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An Ultimate Guide On USA Study Visa | Complete Details 

Without any doubt,USA is one of the ideal destinations for students to kick start their careers in the world's best institutions. However, getting a USA study visa is not an easy task in today's competitive era. But still, people want to study in the USA and aiming to get reliable information regarding the same. In this article, we elaborate on the complete details of USA study visa. Before moving further, let's have a look at the video below to learn more in detail.

Why You Should Study in United States?

Here are some of the main reasons why you should study in the United States:

Research-Focused Programs

The universities and colleges of the USA usually focus on the research-based programs that not only help the students to move forward but guide them in a better manner.

Global Perspective

The institutions of the United States of America will definitely give you the chance to gain a global perspective. Your degree will surely be kept above all the candidates.

Career Opportunities

Here in the USA, students have a wide range of career opportunities where they can easily be able to convert their dreams into reality. 

American Culture and Campus Life

The institutions of America have a versatile culture and campus life that you can easily be able to enjoy. Moreover, you will get the chance to cherish the culture of the USA.

U.S. Universities Have Engaging Campuses

The campus life of US institutions is very engaging and it has the power to change the entire personality of the student. 

Proper Help and Support for International Students

The government present in the USA provides every type of help to International students. So that they can easily be able to survive and study in the USA without much hassle. 

Cultural Diversity

USA’s universities and colleges will have great cultural diversity. As most of the students come to study in the USA from all across the nation. 

General Requirements for Study Visa In USA?

Are you dreaming of attaining an education from a globally recognised university in America? Make sure you have the following documents kept handy before applying for USA study visa:

 

Academic Documents

  • 12th grade detailed mark sheet
  • Graduation mark sheet in detail
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Any relevant correspondence with the institution.
  • Recent qualification academic documents

Requirements for the English language

To pursue higher education in the US, you must have proof of an English language test. Make sure you have a score sheet for exams like IELTS, PTE, GRE, TOEFL, etc. 

Other Necessary Documents

  • A valid passport that is still good for at least six months after your stay.
  • SEVIS Fee Receipt
  • A printed copy of DS-160, the online application form
  • Students should have documents and evidence of proper finances.
  • Form I-20 sent by the college (where you are going to study)
  • Interview appointment letter (original and copy)
  • Payment confirmation receipt for USA study visa fees
  • bank statement for at least three years demonstrating that you have sufficient assets to cover the first year (parent or guardian)
  • Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
  • Pay/salary slips

Types of USA Study Visa 

F1 Study Visa

F2 Study Visa

M1 Study Visa 

F1 Study Visa

The F1 visa is essentially referred to as a nonimmigrant visa, and it is a necessary requirement for all candidates who wish to study in the United States.If you really aim to study in the best institutions, conservatories, elementary schools, language training programmes, and more in the USA, then you really need to apply for the F1 visa for the USA. 

F1 Study Visa Requirements

There are certain visa requirements that you really have to fulfill, and then only you will be able to get the best USA study visa. Most of the students who basically neglect to fulfil these requirements do so. This becomes the main reason why they lack the ability to achieve study visas to the USA in the limited time frame.

  • The applicant should have a reliable passport with a proper validity date at least 6 months beyond your period to live

  • Get the passport size photo to showcase at the time of filling

  • Submit the confirmation page of DS-160

  • Fill out the form I -20

  • Then you have to go through the payment of the application fee for the SEVIS

  • You have to apply as a non-immigrant

  • Your college and university will surely make you aware of additional needs if you require anything prior to your application.

Eligibility Criteria of F1 Study Visa 

  • The student needs to apply and then get the acceptance letter at a SEVP-approved school in the United States. 

  • The candidate must be enrolled as a full time student in a recognised institution.

  • Students should be highly proficient in the English language.

  • Showcase the valid proof of the financial funds to study on an international level. 

  • Attach ties to your home country and showcase that you have the pure intent to return back to your own country. 

Benefits of F1 Study Visa 

  • This is one such visa which does not really hold any kind of visa number limitations. This states that an unlimited number of students can  basically enter the USA at any type of time.

  • At this point you have a chance to enter the USA as a full time student to gain access to a quality education.

  • With this visa you become fully eligible to travel in and out of the USA over the period of your studies. You can easily consider studying in the US for quality time if you wish.

  • You should note that your spouse, family and dependents can easily be able to come with you if you file got approved under F1 visa. 

Restrictions of F1 Study Visa 

  • If you aim to work then you require permission from the USCIS.

  • On this visa you need to leave the USA as soon as you complete your whole studies without any hassle.

  • The individuals holding the F-2 dependent visa are not at all eligible for the employment.

Student Dependent Visa (F2)

If you are not fully aware of the student dependent visa. Then it is called the F2 Visa. You really have to consider the aspect that the F2 visa is a non-immigrant dependent visa where the family member of the F1 student can easily be able to visit the US without any delay.  Herein this case the dependents basically include the spouse and unmarried children under the age of twenty one of the folk who is studying in the USA. You can easily be able to get a USA study visa if you get the true information about this aspect. 

Eligibility Criteria for the F2 Study Visa

  • The applicant must be the spouse of the F1 study visa holder.

  • After that, the applicant must be a fully dependent child below 21 years of age and must be unmarried. This should be an F1 visa holder. 

  • All the applicants must have enough financial resources to properly support their family in the United States. 

Visa Requirements of the F2 Study Visa 

  • Birth certificate requirement of the dependent children

  • Availability of the Passport

  • The student should have the photograph conforming to the US rules

  • The visa application confirmation (DS-160)

  • Visa fee payment receipt

  • Applicant’s I-20 form

  • Copy of F1 visa holder’s I-20 form

  • Submission of the marriage certificate for spouses

  • Then the folk have to submit their bank statement, tax records and work documents. It is basically done to showcase the financial stability of the student.

Magnificent Benefits of the F2 Study Visa

  • Extend the visa duration

If the student who holds the primary F1 visa extends the stay. Then in that case F2 visa dependents are truly eligible to apply for the true extension. The student should note that the filing of Form I-539 is quite okay to renew the F2 visa along with the submission of the proof of your financial status. 

  • Consider changing the study visa status

You can easily be able to enter the U.S on the case of an F2 visa. Then you can subsequently request a great change of the study visa status. If you make up your mind to get the enrollment in the US universities and colleges, you can change your visa status to the F1. If you need to get the appropriate job. You can easily be able to change the status without much hindrance. 

  • Eligible for the green card

You can easily be able to get your green card when your primary F1 visa owner receives one. You can also fill out the application for your own visa. Try to make up your mind and change your entire visa status that acts for the dual purpose. If you can easily be able to find the best job in the US then you can easily be able to become quite eligible for a Green Card.

What are the F2 Study Visa restrictions?  

  • No legal permission to seek a job or work

  • Not at all eligible for the Social Security Number

  • The folk can’t pursue higher education

  • Not at all allowed to enter the U.S. before the one who holds the F1 study visa

  • If you can’t even work then you can’t even get the Social Security Number (SSN)

  • The folk cannot go for the Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in the US college and university on the F2 visa

  • The student dependent on the F2 visa can easily go for primary, middle and high school. If you have made up your mind to apply for a USA study visa and its specific program, you should apply for the visa status change.

M1 Study Visa (Vocational Course) 

M1 visa is often termed as the non-immigrant visa that is basically issued by the USCIS to all the international students wishing to study in the USA. However, only a limited number of students receive the M1 study visa. This USA study visa type is truly intended for those who really want to pursue vocational training in the USA.

Documents Needed for M1 Study Visa

  • Recent photographs

  • Educational certificates

  • Proof of financial stability

  • DS-160 confirmation

  • Visa appointment letter

  • Fee receipts

  • Passport valid for at least six month

Eligibility Criteria of M1 Study Visa

  • This visa is applicable to all the foreign nationals who strive to attend a full course of non-academic study at universities, colleges or conservatories in the United States.

  • All the international students coming to the United States to attend a full vocational program.

Benefits of the M1 Study Visa

  • This visa provides you the chance to enter the United States as a full time based vocational student.

  • You will become eligible to work part time on the campus. This visa also provides you the eligibility to work off campus.

  • This visa allows you to travel in and out of the United States without much hassle. 

  • All your dependents can easily be able to live with you as long as you keep up with your M1 visa status.

M1 Study Visa Process 

  • The candidate needs to fill out the application to the school and obtain the 1-20 visa approval form.

  • Then the students need to complete the whole DS-160 form with the right mindset.

  • Then the individual has to gather all types of documents for the study visa interview.

  • Then the candidate needs to appear for the interview for availing the M1 visa.

  • Then after the whole process the student has to present at the port of entry. 

Embassy Fee & Expenses For USA Study Visa  

To study in the USA, you need to spend approximately $10,200 to $55,050 annually. The table below will surely give you a true idea of how much money you really have to spend to gain an education from the best universities and colleges in the United States:

Study Program

Approximate Tuition Fees In Usd$

Undergraduate Bachelor Degree

$15,000 to $40,000 per year

Graduate programs

$20,000 to $40,000 per year

Doctoral Degree

$20,000 to $45,000 per year

Complete Step by Step Process For USA Study Visa 

Here is the step by step guidance about how you really have to follow the whole procedure to get the USA student visa in the limited time frame. 

