Applying for a US student visa can be complicated if you are not familiar with the process. – Students from all walks of life who wish to pursue their studies in any of the universities in the US must have a student visa to study in America.
Students applying for a US student visa are usually issued an F1 visa. In this position, you will be guided through the ranks of the processes involved in the visa application process.
How to Apply for USA Student Visa
Below are the steps to follow to apply for a US student visa (F1 visa).
Be accepted at a SEVP approved school
Applicants for the USAF1 student visa are advised to apply to and be accepted by a school approved by the SEVP.
Pay your SEVIS fee and get your I-20
Applicants are required to pay the SEVIS 1-901 fee to be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System after being accepted by the scheme. After the applicants have successfully paid for SEVIS 1-901, the applicant’s school will provide the applicant with Forms 1-20 which will be part of the documents presented by the applicant to the consular officer at the scheduled interview.
Complete the visa application
Applicants must complete the application process through the available online visa application, which allows applicants to complete and print form DS-160 to take with them to their F1 visa interview.
Plan and prepare for your interview
Applicants are given permission to schedule their interview at their preferred time and date with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Applicants should note that interview arrangements vary by location, season and visa category so that a visa application can be made with ease. An F1 visa can be issued up to 120 days before the applicant’s study start date. Meanwhile, applicants have an F1 visa 30 days before their start date before entering the US
Documents required for a US student visa application
Applicants must provide the following documents in the F1 visa interview;
- A valid passport
- The Non-Immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160
- A passport photo
- A Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F1) Student Status (Form 1-20)
Despite this, applicants may be required to provide proof of eligibility for the F1 student visa, including academic transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates.
Not that alone, TOEFL, SAT or GMAT may be required in conjunction with the applicant’s intent to enter the US after their program is completed and is proof of their financial stability.
Attend your F1 Visa interview
Visa applications from applicants are duly approved by the consular officer after attending your F1 visa interview. With regard to the fact that applicants may be required to pay a visa issuance fee, digital fingerprint scans will be taken for reference and a passport which the applicant will be notified of when they can get the passport back.
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In this post, we have outlined the procedure for applying for a US student visa.