For international students, the USA is the most popular country. It has some of the best universities in the world. A USA study visa  is a non-immigrant visa that permits foreign nationals to pursue their study, training programs, or other vocational courses in the USA.

Generally speaking, the interview procedure is the hardest part of getting a student visa. In this post, We will cover all the information you require to apply for a study visa in this post, along with interview advice.

What is a US Student Visa? 

Foreign nationals can study in the United States  with a US student visa. Foreign nationals who enter the US on a visitor visa (B) or  VWP (Visa Waiver Program) can not be able to study in the United States. Although, they can undertake recreational studies on a USA tourist visa .

Types of Student Visas in the USA

There are 3 Visa types of US Student Visas:

1. F1 Visa:  International students are granted an F1 visa to pursue academic education. Students enrolled in either an English language or standard academic program are eligible to get it.

Of all the student visas for the USA, it is the most popular.

• Holders of an F1 student visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week in part-time employment, but they must retain their full-time status as students.
• It is mandatory for foreign students with an F1 visa to finish their course before their I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status) expires.

1. J1 Visa:  International students who need to complete their academic program with practical training that cannot be obtained in their native country are granted a J1 Visa.

• Up to 20 hours of part-time work per week are permitted with this student visa. However, to work, international students must get authorization from the sponsor of the exchange visitor program.

1. M1 Visa:  International students enrolled in non-academic or vocational schools in the US are granted an M1 visa.

M1 student visa holders are not permitted to work while they are enrolled in classes.

In addition, students requesting an M1 visa must demonstrate that they have enough money to pay for both their living expenses and educational costs while they are in the country.

Annual Intakes in US Universities

There are 3 intakes a year in US Universities;

• Fall Intake:  It started in September and it is the most popular intake among Pakistani students.

• Spring Intake:  This Intake started in January.

• Summer Intake:  This Intake usually starts in May.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply to US Universities

You need to meet certain eligibility criteria to apply to US universities for studies:

• Have a completed application form
• Proof of Secondary School completion (12 years)
• Certificate of English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)
• Evidence of financial support (with the I-20 form)

Documents Requirement for US Student’s Visas

In general, your application for a student visa must be submitted with the following documentation:

• Requisite application form duly filled and signed
• I-20 showing that you are enrolled in a US university
• Valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Receipt of payment of visa processing fees
• Confirmation page of DS-160
• Documents to show you are a bonafide student
• Payment of the application fee for SEVIS
• Documents to show sponsorship
• Documents to show the availability of funds

Top 10 Universities in the USA that are SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) approved

Here are the top 10 best universities in the United States;

Apply for a US Student Visa

You may start the application process for a US student visa after deciding the kind of visa you need to apply for.

Step 1: Apply to a SEVP-approved school and obtain an I-20

Before applying for a student visa, a foreign student must be enrolled at a US institution. Nonetheless, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) of the US government must accredit your institution.

• For your certification or degree to be accepted by companies globally, professional organizations, government agencies, other schools and universities, and ministries, accreditation is essential.
• The United States, unlike many other nations, does not have a centralized university application system, thus you will need to apply to each school or university.
• This implies that you will have to meet all of the conditions for admission that each school has, including supplying evidence of your financial stability.
• International students are only accepted and enrolled in schools that have received SEVP approval. After being admitted to a school, you will get a Form I-20 or DS-2020 and be registered in the SEVIS system.
• International students who qualify for a J1 student visa are awarded a DS-2020, while those who qualify for an F1 or M1 student visa are issued a Form I-20.

Step 2: Fill out an Online Visa Application Form

Following payment of your SEVIS fee, you must complete the DS-160 online application. It’s recommended that you complete this online application form three to four months before the start of your study.

You must make sure you have the necessary documents for the information you are entering on the online DS-160 form.

The following personal information must be included in our online application form, DS-160.

• Your Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Details of your Passport.
• Details of your previous visits to the United States, if any.
• Details about your travel plans and travel companions.
• Your point of contact in the United States.
• Details about your family
• Your education details.
• Previous work experience, if any.
• Your SEVIS ID
• Address where you intend to enroll as mentioned in your I-20 or DS-2020 form.

Step 3: Attend the Interview

Attending your interview is the final step in obtaining a US student visa. It should be possible for you to respond to inquiries made during the interview.

The majority of inquiries aim to determine whether:

• Studying is the main reason you are traveling to the United States.
• You possess the necessary abilities to finish and pass your course.
• In the US, you can cover your costs.
• Following the completion of your education, you plan to return home.
• The United States does not consider you to be a security threat.

Make sure you have proper documentation with you so it can support and authenticate your response. When you can impress the interviewer with your responses and pertinent documentation, your chances of having your student visa denied significantly decrease.

Cost for applying for a US Student Visa

Payment of the SEVIS fee:  Three days or more before filing your application for a student visa to the United States, you must pay the SEVIS charge. For F1 or M1 visas, the application fee is $200; for J1 visas, it is $180.

• You must make sure that all of the information you enter on the SEVIS fee form matches exactly what is on your I-20 or DS-2020 form.
• You can pay with a check, international money order, debit or credit card, Western Union Quick Pay, or an international money order. Make sure you print your payment confirmation since you may need it for other steps in the application process for a US student visa.

After completing and submitting the DS-160 online application form, you must pay the $160 application cost.

This payment can be made by phone, in person, or online at a bank that has been approved. Please be aware that there are no refunds or transfers for this application cost.

It is recommended that you print and save a copy of this payment receipt, as you may need it for the interview portion of the US student visa application process.

Processing time for US Student Visa

During your visa interview, your application for a student visa is often granted or refused. In seven to ten working days, if your student visa is granted, you will get both your passport and your US student visa. You will have to wait until you obtain your passport, though, as most interviewers won’t let you know if your application was accepted or denied.

How Can ECI Consultants Help You? 

• Profile Evaluation:  We check your profile history with the criteria for visa eligibility and advise you as to which visas you need to apply for.
• Obtaining documents:  Assist you in gathering the paperwork required to apply for a visa.
• professional direction:  We are always here to help you, whether it be with interview preparation, French/English classes, working samples for resumes and cover letters, or help with application forms, medical clearance certificates, or police clearance certificates.
• Dedicated Case Officer:  Throughout the process, we provide you with individualized support and serve as the company’s primary point of contact.
• Post-Landing Services:  After getting your visa, we assist you in settling down in the nation. These services are specially tailored to meet your needs. With ECI Consultants , you can anticipate a one-stop solution for all of your visa needs, including profile evaluation, documentation, application preparation, and post-visa services.