Many dream of joining the elite colleges and universities in the USA, which are renowned ivy league. You will need a valid student visa to fly to the States if you are one of the fortunate ones to have been admitted.
There are three types of US study visas available:
* F-1 (academic or language students)
* M-1 (non-academic/vocational students)
* J-1 (exchange visitors)
Here’s a step-by–step guide to getting a student visa for the USA.
Step 1. Take admission in a US institution
First, you need to enrol at a US college/university. You must be admitted to a US college/university with the Student Exchange and Visitor Program approval.
Step 2. Get the DS-2019 or I-20 form from the institution
A DS-2019 form for J-1 students or an I-20 form for M-1 and F-1 students will be provided by your SEVP-approved college.
This form includes your college’s address, SEVIS ID (Student Exchange Visitors Information System), and other information about your program. It is required for visa interviews.
Step 3. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
You will now need to pay the SEVIS II-901 fee. This fee is $350 for F-1/M-1 applicants and $220 to J-1 applicants. You can print the confirmation page once payment has been made.
Step 4. Locate a US consulate or embassy
An international student visa must be applied for by an American consulate or Embassy. You can find five in India.
Step 5. Fill out the DS-160 form
The CEPC (Consular Electronic Application Centre), online portal allows you to complete the form DS-160. Take a copy of the confirmation page after you have completed the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application.
Step 6. Schedule the visa interview
To schedule an interview or biometric appointment, you can contact the US consulate.
Step 7. Pay your visa application fee
No matter what your country is, you will need to pay $160 visa application fees. Multiple visa-related fees can be a strain on your savings.
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Step 8. Appear for your interview
Your visa interview is perhaps the most important step. This will directly impact your chances of being approved for a USA visa. All the necessary documents such as passports, forms, receipts for visa fees, qualifications, and other documentation will be required to you on the day of your interview.
The interview will include personal questions as well as all biometric formalities. The embassy will retain your passport to stamp the visa if you pass the interview.
Step 9. Submit the visa insurance fee
Depending on the agreement between your country and the US, you may be required to pay an insurance fee.
Step 10. Get your USA student visa
Once you have been approved, your passport will be sent to you with the new visa. It can be picked up at the embassy, or sent by mail.
To sum up
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How to Get a Student Visa
It is quite simple and straightforward to get a Visa to Study in a Foreign Country. International Universities, Colleges, and Schools are still keen to welcome students from India to their schools. Although the visa application process can be complicated and time-consuming, thousands of students each year are able to obtain a visa.
In 2017, 393,573 F-1 Student visas were issued. Currently, there are 1,184 735 students in the United States with F and M visas. It is easy to get your visa to study in another country. First, make an appointment at the Visa Application Centre ahead of time. Next, visit the website of the country you are interested in and fill out the application form. Once it is completed, print it. Download the checklist, and sign it once you have completed all of the forms. Once you have completed the checklist, fill in your supporting documents. Pay the government fee online, and you can book your appointment. Arrive 15 minutes early with your completed application form, supporting documents and fee payment receipt. Also bring your passport and two copies the passport biodata page. You will need the unique tracking number to keep track of the progress of your visa application online.
Here are some tips for students that will help them make their visa application smooth and successful.
- Finance –
Sending the application with your Education Money and all other expenses early should be done. You have the entire platform, and then you can start the Visa application process. Start looking for scholarships. Start preparing now and you’ll be awarded a scholarship based on your merits or other factors. You can also apply for a Credit Card, which will make your job a lot easier.
- Good Exam Scores –
You have a better chance of getting into the University or School you choose if you score well on these exams. It is a highly prestigious honor and a sign of good merit.
Prepare well for the TOEFLs, SATs, IELTS and GRE.
Bad grades can make it difficult to get admission at a top University.
- Documentation –
Prepare all necessary documents and start to prepare your file. These documents include your financial sorta, educational documents, and any additional information required by the University to which you are applying. You can also check the University website for the required documents list and other information.
- Applying to your University –
After passing the examinations, you can continue with the application process. It can be done online or by mail and takes up to two hours. The next step is to be selected by the university. This is not all. Once you have been admitted, you will be sent an email. Then, they will send you the additional admit card via courier or post. You will be admitted to the University.
- Visa Application –
You can apply online for the Visa and will later be invited to the formal interview for student visa. You will need to bring all the required documents and your admit card. All of this will be reviewed by Visa officials. Depending on your policy, you’ll get your VIsa.
Here is a list of student visas
- USA Student Visa:
- Germany Student Visa:
- Italy Student Visa:
- France Student Visa:
- Student Visa for Taiwan:
(Note: We haven’t named any documents due to privacy policies. You can find out more about the documents you will need.