Student Visa Overview

Hundreds of thousands of people come to the United States from around the world for a higher education to improve their skills and broaden their minds. Numerous programs provide a wide variety of opportunities. There are three major types of student visas that an international student can come on to the United States to study.

Student visas are issued for the period it takes the visitor to complete his/her course of study, program or work assignment.

The 3 Types of non-Immigrant Student Visa
1. F1 Visa: Academic Studies
For people who want to study or conduct research at an accredited U.S. College or University. In order to be qualified for getting an F1, you must be accepted by an recognized university as a full time student. You must also prove the sufficient proof of financial support during this stay in United States. Except for the training required by the course a F-1 holder cannot work in the United States.

2. J Visa: Academic Studies as an Exchange Visitor
For people who will be participating in an exchange visitor program in the U.S. The “J” Visa is the primary visa for educational and cultural exchange programs. Check out the details about working in the U.S. with your program sponsor.

3. M Visa: Non-Academic or Vocational Studies
For people who want to study or train at non-academic institutions in the U.S. such as vocational schools.

- Back to Top -

Steps to Acquiring a Student Visa
This section seeks to help students going to the U.S. for further studies on F1 visa:

Step 1: Take The Required Academic Test for Planned Education

• Figure out what test you need to take
• Register for the test
• Take and pass the test in home country

Step 2:  Register at an accredited U.S. College or University

• Find a University you would like to Attend in the United States
  See tips on finding a suitable university for you.
  
• Apply to the College/University
• Fulfil all formalities of registration
  
• Obtain an I-20
  (After all your registration formalities has been completed the College/University will send you an I-20 which you will need while applying for the visa.)

Step 3: Apply for the Student Visa

1. You will apply for the student visa and go through a visa interview at a US consulate in your home country. See below for the required documents that goes along with the visa application.
   If your immediate family is coming to USA with you on a Student Dependant Visa, then apply for their visa at the same time as yours.
2. Visa will be issued for the duration mentioned on your form I-20. (In practice most students get five-year visas irrespective of the duration mentioned on the I-20).
3. If you are refused a visa, you can apply again and again. There is no limit to the number of times you can apply for a visa.
4. Having relatives or family in the US does not disqualify you for a US visa.

Step 4: Get the Visa Stamped

Step 5: Communicate with your College/University for important information and key dates.

- Back to Top -

>> Test Requirements for Student Visa