Complete USA Study Visa Guide: Types, Cost, Requirement & How to Apply for F1 Study Visa?

The USA continues to be the top destination for students looking to study abroad. USA Study Visa are growing in demand. Applying for a student visa is a crucial next step in fulfilling your ambition of studying in the United States if you are one of the select few who aspirations and have already been accepted into your desired university.

This student’s visa guide quickly covers the various visa categories and makes an effort to provide a detailed application process for the F1 USA study visa, which is relevant to students wishing to pursue both their bachelor\’s and master\’s degrees in the United States.

Additionally, candidates must to be aware of the grounds for denial of their USA Study Visa. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 2,32,851 Indian students went to the USA for higher studies in 2021. The number of Indian students in the US increased by more than 12% in 2021. 37% of Indian students were females.

USA Study Visa Categories

The US offers three different kinds of student visas:

1. F1 USA Study Visa for students

An F1 visa is necessary for applicants to programmes that call for more than 18 hours of study per week. Both graduate programmes like the MS and MBA as well as all undergraduate programmes are included in this. Families or children travelling with F-1 visa holders will do so on an F-2 visa.

Please be aware that wives cannot work but may accompany their partners or apply for their own visa to work or study in the United States.

1. J1 Visitor Exchange USA study Visa

Students, visiting scholars, and lecturers who are participating in exchange programmes are eligible for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. For instance, many students from Indian colleges participating in short-term study abroad programmes and Fulbright scholars will enter the United States on a J-1 visa.

The J1 visa, also known as an exchange visitor visa, is typically requested by a working professional travelling to the United States on an exchange programme. These could include a research fellowship or a 10-month vocational training programme, for example.

Whichever the case, the relevant institutions would notify the applicants for the same. J-2 visas are required for spouses and kids travelling with J-1 visa holders. Please be advised that spouses may work if prior authorization is granted.

1. M-1 Visa for Vocational/Non-Academic Students

A specific sort of student visa called the M1 is only available to students attending vocational and technical institutions.

While the application process for both the M1 and F1 visas is similar, the M1 visas differ in that students cannot overstay their visit because they are time-stamped when they arrive.

Working on a USA Study Visa

Students are not permitted to take on off-campus employment during their first year of school. More than 20 hours a week cannot be worked by them. They might put in up to 40 hours each week throughout vacations and holidays. The student may work for a business that offers services to the college, such a cafeteria or bookstore.

Cost of USA Study Visa

There are two fees associated with for F1 student visa for the USA

SEVIS fee which is at present at $350 (INR 26,256)

Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) which is at present $160 (INR 12,003)

Here is the breakdown of different types of Student Visas

*Spouses and dependents do not need to pay the SEVIS fee if they are going to the U.S. on F-2 or J-2 visas. For more information about the SEVIS program

Source: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/usa

Documents required for USA Study Visa

USA Study Visa Process: In compared to a tourist visa, a student visa requires you to carry a lot more documentation. Along with the required paperwork, you also need supporting evidence from your education and financial situation.

• A passport that is current and has at least six months left on its validity period.
• DS-160, the online application form, printed out
• Receipt for SEVIS Fee
• Invitation to interview (original and copy)
• I-20 form delivered by the college (where you are going to study)
• Receipt confirming payment of visa fees
• A bank statement for the past three years demonstrating that you have sufficient assets to cover the first year\’s expenses (could be of parent or guardian)
• Salary / Pay Slips
• Original academic results or provisional certificates
• Score reports for tests like the TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT etc.

Financial Supporting Documents Required for F1 USA Study Visa

Students must provide documentation of the finances they need to meet all first-year expenses in the USA for USA Study Visa. It consists of tuition fees, living costs, and other costs (like books). In addition, students must provide evidence that they have the financial resources necessary to complete their studies.

Evidence of Financial Resources required for F1 Visa

• Tax returns for the past 3 years (Form 16)
• Bank statements/passbook for the past 3 years
• Original pay/salary slips and letters of employment
• Statement from certified CA
• Scholarship letter (If the applicant has received it)
• The loan approval letter by the bank or the concerned authority

How to Apply for a F1 USA Study Visa

To apply for a USA study visa, follow these steps:

1. Once you have a Form I-20 from your college, the visa application procedure can begin.
2. Although you can pay the SEVIS fee at any moment during the application process, it is highly advised that you do so before you begin applying for a US visa.
3. You can fill out a DS-160 visa application after paying the SEVIS fee and receiving a receipt.
4. An online application form is being used.
5. To bring to your interview, print the confirmation page from your application.
6. Pay the visa fee at authorised AXIS bank/Citi bank locations or via NEFT.
7. Make an appointment for your biometrics and an interview.

Keep in mind that F1 visas for students can be issued up to 120 days before to the start of your term of study.

You won\’t be permitted to enter the country with an F1 visa, though, before 30 days have passed since your start date.

USA Study Visa applying with Dependents

F2 or M2 visas are required for partners and minor children who intend to reside in the US with the applicant for the duration of their stay.

A spouse with F2 status is permitted to attend classes that are vocational or recreational in nature, such as learning how to play tennis or cook, but they are not permitted to enrol in a complete course of study.

Children with F2 status are permitted to enrol full-time in elementary, middle, or high school.They may not enroll in a full-time course of study at a college or university.