Student Visa Requirements for USA

One of the three international student visa categories, the F1 Visa, J1 Visa, or M1 Visa, may be granted to anyone who plans to attend school in the United States. What type of visa is required to work in the US while an international student, you may be wondering. Although employment is possible with the F1 and J1 visas, it is not guaranteed. However, the M1 Visa does not permit the option of employment. You may learn more about these three categories of foreign student visas and how they will affect your life in the USA by reading our breakdowns of each one.

Types of VISAS for the USA

F1 Visa - Academic Studies

For academic study, you need an "F" visa. Students who are enrolled in an academic program or English language program are granted an F1 visa. The vast majority of international student visas issued in the United States are F1 visas. F1 students are required to maintain the required course load to remain enrolled full-time. F1 status permits on-campus, part-time employment (fewer than 20 hours per week). Additionally, students have up to a year after finishing their academic degree to complete optional practical training (OPT). Students must complete their studies by the I-20 form's expiration date (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status).

J1 Visa - Practical Training

A J1 visa is issued to students who need to obtain practical training that is not available in their home country to complete their academic program. J-1 student status allows for similar employment as the F1 visa, with similar restrictions, as long as permission is given by the exchange visitor program sponsor.

M1 Visa - Non-Academic / Vocational Studies

An M1 visa is issued to a student who is going to attend a non-academic or vocational school. M-1 visa holders for technical and vocational programs are not permitted to work during their studies. The M-1 student visa applicants must have evidence that sufficient funds are immediately available to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of the intended stay.

How to apply for F1 Student VISA?

Admissions procedures vary amongst universities. You'll learn what information your university needs to assess your academic eligibility from them. You will need to demonstrate to the school, among other things, that you have the financial means to support yourself while you are enrolled in classes without working. You may also need to provide proof of health insurance to pay for any necessary medical care. The university will supply you with an I-20 form so you can apply for your student visa after determining that your application is complete and you are academically qualified.

Applicants for student visas should generally apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. This will normally be your home country - the country in which you live. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside the country of permanent residence.

Your F1 visa interview can be scheduled with the American embassy or consulate. You should apply for your visa early because the wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category. Up to 120 before the start of your term of study, you may be granted an F1 student visa for the United States. Only thirty days prior to your start date, you will be permitted to travel to the US on an F1visa.

You must bring the following documents to your F1 visa interview:

• A valid passport

• Form DS-160, Non-immigrant Visa Application

• The payment receipt for the application fee

• A passport photo.

• A Certificate of Non-immigrant Eligibility (F1) Educator Status (Form 1-20)

Academic transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates may be needed to demonstrate your eligibility for the F1 student visa. Test results from the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT may also be required, along with documentation of your intention to leave the United States once your program is through and your financial stability.

Documents required

1. Valid passport for at least six months beyond the staying period.

2. Application fee payment or Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS)

3. Non-immigrant VISA application

4. Photos

5. Academic Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school

6. Financial statements

7. Scholarship program copy (if received)

8. Sponsor's financial undertaking for student's accommodation and living cost

Process and Eligibility

Process

• After your application is approved by the colleges you applied to. They will reach out by sending you an offer letter confirming your acceptance. then you have to fill out the I-20 form for an F-1 visa or the DS-2019 form for a J-1 visa.

• You can apply for a visa from the American embassy in your country (Nepal: https://np.usembassy.gov/) Student Visas can be issued up to 120 days before the date on your form I-20. Exchange Visitor Visas can be issued any time before the date on the DS-2019.

• After filling out the required forms you have to make sure to get an appointment for a visa interview. You also need to pay the mentioned fee amount

• Be prepared for your Visa Interview.

Eligibility

You will typically require the following when requesting your student visa for the United States

• A passport that is current and valid for at least six months after the end of your stay in the US (unless exempt by country-specific agreements)

• Your Form I-20 and acceptance to a school that the SEVP has approved. The SEVIS application fee has been paid.

Application processing time

• Depending on the type of visa you are looking for, the processing period for a US visa varies. The processing time for a US visa application is 3 to 5 weeks. The applicant may receive a favorable response to their application following processing, and the consulate will deliver the document. The delivery of the visa may require an additional two working days.

• Applications refused under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) may take up to 60 days to process after the visa interview while being further processed. Rarely, the processing time may go above six months.

• Applicants who must submit a waiver of ineligibility to be granted a visa should be informed that they will have to wait for 6 to 8 months from the date of their interview for a response.

• Compared to other visas, the F-1 visa takes substantially less time to process. This form of visa is processed prior to your interview. The interview is the last step the US Embassy takes to determine whether or not to grant you an F-1 visa.

• After the interview, you will often receive a response regarding this visa. After the visa interview, the interviewer may congratulate you on receiving the visa or give you a letter outlining the grounds for rejection. However, there are instances where the F-1 visa response and processing take a few days, so you should exercise patience if that occurs.

Visa fees for the USA

American student visa fees (F and M) If you are currently enrolled in a SEVP-approved institution and registered in SEVIS, a student visa for the United States may be awarded at any time. You may also enter the nation whenever you like. The total cost to apply for and acquire a U.S. student visa will be in the $500–$600 range.

Student Visa Requirement - English Language Proficiency Score