US Visa Apply Process For International Student

So, you're thinking about studying in the US, huh? Congrats on deciding to take this giant leap! Whether it’s for that world-class education, experiencing a new culture, or just wanting to explore the land of Hollywood and burgers (let’s be real, it's a mix of everything), you’ll need a student visa. 

The US student visa process can seem like a mountain of paperwork, interviews, and fees—but don’t worry, we've got you. Here’s your fresh, ultimate guide to applying for a US student visa, step-by-step.

Types of US Student Visas

First up, you need to know which visa to apply for. The US Government offers three main types of student visas:

About 900,000 international students were studying in the US as of 2023, with a majority holding F-1 visas. This shows the dominance of the academic programs compared to other visa categories.

F-1 Visa Qualifications

To qualify for the F-1 visa, you need to meet several strict criteria:

1. Foreign Residence: You must have a residence in your home country and a clear intent to return after completing your studies.
2. Sponsoring Institution: You can only study at the academic institution that has issued the I-20 form for your F-1 visa.
3. Financial Support: You need to demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs for the duration of your study.
4. Ties to Your Home Country: You must show strong ties to your home country, such as job offers, property ownership, or family connections, which assure the consulate that you will return after your studies.

Step 1: Get Accepted into a SEVP-Certified School

Your visa application starts with getting into a SEVP-certified school. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certifies schools and universities that can host international students. Whether it’s Harvard or a smaller community college, the institution must have SEVP certification. After acceptance, you’ll receive a Form I-20 for F-1 or M-1 visas or a Form DS-2019 for a J-1 visa.

SEVP certification is critical. Make sure your institution is on the SEVP list before applying! If you're unsure, check out the official SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) website for the latest approved schools.

Step 2: Pay the SEVIS Fee

Once you receive your I-20 or DS-2019, you’ll need to pay the SEVIS fee. This fee funds the SEVIS system, which tracks international students and exchange visitors throughout their stay in the US.

You can pay this fee online through the SEVIS website. Make sure to keep the receipt, as you'll need to bring it to your visa interview.

Step 3: Complete the DS-160 Form

Now that your SEVIS fee is paid, it’s time for the DS-160 form. This is your official application for a non-immigrant visa. Head over to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and fill out the form online. You’ll need to upload a passport-sized photo (meeting the US visa photo guidelines) and provide details about your travel plans, education, and funding sources.

Filling out the DS-160 form is crucial. Make sure your information matches your I-20 or DS-2019 exactly. Any mistakes could delay your application.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)

You didn’t think you were done paying, did you? After the DS-160 form, there’s another fee—this one is for the visa application itself, officially known as the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee. For most applicants, it’s $160, but always double-check as fees can change.

The MRV fee is non-refundable, even if your visa gets denied. So make sure you’re on top of your game during the interview!

Step 5: Schedule Your Visa Interview

You’ve got your forms, receipts, and fees—now it’s interview time! Scheduling an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate is the next step. Keep in mind that visa appointment wait times can vary depending on the country. You can check estimated wait times on the US Department of State’s website.

Schedule your interview early. Visa interview slots fill up fast, especially during peak application seasons (June to August). The earlier you book, the better.

Step 6: The Visa Interview

Here’s where things can get a bit nerve-wracking—your visa interview. The consular officer will determine whether you qualify for the visa based on your answers and supporting documents. Make sure to prepare for these common interview questions:

• Why do you want to study in the US?
• Why did you choose this school?
• How are you funding your studies?
• What are your plans after graduation?
• Do you have ties to your home country? (They want to be sure you’ll return home after completing your studies.)

According to recent data, the visa acceptance rate for F-1 visas is around 85%, meaning the majority of students get their visa approved. Just stay calm, be honest, and answer confidently.

Documents to Bring to Your Visa Interview:

• Valid passport (with at least six months of validity beyond your intended stay)
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Visa application fee payment receipt
• Passport-sized photo (meeting US visa requirements)
• I-20 or DS-2019 form
• SEVIS fee payment receipt
• Financial documents (proof of funds like bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor letters)
• Transcripts, diplomas, or other educational certificates
• Proof of ties to your home country (employment letters, property deeds, etc.)

Step 7: Wait for Your Visa Decision

After your interview, you’ll be told if your visa is approved, denied, or if it needs further administrative processing. If approved, congratulations! The consular officer will keep your passport to attach the visa, and you’ll get it back in a week or so.