Step 1: Fill the application to the USA college and university then get accepted

The first and foremost step in this process is to apply to the best US college and university. In most of the programs present in the USA, the full-time graduate and undergraduate programs truly demand applications in the months of December and January. The notice of the admission is basically sent out in the months of April and March. Before filling out the whole application you really have to keep certain things in mind. Carefully note that everything that you are writing should be authentic and reliable. By following the right USA study visa process you will surely be able to get the best USA study visa.

Step 2: Book your school form DS-2019 or I-20

After getting the admission in any type of college and university in the USA. You will surely get the chance to receive two main forms. The first one is form I-20. This form basically marks the eligibility for all the nonimmigrant student statuses. For the student who aims to get the M-1 and F-1. They can fill out the DS-2019 form. This form is marked as the certificate of eligibility for the exchange visitor. If you want to study in the best universities and colleges in the USA. Then you have to follow all the steps and fill out the right form for your case.

Step 3: After that pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee 

You have to go online and make the payment of the  I-901 SEVIS fee. This should be done after you receive your 1-20 or DS-2019 form from your college and university. If you want to know about the whole pricing scheme then you have to pay around 350 USD for F-1/M-1 and then 220 USD for J-1. There might be a few things that you will not be able to understand in literal terms. However, if you consider moving in the right direction then anything and everything is possible. 

Step 4: Try to locate a US Embassy 

If you want a study visa for so long then you need to apply for an international study visa at the US embassy. Moreover, you can also go to the consulate nearest to your place. The US department will surely offer an online search for the US consulates and embassies. You have to carefully keep in mind that the whole process of reaching out to the embassy for getting a study visa to the US may fluctuate slightly. It is not at all the process that can easily prove to be beneficial for your entire scenario.

Step 5: Submit the whole DS-160 form online

Then the whole process includes the form filling. You can easily fill out the online non-immigrant visa application form. Then you can easily go to the US embassy where you will definitely interview for a study visa to the USA. Yes, this whole process might be tiring in your case, However, if you make up your mind then it is possible. You really have to study the best USA study visa interview questions to qualify for the visa interview. 

Step 6: Book your appointment for the study visa 

This is one of the biggest steps that you have to go through to achieve a study visa to the USA. Try to contact your nearest US embassy or any kind of consulate. They will surely organize your visa interview after you have filled out the DS-160 form. 

Step 7: Make payment for your visa application fee

It is quite essential to pay the application fee of 160 USD. You have to note that this type of charge will surely remain the same regardless of where you really aim to apply or from where you are truly from. As a true applicant, you have to keep in mind that it's quite essential for you to note that the exact date you pay for this charge will surely differ fully based on your embassy. 

Step 8: Go for the visa interview 

Yes, you might be preparing for the USA study visa for a long time. So now it's time for you to apply all your preparation into action. You really have to take out some time so that you can easily be able to pass the interview in a magnificent manner. Feed-in mind that the interview is the final step in the whole USA study visa process. This is one such interview that basically determines whether or not you are given a study visa to the US. Gather full information about the USA study visa interview questions for confirming your USA study visa.

USA Study Visa Interview Questions & Answers

Ques 1) What is that one that provokes you to study in the USA? 

Ans) Try to explain in your interview about the things that captivate your mind to study in the USA. There is a wide range of universities and colleges in the USA that will surely change the entire look and feel of your career. Here you will surely be able to discuss the facts that will take your business to the next level. 

Ques 2) What is the basic course that you are planning to pursue?

Ans) Take out some time to explain to your interviewer about the basic areas on which you really want to study. You really need to explain about your major subject on which you can study. You are easily able to explain all the essential points that will make you shine out in your career.

Ques 3) Have you visited the US before in your lifetime? 

Ans) If you have visited the USA before, then without any type of hesitation you really have to find the reason behind your previous tour. However, if you haven’t visited the US before then simply say that you don’t have a chance to travel to the USA. 

Ques 4) Who is responsible to pay for your education fee in the USA? 

Ans) In this specific type of question you really need to state that your family will financially support you to study in the USA. Provide all the essential proof of the funds as this can help you showcase the right information in the right way. 

Ques 5) Why should we provide you with a study visa to the USA?

