Studying abroad is indeed a dream for many students around the world. The United States offers many prestigious educational institutions, a diverse and vibrant culture, and personal and academic growth opportunities. The U.S. is known for its world-class universities and colleges that provide high-quality education across various disciplines. These institutions are globally recognized for their academic rigour, research opportunities, and faculty expertise. The U.S. offers many educational programs and majors, allowing students to pursue their specific areas of interest.
It’s important to note that pursuing education in any country, including the U.S., requires thorough planning, research, and consideration of personal circumstances. Understanding the requirements, costs, and expectations associated with studying in the U.S. will help you make an informed decision and work towards achieving your dream of learning in the U.S. You will get Visa Assistance even though a better understanding of the steps is beneficial.
So know the 7 steps to get a student visa in the U.S.:-
1. Apply to a School and Get an I-20
Before applying for a student visa to study in the USA, you must apply to a SEVP-approved school. Once accepted, the school will issue you an I-20 document. The I-20 form is mandatory for the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. Only SEVP-certified educational institutions in the USA issue Form I-20. It provides information about you and your academic program, including your name, date of birth, program start and end dates, major field of study, and designated school officials (DSO) information. Every I-20 form is assigned a distinct SEVIS identification number, which is necessary for monitoring your student record in the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). SEVIS is a database managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
2. Pay the SEVIS Fee of $350
When applying for an F or M visa in the United States, you must pay a SEVIS fee of $350 after enrolling in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Please don’t confuse it with visa fees and school SEVIS administration fees. You can pay this fee online or offline by following the guidance on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVP website. You must deliver the SEVIS fee 3 to 4 days before applying for a U.S. visa and provide your SEVIS ID during payment. When the payment is made, you will receive a receipt which you should print out and keep as proof of payment for your interview for the USA Student Visa. However, please remember that fee amounts and policies are subject to change. Verify the current fee with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program).
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3. Fill in the DS-160 Application Online
Completing the DS-160 application for a U.S. student visa involves a few steps.
- Visit the official website of the U.S. Department of State and select the option to create a new application. The system will generate a unique application I.D., which you should keep safe for future reference.
- Choose the location where you will attend your visa interview and select “F” as the category for academic studies. When filling out personal details, ensure accuracy by including your full name, date of birth, gender, and nationality.
- Upload a digital photo that meets the specific requirements outlined in the application. Pay attention to size, background, and quality.
- Provide passport details such as the passport number, issue date, and expiration date.
- Provide information about your current educational institution, course of study, and history.
- Review the details and apply.
Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation page, which you should print for your visa interview and other documentation purposes.
4. Pay the Visa Application Fee
After finishing your DS-160 form, you must pay your U.S. visa application fee. To ensure a successful payment, carefully review the fee payment instructions and refer to reliable websites, as the process may differ. Unimoni makes all your Foreign remittances easy and hassle-free! Remember to keep your fee receipt; you will need the payment reference number for the next step.
5. Book an Interview at the U.S. Embassy
To schedule an interview appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country, you first need to pay the application fee. Check their website for specific requirements and procedures for scheduling an interview. Visit your country’s U.S. embassy or consulate website and look for the visa services or nonimmigrant visas section. Find the page that provides information on scheduling a visa interview, which may be labelled as “Visa Appointment” or “Schedule My Interview.”
Some embassy websites may require you to create an account before scheduling an interview, so follow the instructions to create one. Enter the requested information accurately in the online scheduling system, which may include your DS-160 application I.D., passport information, and Visa application fee payment number. Then, select the U.S. embassy or consulate where you want your visa interview and choose an available date and time. Once you confirm your appointment, print the appointment confirmation page.
6. Prepare the Documents for the Interview
Prepare the documents given below:-
- Your passport
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Form I -20
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Receipt of payment for your Visa.
- Appointment confirmation page
- Financial documents
- Acceptance letter from the educational institution
- Academic transcripts and any other relevant documents specified by the embassy or consulate
- Test scores of GRE, TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, etc.
- Proof of intent to exit from the USA after completing the course.
Be prepared to answer questions about your study plans, financial stability, and ties to your home country.
7. The Interview at the U.S. Embassy
When attending a U.S. study visa interview, dress in formal or business attire to create a positive impression. It shows that you are serious about studying in the U.S. Answering all questions honestly and confidently is crucial, as the interview is conducted to evaluate your credibility. To prepare, review your application and understand your study plans. Keep your answers concise and to the point, avoiding lengthy explanations unless asked. It demonstrates effective communication and your English language proficiency.
The consular officer wants to see that you have strong ties to your home country and plan to return after completing your studies. Be prepared to explain your plans and how your U.S. education will contribute to your career or personal goals back home. Throughout the interview, maintain a polite and respectful demeanour. Address the consular officer appropriately and listen carefully to their questions. Avoid becoming defensive or arguing if you receive a challenging question.
Please note: Specific questions and procedures may vary depending on the embassy. Check the official website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will have your interview for specific instructions or guidelines.
Good luck with your interview!
After your interview with the consular officer, you will receive information about your visa application status. The processing time may vary. When notified, collect the passport in person, or the courier will deliver it. Follow the embassy’s instructions.
Once you have your passport, check the visa details, like your name, DOB, passport number, visa type, and other relevant information. If you notice any errors, contact the embassy immediately to have them corrected. It’s important to note that some countries require individuals to pay a visa insurance fee before issuing the Visa. Check if this fee applies to your country and pay it as the embassy instructs if needed.
Pack your bag and fly!
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