USA
The United States is a top choice for international students worldwide, known for its rich history of embracing foreign learners and boasting some of the world's finest educational institutions. The U.S. Student Visa is a non-immigrant visa that grants foreign individuals the opportunity to engage in academic pursuits, language training courses, or various vocational and technical training programs.
One of the significant hurdles associated with obtaining a student visa is typically the interview process. In this article, we will provide comprehensive guidance on applying for a study visa and share valuable tips to help you navigate the interview successfully.
What is a US Student Visa?
To pursue academic studies in the United States, foreign nationals must obtain an (F or M) Student Visa. Entering the U.S. on a visitor (B) visa or through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) does not permit individuals to engage in formal educational programs. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that recreational or informal studies can be pursued while on a tourist visa.
Annual Intakes
Full Intake: This is a popular intake among Indian students. It starts in the month of September.
Spring Intake: This intake starts in January. This intake is ideal if you have missed the September intake.
Summer Intake: This intake usually starts around May. However, it is available only for limited programs and in few colleges.
Top 10 Universities in the US (SEVP Approved)
Here is a list of the best universities in the United States
| Rank | Name of the University |
|---|---|
| 1 | Stanford University |
| 2 | Princeton University |
| 3 | University of California, Berkeley |
| 4 | Carnegie Mellon University |
| 5 | New York University |
| 6 | Harvard University |
| 7 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| 8 | Columbia University |
| 9 | University of California, Los Angeles |
| 10 | University of Michigan |
Requirements for Applying to Universities in the United States
Listed below are the prerequisites you must satisfy to submit applications to universities in the United States
- Have a completed application form
- Proof of Secondary School completion (12 years)
- Certificate of English language proficiency IELTS or TOEFL
- Evidence of financial support (with the I-20 form)
Essential Documentation for U.S. Student Visas
Typically, you will be expected to submit the following documents when applying for a student visa in the United States:
- Requisite application form duly filled and signed
- I-20 showing that you are enrolled in a US universities
- Valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay
- Recent passport size photographs
- Receipt of payment of visa processing fees
- Confirmation page of DS-160
- Documents to show you are a bonafide student
- Payment of application fee for SEVIS
- Documents to show sponsorship
- Documents to show availability of funds
Steps for Obtaining a U.S. Student Visa
No matter which category of student visa you pursue, you will be required to complete the following steps:
Visitor Program (SEVP) under the U.S. government.
Before applying for a student visa, international students must first secure admission to a U.S. institution. However, it's crucial that the chosen school is accredited by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) under the U.S. government.
- Accreditation is critical to ensure that your diploma or degree is recognised by other colleges and universities, professional associations, government institutions and ministries and employers all over the world.
- You will be required to apply to each individual institution or university as the United States does not have a centralised university application system like many other countries.
- This means you will need to fulfil the admission requirements of each institution, which will include providing proof of funds.
- Only institutions approved by SEVP can accept and enrol international students. Once you have been accepted by an institution, you will be enrolled in the SEVIS system and issued a Form I-20 or a Form DS-2020.
- Students who are eligible for an F1 or M1 international student visa are issued a Form I-20, and international students eligible for a J1 student visa are issued a DS-2020
After making the SEVIS fee payment, the next step is to complete the DS-160 online application form. It is recommended that you fill out this online form at least 3-4 months prior to the start of your intended course
While completing the online DS-160 form, it's essential to have all the necessary documentation to support the information you provide in your application.
When completing the online DS-160 application form, you will need to furnish the following personal information:
- Your Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Details of your Passport.
- Details of your previous visits to the United States, if any.
- Details about your travel plans and travel companions, if any.
- Your point of contact in the United States.
- Details about your family, including their names, occupations and other personal information.
- Your education details.
- Details about your previous work experience, if any.
- Your SEVIS ID
- Address of the school/program/college/university you intend to enrol as mentioned in your I-20 or DS-2020 form.
The final step in obtaining your U.S. student visa is attending the interview. It is crucial to be prepared to respond effectively to the questions posed during the interview.
Most questions are designed to check whether:
- Your primary purpose of going to the United States is to study.
- You have the required skills to complete and pass your course.
- You can pay your expenses in the United States.
- You intend to return back to the home country post completion of your studies.
- You do not pose a security risk to the United States.
Ensuring you have valid documentation that can validate and support your responses is crucial. Demonstrating your ability to satisfy the interviewer with well-supported answers and relevant documentary evidence significantly reduces the risk of student visa rejection.
Duration for Processing Your Student Visa Application
The outcome of your student visa application is typically determined during your visa interview. If your student visa is approved, you can expect to receive your passport with the U.S. student visa within 7 to 10 working days. However, it's important to note that many interviewers do not immediately inform applicants about the approval or rejection of their application, and you will need to await the arrival of your passport for confirmation.
Note: Do not forget to carry your passport, your I-20 form and all the other documents you carried with you during your US student visa interview. You might need these documents at immigration as well.