Ans) As per my perspective, I am capable of getting the study visa as it will not only change my life but also of my family. A study visa is the only thing that will make me eligible to study in the USA. 

Ques 6) Do you have some kind of savings with you?

Ans) Here you have to explain about your saving pattern. Moreover, you need to enlighten why saving is important and if you are doing it or not. 

Ques 7) Why haven’t you picked India for study purposes?

Ans) It's always good to do a little research on the universities, colleges, curriculum and the teaching staff of your own country. This will help you come up with the best answer about why you are not going to study in your own country. 

Ques 8) What are your academic achievements? 

Ans) You need to properly describe your academic achievements as this is the right thing that can help you achieve great marks in the eyes of the interviewer. Try to stay authentic towards your academic profile. Do not write something that is not at all correct for your case. 

Ques 9) What are the best plans after graduation?

Ans) After graduation, you have to speak out loud that you need to go back to your own nation and work over there. Never mention that after completing your graduation from the USA you will find the best job in this nation. 

Ques 10) What are your basic plans if your study visa will not receive approval? 

Ans) I truly aim to study in the best universities and colleges present in the USA. However, if I receive a refusal then I will surely respect the decision of the embassy and apply again for the USA study visa. This time I will surely prepare in a better manner and come out as the most deserving person among all. 

Visa Processing FAQ

How Long Does It Take for USA Student Visa to Process?  

The processing time of the USA student visa takes approximately 6 to 8 months, depending on the reliability of the file. In some cases, the given time may be extended because of the issue in the visa filing. In the case of a student visa, the prime thing that the student has to keep in mind is the relevance of the course. The visa will be approved if the student has received an offer letter from their desired university and college. 

How Can I Get Study Visa for USA Without IELTS?

IELTS is one of the most important English proficiency tests that most universities demand for students enrolling in higher education. However, in the case of the United States, it is not a required test for admission to the best universities and colleges in the country.All the students really need to meet certain criteria, and then only they will be able to study in the USA with the requirement of any English proficiency test. 

  • You will not have to take any type of English proficiency test if you are a fluent and natural English speaker. 
  • All the students have to showcase proper evidence that they have attended the English medium institutions for further studies.
  • All the students have to prove that they have studied the English language from 8th to 12th standard.
  • The students have to appear for the telephone and video-based interviews according to the needs of the universities and colleges.
  • All the students can easily attend the summer English programme so that they can easily be able to enhance their English without much hassle. 

Can I Take My Spouse to USA On Study Visa? 

According to the rules and regulations made by the government of the United States of America, only married couples can get dependent visa status. The dependent spouse can be easily added to the record by the employee, student, or scholar.After that, the spouse will surely be able to get the dependent visa status after a certain period of time. There are a few requirements that the student must remember in order to easily obtain a USA spouse visa.The individual has to showcase their proof of marriage to the authorities. They should be over the minimum age of marriage. The individual should get married in a country that considers their marriage to be legal in every format.

Common Qualifications Offered by American Universities

Qualification

Duration

Illustration

Associate degree

2 years

It includes job orientation courses that can help a graduate in starting his/her career. Also, it is equivalent to the first two years for a bachelor's degree. 

Bachelor's degree

3-4 years

It is an undergraduate degree that includes core courses. The four years of graduation are known as:

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior 

Master's degree (Professional)

1-3 years

It promotes students from first degree to a particular profession. The duration of degree depends upon the field of study. 

Master's degree (Academic)

2 years

Generally awarded in traditional courses of humanities, arts, and science; may promote students to doctoral programs

Doctorate or PhD

5-8 years

Students complete PhD under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Also, students represent a thesis and answer a few questions of the faculty members. 

List Of Top Universities in the USA For Study Visa 

Top Universities in the USA For Study Visa 

Global Rank

University

Course 

#1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

  • B.E. / B.Tech
  • MIM
  • M.Arch
  • B.Sc.- CS, Environment, IT, Nursing
  • M.Sc.- CS, Environment, IT, Nursing
  • BBM
  • BA- Music, Biochemistry, Geo, History
  • MA
  • M.Law
  • Bachelors of fine arts, Chemistry, Physics, Environment
  • BBA
  • MBA

#3

Stanford University

  • MIM 
  • MFA 
  • B.Sc.- CS, Environment, IT, Nursing
  • M.Sc.- CS, Environment, IT, Nursing
  • BBM
  • BA- Music, Biochemistry, Geo, History
  • MA
  • MBA
  • M.Law
  • Bachelors of fine arts, Chemistry, Physics, Environment
  • BBA

