Studying in the US offers access to world-renowned universities, state-of-the-art research facilities and various academic programs. However, before embarking on this educational adventure, you will first need to obtain a US student visa.
The type of visa you need depends on your age and the studies you wish to pursue in the US. Below is an overview of the various US student visas and their application requirements.
Types of US Student Visas
- F-1 Student Visa: This visa is for individuals looking to study at accredited US colleges or universities and those aiming to enrol in English language institutes.
- J Exchange Visa: Designed for participants in exchange programs, this visa covers high school and university studies, among other educational opportunities.
- M Student Visa: Intended for those pursuing non-academic or vocational study or training in the US.
Documents required for a US student visa
First, you need to apply to a US institution approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, the international student office at the institution will give you a Form I-20, which has your information from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
For your visa application, you’ll need:
- A valid passport for at least six months after your stay in the US
- Acceptance at a SEVP approved school and your Form I-20
- Application fee payment for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
- Non-immigrant visa application and the Form DS-160 confirmation page
- One or two photographs in the requested format
You might also need other documents like:
- Academic records including transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates
- Proof that you have enough money to cover your living expenses in the US, such as bank statements or a sponsor’s financial support
- Proof that you plan to leave the US after you finish studying, such as a return flight ticket to your home country
*You might have to go for an interview at the US embassy or consulate as well.
You can learn more about each type of visa on the US Department of State’s website.
F-1 Student Visa
Most students opt for the F-1 Student Visa, which involves these key steps:
Step 1: SEVIS Fee and Form I-20
- Pay the SEVIS fee and obtain Form I-20 from your school.
Step 2: Visa Fee and Form Collection
- Pay the visa fee and collect the visa application form.
Step 3: D-160 Form
Fill out the D-160 form and submit it along with your visa documents.
Step 4: Visa Interview
- Attend a visa interview with the US Embassy or Consulate. Previous visa holders may be eligible for an interview waiver.
Please note that you can enter the US only 30 days before the start date of your program.
Visa application process & Interview
Once you have secured admission to a university approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and obtained your I-20 form, the next crucial step involves completing the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. You can schedule your visa interview after successfully filling out the DS-160 form. Ensuring you have all your required documents prepared before attending the visa interview is essential.
During the student visa interview in the USA, the consular officer’s primary aim is to understand you as an applicant better. They are keen to ascertain your genuine intentions, particularly regarding your desire to study and to assess if there are any undisclosed reasons behind your visa application. Consequently, you can anticipate inquiries about your chosen program, your field of study or research, and if you are pursuing a master’s degree, among other relevant topics. Being well-prepared for these questions and having thoughtful, honest responses ready can significantly enhance the credibility of your application.
The Cost of a Student Visa for the USA
Applicants from outside the US will typically need to pay a $160 application visa fee (please check the latest cost when applying). Additionally, there is a $350 SEVIS fee for F and M visa applications and a $220 fee for most J Visa applications. This fee includes the cost of the computer system used to track your stay in the United States (SEVIS).
After Arrival in the US
Upon your arrival in the US, it’s essential to:
- Contact your designated school official promptly.
- Reconnect with your designated school official no later than the program start date on your Form I-20.
Making sure your visa remains valid
Once you get your visa, there are several things you need to do to ensure it remains valid, including:
- Fulfilling the purpose of why the Department of State issued the visa
- Following the regulations associated with that purpose
While studying in the US, you will need to observe the following rules:
- You must attend and pass all your classes. If you are finding your studies too difficult, you should speak with your designated school official (DSO) immediately.
- If you think you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20, you must talk to your DSO about requesting a possible program extension.
- You must take a full course of study each term. If you cannot study full-time, contact your DSO immediately.
- You cannot drop below a full course of study without consulting with your DSO.
How can IDP help with visa application
If you’re an IDP student with an offer letter from one of our partner universities in the US, rest assured that we will guide you through the entire process. We’ll provide up-to-date information on visa requirements, help you prepare the necessary documents and direct you to official websites and authorised immigration representatives. We can also assist with document certification, translation, and courier services to streamline the process.
Contact your IDP counsellor today to answer any visa-related questions and much more.
While studying in the U.S., you will need to observe the following rules:
- You must attend and pass all of your classes. If you are finding your studies too difficult, you should speak with your designated school official (DSO) immediately
- If you think you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20, you must talk to your DSO about requesting a possible program extension
- You must take a full course of study each term. If you cannot study full-time, contact your DSO immediately
- You cannot drop below a full course of study without consulting with your DSO
FAQs
Can I work on a student visa for the US?
Yes, you can work on a student visa in the US, but there are some restrictions:
On-Campus Employment: F-1 visa holders can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during authorised breaks.
Off-Campus Employment: You may be eligible for off-campus work authorisation under certain circumstances, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
How long can I stay in the US on a student visa?
You can generally stay in the US on a student visa for the duration of your academic program, plus an additional period for Optional Practical Training (OPT) if applicable. Once you complete your studies, you may have a grace period to prepare to depart, which is typically 60 days.
Can I travel outside the US on a student visa?
Yes, you can travel outside the US on a student visa. However, there are important considerations:
- Ensure your visa and passport are valid for re-entry.
- Carry your Form I-20 with a valid travel signature from your Designated School Official (DSO).
- Check for any travel restrictions or special requirements related to your home country or the US.
How can I get a USA study visa from Pakistan?
To obtain a US student visa from Pakistan, follow these steps:
- Apply and get acceptance from a SEVP-approved US school or university.
- Pay the SEVIS fee and obtain Form I-20 from your institution.
- Complete the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Schedule and attend a visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Be prepared to provide the required documents, including proof of financial means, academic records, and your Form I-20.
- Be ready to answer questions about your program of study and intentions to study in the US.