While the F-1 visa approval rate is generally high, sometimes you might be denied due to issues like not providing sufficient financial backing or not demonstrating strong ties to your home country. If your visa is denied, the reason will be provided, and you can usually reapply after addressing the issues.

Step 8: Pack Your Bags! 

Once you have your visa, you’re good to go, right? Well, almost. The visa allows you to enter the US, but remember, you can only arrive 30 days before your program start date. So, if your classes start on September 1, you can’t show up before August 1.

You’re required to check in with your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) within 30 days of arrival. The DSO helps keep your student records in SEVIS updated and will assist with everything from class registration to visa extensions.

What Happens If My Visa Expires?

Your student visa’s expiration date doesn’t mean the end of your stay in the US. You’re allowed to stay in the country as long as you’re enrolled in your academic program and maintain your F-1 status. Once you finish your program, you have a 60-day grace period to either leave the US, apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), or enroll in a higher program.

Stat Alert: Around 75% of F-1 students opt for OPT to gain work experience after completing their degrees. The OPT allows you to work for up to 12 months (or 36 months if you’re in a STEM field).

Working on an F-1 Visa

Yes, but with some restrictions. Here’s what you need to know:

1. On-Campus Work: You can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks, but the job must be on campus.
2. Off-Campus Work: For this, you’ll need approval through Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
   • OPT: For students who want to work in their field of study after graduation.
   • CPT: This allows you to work as part of your degree program (e.g., internships).

Working without authorization can result in losing your F-1 visa status, and trust us—you don’t want that. Always check with your DSO before accepting any job offer.

English Language Requirements

Most US schools require you to prove your proficiency in English. The most common tests are the TOEFL and IELTS. Generally, US universities require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 bands, but this can vary by institution. Over 3 million IELTS tests were taken last year worldwide. The IELTS is accepted by more than 10,000 organizations, including US schools, employers, and governments.

Keeping Your F-1 Visa Valid

Once you’ve made it to the US, here are a few things to keep in mind to stay in good standing with your F-1 visa and the US government:

1. Maintain Full-Time Enrollment: You must stay enrolled in a full-time course load during the academic year. Dropping below full-time without prior authorization from your DSO can put your visa status at risk. Usually, that’s 12 credit hours for undergraduate students and 9 credit hours for graduate students.
2. Keep Your I-20 Form Up to Date: If any of your information changes—like your program of study, degree level, or the length of your program—you’ll need an updated I-20. Notify your DSO as soon as possible.
3. Refrain From Unauthorized Work: As we mentioned earlier, you need proper authorization for off-campus work (OPT or CPT). Even unpaid internships can require authorization, so be careful!
4. Traveling Outside the US?: If you’re traveling outside the US during your studies, make sure your visa is valid for re-entry and that your I-20 has been signed by your DSO for travel authorization. You don’t want to get stuck outside the US without the proper documentation to return.
5. File Your Taxes: Even if you don’t have income, international students on F-1 visas are required to file certain tax forms, like Form 8843. If you’ve earned money through a job, you’ll need to file more tax documents, like Form 1040NR.

Even though most international students don’t pay federal income taxes, filing these forms is mandatory. Not doing so can cause problems when you apply for future US visas.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

If you want to work in the US after you complete your studies, OPT is your best option. OPT allows you to work for up to 12 months in a field related to your major. If you’re a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) student, you’re in luck—you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you a total of 36 months of work authorization.

How to Apply for OPT

• Apply early! You can apply up to 90 days before your program end date.
• You’ll need to file Form I-765, along with an application fee of $410.
• The processing time for OPT applications can take anywhere from 90 to 120 days, so plan ahead!

In 2022, there were over 220,000 students on OPT, with nearly 100,000 of them enrolled in the STEM OPT extension program. It’s a popular route for international students looking to gain work experience in the US after graduation.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

If you want to gain work experience during your studies, CPT is an excellent option. Unlike OPT, CPT is directly tied to your degree program and allows you to work in internships, co-ops, or practicums. The great thing about CPT is that it can be either part-time or full-time, but you must be enrolled for at least one academic year before applying for CPT (unless your program requires it sooner).

If you work full-time on CPT for 12 months or more, you won’t be eligible for OPT. So, weigh your options carefully!

Changing Schools or Programs on an F-1 Visa

So, what if after a year, you decide you want to transfer schools or change your major? The good news is that it's possible—but you have to follow the correct process to maintain your F-1 status.

How to Transfer Schools on an F-1 Visa:

1. Get Accepted: First, get accepted to your new school, which must also be SEVP-certified.
2. Notify Your Current School: Let your DSO know that you plan to transfer. They’ll help you complete the necessary paperwork and transfer your SEVIS records to the new institution.
3. Get a New I-20: Your new school will issue you a new I-20 form reflecting the transfer.

You must start classes at your new school within 5 months of leaving your current school to maintain your F-1 status.

After Graduation Planning

Once you’ve completed your degree, you have a 60-day grace period to decide your next steps. Here are a few options:

1. Start OPT: As mentioned earlier, if you haven’t used up your OPT time, you can start working in the US.
2. Continue Studies: Want to pursue a higher degree? You can apply for another F-1 visa or transfer to another SEVP-certified program.
3. Change Visa Status: You might decide to change your visa status (e.g., to an H-1B work visa if you’ve got a job lined up, or even a tourist visa if you want to hang out a bit longer).
4. Return Home: If you’re ready to head back to your home country, make sure to leave the US within the grace period to avoid any visa complications.

Over 40% of international students opt for Optional Practical Training after graduation, while the remainder either continue their studies or return to their home countries.

Special Considerations for Specific Countries

While the US visa process is generally the same for all countries, there are special considerations for students from certain countries. For example, students from Canada and Bermuda don’t need to apply for a visa, though they still need to apply for admission to a SEVP-certified school and get an I-20 form.

For students from countries with high visa denial rates (like Nigeria, Ghana, or Bangladesh), you may face stricter scrutiny during your visa interview. Be prepared with strong evidence of your academic intent and financial backing.

According to US State Department data, F-1 visa denial rates vary widely depending on the applicant’s country of origin, with some countries having denial rates as high as 60% or more.

While applying for a US student visa can feel overwhelming, it’s completely doable with the right preparation. The key is to start early, stay organized, and follow each step of the process carefully. With over 900,000 international students currently enrolled in US schools, you’re not alone on this journey—and soon, you could be one of them!

FAQs

1. Can I apply for an F-1 visa if I have already been accepted to multiple US universities?

Yes, you can only apply for an F-1 visa for the specific school you plan to attend. Once you decide which university you’ll go to, that school will issue your I-20 form, which you will use to apply for the visa.

2. What happens if my visa interview doesn’t go well and I get denied?

If your F-1 visa is denied, the consular officer will explain the reason for denial based on US immigration law. Common reasons include insufficient financial proof or weak ties to your home country. You can reapply by addressing the issues raised in your initial interview, but you will need to pay the visa application fee again.

3. Do I need to submit original financial documents when applying for the visa?

Yes, for your visa interview, you should bring original financial documents that prove you can fund your education, including tuition, living expenses, and travel. This may include bank statements, scholarship award letters, or financial affidavits.

4. Is there any way to expedite the F-1 visa application process?

While there’s no formal process to expedite the visa, some US consulates offer emergency appointments for students who have imminent start dates and urgent travel needs. Contact your local consulate to check their policy on expedited appointments.

5. Can I travel in and out of the US during my studies on an F-1 visa?

Yes, you can travel outside the US while studying on an F-1 visa, but you must have a valid visa for re-entry and an updated I-20 form signed by your DSO (Designated School Official) for travel authorization. Make sure to check the validity of your visa before leaving the US.

6. What if I need more time to complete my degree than my visa allows?

If you need more time to complete your studies, you can apply for a program extension through your DSO before your I-20 expiration date. You must provide a valid reason, such as medical issues or academic delays, to get the extension.

7. Can I work off-campus while on an F-1 visa?

No, you cannot work off-campus without special authorization like CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training). Unauthorized off-campus work can result in the termination of your visa and deportation.

8. What happens if I fail a course or fall below the required full-time status?

If you fall below full-time status, you must notify your DSO immediately. In some cases, exceptions can be made for valid academic or medical reasons, but if no exception applies and you drop below full-time without approval, your visa may be revoked.

9. Can I bring my family with me on my F-1 visa?

Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for an F-2 visa as dependents of your F-1 visa. However, they will not be allowed to work in the US. Your children can attend school while in the US, but your spouse will not be allowed to work unless they obtain their own work authorization.

10. What should I do if my visa expires while I’m still in the US?

If your F-1 visa expires while you’re in the US, you don’t need to worry as long as you maintain your full-time student status and have a valid I-20 form. However, if you leave the US and need to re-enter, you will need to apply for a visa renewal at a US embassy or consulate in your home country.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, gather your documents, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the United States. Just remember to have fun, make friends, and soak up all the experiences that come your way. The US is waiting for you!