USA Study Visa: Types, Requirements, Process, and Cost

The demand for studying in the United States has risen in recent years. If a student has been accepted to the university of his choice, the next necessary step is to apply for a USA Study Visa to make their dream of studying in “the Land of the Free” a reality.

There are three types of study visas to the US:

Types of USA Study Visa

F-1 Study Visa

The F-1 Study Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows overseas students to study in the United States at SEVP-approved institutions. Targeted for students who are enrolled full-time, F-1 visas allow students to work off-campus. They are permitted to work under particular situations, such as student assistance or severe economic difficulties.

M-1 Study Visa

The M-1 Study Visa is granted to students who wish to participate in a non-academic or vocational study or training at the school. An M-1 visa holder can apply for various vocational training and technical programs and work without a work permit until the course is completed.

J-1 Study Visa

The J-1 Study Visa is designed for students who seek to work in the United States as part of various study-based exchange and visitor programs. It is tailored to those who require advanced training. J-1 exchange visitors come to the United States to learn, teach, and acquire skill training.

What is the eligibility for a USA Study Visa?

Here are the primary eligibility criteria you would need to meet to apply for a USA Study Visa.

• Be over 18 years of age.
• Have a completed F-1/M-1/J-1 application form.
• Required academic qualifications.
• Minimum language proficiency.
• Proof of sufficient funds.

NOTE: Each USA Study Visa type may have its eligibility criteria besides the ones mentioned above, which you must meet to qualify.

What are the requirements for a USA Study Visa?

International students applying under any of the USA Study Visa types would need to gather the following generic documents:

• Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure from the US (unless exempt by country-specific agreements).
• Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Application fee payment receipt.
• Photographs.
• Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20.
  An immigration officer will interview you to assess your eligibility for a student visa and may ask for further documents, such as proof of:

• Your academic preparation, such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended and standardized test scores required by your U.S. school.
• Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study.
• Proof of Funds – How you will pay all educational, living, and travel costs.

What is the process to apply for a USA Study Visa?

The F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa application process is quite similar. The process outlined below can be used to obtain any of the three categories of a US Study Visa.

Step 1: Apply And Get Accepted To A US School

The first step is to apply to a US university/college – and get accepted. In the United States, most full-time undergraduate and graduate programs require applications by December or January of each year. Admission notices are usually sent out in March and April.

STEP 2: Receive Form I-20 Or DS-2019 From Your School

Once admitted to a school, you’ll receive one of three forms: Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20.

STEP 3: Pay The I-901 SEVIS Fee

Once you receive your I-20 or DS-2019 form from your school, go online and pay the mandated fees. The I-901 SEVIS fee is different from the visa application fee. Except for students from Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, or Nigeria, most students can pay this fee online using a credit card.

STEP 4: Find Your Nearest US Embassy Or Consulate

You must apply for an international student visa at the US embassy or consulate nearest you. Depending on which embassy you apply through, the process for obtaining a USA Study Visa may differ. The US Department of State offers an online search for US embassies and consulates.

STEP 5: Complete Form DS-160 Online

Next, complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, also known as Form DS-160. You will be required to submit the mandated documents at this step. Select the US embassy at which you intend to interview for your visa and submit your application.

STEP 6: Schedule Your Visa Interview

Contact your nearest US embassy or consulate and schedule your visa interview. Again, wait times for interviews vary depending on the embassy.

STEP 7: Pay Your Visa Application Fee

Pay the USA Study Visa application fees. This fee is the same regardless of where you apply or where you are from. Your embassy should provide instructions on when and how to pay your visa application fee. 

STEP 8: Attend Your Visa Interview

The interview is the final major step in the visa application process. During the interview, you will be asked various questions in English, which largely revolve around why you want to study at the school you’ve chosen and what you plan to do once the program is completed. If your interview goes well, your embassy will let you know when and how your passport (along with your new visa) will be issued.

STEP 9: Receive Your Visa

Your embassy will return your passport to you with your new visa if you’ve completed all the steps above and received approval for an international student visa to the United States.

What is the cost of a USA Study Visa?

Two costs are associated with a USA Study Visa: SEVIS Fee and Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee).