One of the most popular places for overseas students looking for a top-notch education and a wide range of cultural experiences is the United States. Many of the most prestigious colleges in the world, state-of-the-art research facilities, and an extensive array of academic programs are all accessible to students studying in the US. With its vibrant economy, wide range of cultural traditions, and breathtaking natural settings, the US offers an unforgettable and stimulating educational experience that can lead to both professional and personal development. The US government gives all Indian students the chance to pursue higher education there; however, getting a student visa is a must. Your intended course of study in the US and your age will determine which kind of visa you require.
Types of Student Visas
You might need any one of several kinds of visas in order to study in the US, depending on your unique situation and the duration of your stay. The various types of student visas are listed below.
- F1 student visa: This permits you to enroll in an accredited US institution or university.
- M student visa: This is for study or training related to a non-academic career.
- J exchange visa: This is for a high school or university exchange program.
In general, foreign students wishing to enroll full-time in a graduate or undergraduate program require an F-1 visa.
How To Apply For A Student Visa
The procedures for Indian students applying for visas are briefly reviewed here:
Get Admitted Into A SEVP-Accepted Institution
There is a list of colleges, universities, and other establishments that are eligible to accept overseas students under the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is advised that you check the SEVP to see if your desired schools or universities are listed there before submitting an application. If so, you can submit the required documentation in order to assess your admission.
Pay Your SEVIS Fee
In the event that your enrollment is accepted by the SEVP-approved institution, you will be required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and register for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The school authorized by SEVP will provide you with a Form I-20. You can apply for a student (F or M) visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate after receiving Form I-20 and registering in SEVIS. Upon attending your visa interview, you will need to provide the Form I-20 to the consular officer.
Complete Your Visa Application Form
Filling out the DS-160 application form is the first step in applying for a student visa. Following that, a fee needs to be paid when submitting the application for a student visa. To use the portal, you must enter basic data, such as the location from which you plan to submit your application and a security code.
Schedule The Interview
The US embassy or consulate can help you arrange an appointment for the visa interview. Applying for your visa early is advised because the waiting periods for interview appointments differ depending on the location, season, and the type of visa. You can apply for a student visa to the USA up to 120 days before the commencement of your term of study. With a student visa, your entry into the US is limited to 30 days prior to the beginning of your course.
Prepare The Documents Required For Us Student Visa
Mandatory documents are required:
- Copy of the appointment letter for the interview
- Copy of the DS-160 confirmation barcode
- Original, valid VISA fee receipt
- Original I-20, authorized and signed by yourself and the university authorities
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- A valid passport
- Birth certificateÂ
Academic documents are required:
- Original Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates as well as provisional degree certificates
- Original grade reports (10th and 12th grade, first-year bachelors till date)
- Temporary grade sheet in case results are still pending
- Original diploma mark sheets, original transcripts (sealed and stamped), and original diploma certificate
- Original certificates for extracurricular and curricular activities
- Original certificates of scholarship or honors, if applicable
- Original certificates with mark sheets attesting to the completion of professional courses and exams
- Copies of your project or research work
- Pertinent test results, such as the original TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, or LSAT.
- Authentic college certificate (in the event that a degree is not awarded)
- Resumé
Financial documents are required:
- Proof that you have enough money to cover your living expenses for the duration of your visit to the United States. This could consist of:
- Bank records
- A financial commitment from a sponsor to pay for your living expenses and accommodations
- A scholarship initiative
Attend Your Interview
You will be interviewed by a consular official to determine your eligibility for a student visa. To obtain a visa, you must prove that you fulfill the standards set forth by US law. The application process includes taking digital fingerprint scans without the need for ink. Usually, they are taken during the interview, though the exact time may vary depending on the location of the interview. The consular official may decide during your visa interview that your application needs additional administrative processing. If this is necessary, you will be informed by the consular officer. Following approval, you might have to arrange for the return of your passport and visa to you and pay a visa issuance charge, if applicable to your nationality.
Receive Your Visa
Following completion of the aforementioned procedures and approval for an international student visa to the US, your embassy will issue you a new visa and return your passport.
Conclusion
Because of its great educational system, numerous employment options, favorable return on investment, and other factors, the United States is one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking an education. Obtaining a student visa for the US might be difficult. However, obtaining a visa and continuing your study is still feasible with proper planning and attention to detail. To get assistance with the application and visa processes, as well as all other facets of studying in the US, it is imperative to get in touch with one of the top US education consultants in India, as it is a complicated procedure.
