Schedule Your Interview

• Visit the cgifederal.secure.force.com/ website to schedule your interview.
• You'll need your passport number, DS-160 barcode number, and visa fee receipt number.

Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview

• On the scheduled date and time, attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy.
• Bring a printed copy of your interview letter, your current passport, a recent passport photo, and any previous passports.

Supporting Documents

Remember that the Consular Officer may request additional supporting documents during your interview, so ensure they are genuine and accurate to avoid visa complications.

Visa Validity After Study Break

If you have a study break of more than five months, you'll need to apply for a new F-1 or M-1 visa to resume your education in the United States.

Students in the United States

Be aware that if you don't resume your education within five months from the date of transfer, you may lose your student visa status.

Students Returning to the United States After Traveling Abroad

If you leave the U.S. with a break in your education of five months or longer, your F-1 or M-1 status may be at risk, unless your activities abroad are related to your education. Consult your school authorities if you have any doubts about the consistency of your actions with your education.

With this comprehensive guide, you're well-equipped to navigate the U.S. student visa application process and embark on your educational journey in the United States. Good luck!