Visa

How To Obtain A US Student Visa-Full Process

Posted on by Eberechi Azubuike

Applying for a US student visa is a daunting task as it involves several rigorous processes. These processes have been set up by the US government to ensure that only eligible applicants are granted visas into the country. Nevertheless, with the right direction, information and preparation, you can be sure to obtain your US student visa seamlessly. This blog post will walk you through the nooks and crannies of acquiring a US student visa.

Before Applying For a US student visa

Before submitting your application for a student visa, you must ensure that you have applied to a SEVP approved institution in the US. The SEVP ( Student and Exchange Visitors Program) is a US body that ensures that government agencies have essential data related to nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors to preserve national security.

After the SEVP approved institution enrolls you, you will be registered into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the applicable fee. The school will issue a Form I-20, after which you may commence application for your student visa at the US Embassy in your country.

Required documents for US student visa

  • Passport: You must present a passport, that must be valid beyond six months of your stay in the US.
  • Nonimmigrant visa application form.
  • Visa application fee payment receipt.
  • Passport photograph.
  • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20.
  • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20.

More documents include:

  • Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended.
  • Language 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 to apply

Here’s the step by step process on how to apply for your US student visa.

Fill the online visa application form

You must fill the online visa application, and print the application form confirmation page which you must bring to your interview.

You will upload a copy of your photograph which must meet the photo requirements.

Schedule an interview

You are required to schedule an interview with a Consulate officer in the country you reside in. You can schedule your visa interview in another country, but it comes with some challenges.

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply.

Appointment wait time

The wait time duration varies as stated earlier for different reasons.

New Students: Student visas (F and M) can be issued up to 365 days before the start date of the program. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.

Continuing Students: Student visas (F and M) can be issued at any time, as long as the student is an SEVP-approved school and in SEVIS.

Preparing for your visa interview

Visa fee: Pay the applicable visa fee, if you are required to pay it before your interview. If applicable to your nationality, you may also pay a visa issuance fee if your visa is approved. The fees usually starts from $185.

Gather your required documents: See the list of required documents above.

Attend your interview

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. You must be able to show that you meet the legal requirements to obtain a visa.

As part of the application process, ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer will determine whether your application requires further administrative processing. If required, you will be informed.

After receiving your visa

Your student visa does not grant you an automatic entry into the US. A visa only allows an immigrant to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (airport) and request permission to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the airport have authority to permit or deny admission to the US.

After presenting your passport, visa, and Form I-20 at the airport, a CBP official will make this decision. Upon admission, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.

How to extend your stay

International students in the United States with F visas must leave the US within 60 days after their program end date stated on Form I-20, including any authorized practical training. Foreigners can request an extension through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. See USCIS eligibility criteria and procedures.

Failure to depart from the US after your program can lead to your visa becoming void. It can also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future in certain cases.