USA Student Visa Requirement Guidelines for International Students 2024 – A student visa is an official travel document issued to applicants whose purpose of visit to a foreign country is for educational pursuit. It is more like an endorsement that is added along with a government passport that allows a foreign student to study at their desired institution in that country. So if you’re a student seeking quality education in a foreign country, one of the first documents you need to possess is a student visa.
USA STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS
In the United States, the Department of State—Bureau of Consular Affairs manages student visas. In the US, there are three types of student visas, namely, F Student Visa, J Exchange Visa, and M Student Visa.
F Student Visa (F-1 Visa): F Student Visa, also known as the F-1 Visa, is mainly for Academic students that allow you into the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, or any academic institution and language training program. This is a non-immigrant non-immigrant visa, it is for a temporary period of time, and there are restrictions on where you can work and the type of work to do. A student with an F student visa can come with a spouse, but they will not be allowed to work.
Requirements:
- Full-Time Enrollment: To get the F-1 Student Visa, you must enroll as a full-time student in your institution while the academic term is in session.
- English Proficiency: Students with F-1 Visa are into English language-related courses, which is why proficiency in English is required. You must meet the English language proficiency of your institution or take courses leading to English proficiency.
- Proof Of Funds: Before applying for a student visa, ensure that your proof of funds is available. You must have sufficient financial funds to study in the United States.
- F-1 Visa is basically for foreign students, so you are required to have a residence in your home country to return to after the completion of your degree.
- Valid Passport: A passport is the first traveling document when planning to study abroad. Your passport should be valid for US travel for at least six months after your program completion date.
J Exchange Visa (J-1 student visa): The J-1 visa in the United States is for people who wish to take part in work-and-study-based exchange and visitor programs in the US. These programs are basically sponsored by the institution or non-profit organizations, which must be accredited through the Exchange Visitors program designated by the US department. The student with J-1 visas are only allowed to work on-campus, but they will require the permission of an Alternate Responsible Officer (OISS advisor).
Requirements
- Age Factor: A potential applicant for a J-1 student visa should be between the age of 18-and 26 years.
- English language Proficiency: It is important to have the requisite academic background to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program. Also, you must have enough knowledge of the English language in order to interact with campers. During the camp, you will be paid and receive the same benefits as your American counterparts.
- Sponsorship: Applicants for J-1 student visas are mainly sponsored by government institutions or non-profit organizations. One of the requirements of getting a J-1 Student Visa is to be sponsored by an American organization to come to the US as a visitor in one of the recognized exchange categories.
- RECOMMENDED: United States Scholarships for African Students.
- It is necessary to obtain a Form DS-2019 from your sponsor before applying for a J-1 visa.
M Student Visa: M Student Visa, also known as M-1 Student Visa, is a non-immigration-immigrant visa that is available for international students who want to study vocational or technical courses in the U.S. With this type of visa, applicants are not allowed to work during the course of their study. The applicants must also provide proof of their funds that is sufficient for their tuition and living costs, all through their stay in the country.
Requirements:
M student visa requirements are quite similar to that of F-1 and J-1 Student Visa. Their requirements include English language proficiency, proof of funds, proof of non-immigrant intent, be accepted by an institution that is accredited by Student Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP).
USA STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS COST APPLICATION
- Apply To An Approved School: To apply for United States Student Visa, you must ensure that you’ve applied and have been accepted by a US institution of higher education that is certified by the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted at a SEVP-certified school, you will receive a Form I-20 or DS-2019 from the institution’s international student office to present when you apply for your student visa. You can then proceed with the process of Visa application.
- Payment of the Fee for the Student And Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee: Ensure you pay the SEVIS fee at least three days prior to the submission of your application for a US visa. The fee will either be paid online or in paper form. Both are accessible through either the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVP website. After payment, you will obtain the payment confirmation slip, which will be shown to the customs officer at the US port of entry.
- A Valid Passport: A passport document is an essential travel document that is needed if you ever think of studying abroad.
- Visa Fee Payment
- Schedule and Attend A US Student Interview