#5

Harvard University

  • MA
  • M.Law
  • Bachelors of fine arts, Chemistry, Physics, Environment
  • BBA
  • MBA
  • M.Arch
  • BBM

#6

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

  • B.Sc
  • Computer
  •  Science
  • B.Eng
  • B.AB.A/B.ScB.Math
  • M.S
  • B.Sc
  • Ph.D Sciences
  • Ph.D Biochemistry
  • Ph.D Mathematics

#10

University of Chicago

  • B.A
  • Economics
  • M.Sc
  • E.M.B.A
  • M.B.A
  • M.S
  • L.L.M
  • B.Sc
  • Ph.D
  • M.A
  • M.F.A

#13

University of Pennsylvania

  • MBA/PGDM
  • MS
  • BBA
  • B.E. / B.Tech
  • MIM
  • M.A.
  • M.Arch
  • B.Sc.
  • MFA

#14 [tied]

Yale University

  • B.Sc.- CS, Environment, IT, Nursing
  • M.Sc.- CS, Environment, IT, Nursing
  • BBM
  • BA- Music, Biochemistry, Geo, History
  • MA
  • MBA
  • M.Law
  • M.Arch

#19

Columbia University

  • MBA 
  • Computer Science
  • Ph.D Nursing
  • B.A Economics
  • B.Sc
  • B.A Psychology
  • Ph.D Biology
  • Ph.D Music
  • Ph.D Biochemistry
  • J.D
  • Ph.D Engineering

#20

Princeton University

  • M.Arch
  • B.Sc.- CS, Environment, IT, Nursing
  • M.Sc.- CS, Environment, IT, Nursing
  • BBM
  • BA- Music, Biochemistry, Geo, History
  • MA
  • M.Law
  • Bachelors of fine arts, Chemistry, Physics, Environment

#21

Cornell University

  • Science
  • Ph.D Mathematics
  • MS
  • BBA
  • B.E. / B.Tech
  • MIM
  • M.A.
  • B.AB.A/B.Sc
  • B.Math
  • B.Eng

Statistics of USA Study Visa Intakes

International students are coming to the USA from China, India, South Korea, Vietnam, and Japan to study in the USA. 

Every year, U.S.A issues more than 100K study visas.

China received (27.3%) visas, India received (11.8%), South Korea received (5.8%), Vietnam received (4.4%) and Japan received (4.0%) student visas. 

The USA has noticed an increase in the number of students from 2017 to 2018 by 4,157.

The US state department has granted 15,000 F-1 student visas to all Indian students between October 2021 and September 2022.

FAQ’s

Ques 1) How can I get a USA study visa?

Ans) There are certain steps that you have to follow for getting a study visa to the USA:

1. Fill the application for a SEVP-approved institution

2. Make a payment of the SEVIS fee

3. Properly go through the US study visa application

4. Make a payment of the vis application fee

5. Try to attend the USA study visa interview  

Ques 2) How much money is required for a USA study visa?

Ans) You should definitely pay a SEVIS fee of $350. After that go for the F, J or M application fee of $160.

Ques 3) Is it easy to get a US study visa?

Ans) It is not that much hard to get a study visa to the USA in the right way. However, you really have to follow the right step so that you can study in the USA without any hassle. 

Ques 4) How many years of study visas for the USA?

Ans) The student holding the F1 study visa can basically get 5 years to study in the USA. After completing your studies you can just stay 60 days on the F1 visa.

Ques 5) Can I get PR in USA after study?

Ans) Yes, this is just allowed only after finishing the first academic year. Every type of OPT activity should be related to your field of study. You really need to go through and apply for the United States Citizenship for getting the PR for the USA.

Ques 6) How many years is an F1 visa valid?

Ans)  For any type of passport holder the F-1 study visa is generally workable for just 5 years from the start date of your basic programme. The stay will surely be dependent on the study visa status as a student.

Ques 7) Can international students buy a house after going for a USA study visa?

Ans) There is no specific type of law that stop international students to purchase a home in the USA. It is just based on the affordability of the student. 

Ques 8) Can you get a green card after an F1 visa?

Ans) One of the biggest options for the folk who are living in the USA and really aim to get a green card can apply for the EB-1 visa.

Ques 9) Can I change my F1 visa to a work visa?

Ans) You need to fill out the form of 1-129 form that can easily change the status from an F-1 to the H-1B visa.

Ques 10) Does the United States permit dual citizenship?

Ans) The US individuals basically permit dual citizenship to its citizens. This basically signifies that you can easily hold your passport to the USA. Then be a citizen of the other country at the same time. 

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