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The USA is a popular place for international students who want to get a top-notch education and experience different cultures. If you are looking forward to studying in the USA, then you can get into some of the world's most renowned universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and a vast range of academic programs. The USA has a strong economy, lots of different cultures, and beautiful natural places. Studying there is an interesting and fun experience that can help you in your career and personal life.
The first and most important thing you need to take care of is to get a USA student visa. The kind of visa you need depends on how old you are and what you want to study in the USA. Here's some basic information about the different student visas for the USA and how to apply for them. This blog will help you know everything about the same.
Types of USA student visas
The USA Government offers three different student visa types:
S.No. | Types of student visa | Description |
|---|---|---|
1 | F-1 Student Visa | to study at an accredited USA college or university or to study English at an English language institute |
2 | J Exchange Visa | for participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study |
3 | M Student Visa | for non-academic or vocational study or training in the USA |
*For detailed information, please visit the USA Government’s Department of State website.
First, you need to apply and get accepted by a USA school or university that is part of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). After you're accepted, the school's office for international students will give you a Form I-20. This form is a paper copy of your details in a system called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
USA student visa requirements
Here are the USA study visa requirements when applying to start your study journey, you will generally need:
You need a passport that won't expire for at least six months after you plan to stay in the USA. Some countries don't need this if they have special agreements.
You must be accepted by a school approved by SEVP and have your Form I-20.
You need to pay the SEVIS application fee.
You need to fill out a non-immigrant visa application and have the Form DS-160 confirmation page.
You need to have your photo in the specific format and quantity they ask for.
If you want to do Optional Practical Training (OPT), you need your Form I-20 and also apply to USACIS for a work permit, known as an EAD.
Some additional documents that might be required include:
You need documents showing your education, like report cards, diplomas, degrees, or certificates.
You need to prove you have enough money to live in the USA during your stay. This can be shown with:
Bank statements
A promise of financial support from someone for your housing and living costs
A scholarship
You need to show that you plan to leave the USA after your studies. This can be a plane ticket back to your home country.
Note: Also, you might have to go for an interview at the USA embassy or consulate.
Importance of IELTS for studying in the USA
An English language proficiency test such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is Usually required for most international students applying for a student visa to study in the USA, particularly if they are applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa.
The IELTS is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for study, work, and migration, with more than 3.5 million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognised by more than 12,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations, and governments, in 140 countries around the world.
This requirement is more related to the admission process of USA educational institutions rather than the visa application process itself. Most USA colleges and universities require proof of English proficiency for admission if English is not your native language.
Read more: All about IELTS for USA
F-1 visa for USA – Study visa process
Most students who wish to pursue their studies overseas opt for the F-1 student visa. There are three major steps to its procedure, including:
Step 1 | SEVIS fee and I-20 form collection | Once you pay the SEVIS fee, you are given an I-20 form from your new school or college. Duly fill out the form and bring it along for your F-1 interview. |
|---|---|---|
Step 2 | VISA fee and form collection | Pay your visa fee at the designated bank or NEFT and collect the visa form. Duly fill out the form and bring it along for your interview. |
Step 3 | D-160 Form | Duly fill out the D-160 form and submit the confirmation along with the documents for the visa interview. |
Step 4 | VISA interview | You will be contacted by the USA embassy to return the stamped passport. You can appear before the visa officer for an interview 120 days before the start of your program. *if you are a previoUSA visa holder, you may be eligible for a visa interview waiver. |
USA student visa cost
If you're applying from outside the USA, you need to pay a $160 fee for the visa application. Remember to check the current fee when you apply.
Additionally, there's a SEVIS fee of $350 for F and M visa applications and $220 for most J visa applications. This fee covers the cost of the computer system (SEVIS) that tracks your stay in the USA.
If you are planning to study in the USA and looking forward to taking an IELTS test, well in that case, you can reach out to your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will provide you with all the information you need.
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