Student visa requirements for the US

Applying for a US student visa? Here’s help!

The United States is one of the top destinations for international students seeking a high-quality education and diverse cultural experiences. Studying in the US offers access to some of the world's most renowned universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and a vast range of academic programs. With its dynamic economy, rich cultural diversity, and stunning natural landscapes, the US provides a unique and exciting study experience that can open doors to career opportunities and personal growth.

The US Government provides an opportunity to all Indian students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you need will depend on your age and the type of study you wish to pursue in the US. Here’s an overview of the types of study visas and their application requirements.

Help me study in the US

Here’s an overview of the types of US student visas and their application requirements:

The US Government offers three different student visa types:

*For detailed information, please visit the US Government’s Department of State website.

As a primary step, you must first apply and be accepted by a US school or university that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, you will receive a Form I-20 from the institution's international student office, which is a paper record of your information in the database called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Documents required for a US student visa

When applying for your student visa for the US, you will generally need:

• A valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US (unless exempt by country-specific agreements)

• Acceptance at a SEVP approved school and your Form I-20

• Application fee payment for the SEVIS 

• Non-immigrant visa application and the Form DS-160 confirmation page

• Your photograph in the requested format, and number

• If you are opting for Optional Practical Training (OPT), then in addition to the Form I-20, you must apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

 Some additional documents that might be required include:

• Academic preparation documents such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates
• Evidence that you have sufficient funds to maintain your living expenses throughout the period of your stay in the US. This may include:
  1. Bank statements
  2. Financial undertaking by a sponsor to cover your accommodation and living costs
  3. A scholarship program
• Evidence that you will leave the US once you have completed your course of study. This can be in the form of an air ticket out of the US to your home country

 You may also have to appear for a personal interview at the US embassy or consulate. 

*Please note that these are the basic requirements, speak with your IDP counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing

F-1 Student visa

Most students who wish to pursue their studies overseas opt for the F-1 Student Visa. There are three major steps to its procedure, being:

P.S: You can move to the US only 30 days before the start date of your program.

Applying for your US student visa online

You’ll have to apply for your student visa application online using the US Embassy and Consulates India website. You can apply up to 120 days before your intended date of the program’s start date. Remember to pay your visa fee and SEVIS fee to schedule your appointment and complete your visa documents respectively.

How can IDP help with visa applications?

If you’re an IDP student with an offer letter from any of our partner universities in the US, we can advise you on how to go about the entire process. We’ll make sure you are fully informed on the latest visa requirements and conditions; also help you prepare the right documents for your submission. 

Our team of experts will direct you to the official websites and to authorised immigration representatives to ensure you have the latest applications forms and guidance. To reduce the hassle, we can also help to certify, translate and courier your documents. 

US student visa fee

As an applicant from outside the US, you will have to pay US$160 as an application visa fee (do check the latest fee when applying here).

There is now a US$350 SEVIS fee on F and M visa applications and US$220 on most of the J Visa applications, this includes the cost of the computer system which is used to record your stay in the United States (SEVIS).

Also Read - How you can finance your education in the USA

English language requirements for US student visa 

To gain your US student visa, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognised by more than 11,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.

US educational institutions require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 band. 

Know more about IELTS

After arrival steps

When you first arrive in the US, you must:

• Contact your designated school official on a priority basis

• Contact your designated school official again, no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20 

While studying in the US, 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

You can always connect with our international education experts. They will guide you on how to go about the entire visa application process. 
 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q1. Who needs a student visa for the US?

Ans. Anyone who is not a US citizen or permanent resident and plans to study in the US for more than 18 hours per week is required to obtain a student visa.

Q2. Can I work on a student visa for the US?

Ans. Yes, students with an F-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks. However, off-campus employment requires additional authorisation.

Q3. How long can I stay in the US on a student visa?

Ans. You are allowed to stay in the US on a student visa for the duration of your academic program, as long as you maintain full-time enrollment and comply with the terms of your visa.

Q4. Can I travel outside the US while on a student visa?

Ans. Yes, you can travel outside the US while on a student visa, but you must have a valid visa and an unexpired passport to re-enter the US. Additionally, you may need to obtain a travel signature from your school's Designated School Official (DSO) before you leave the US.

Talk to our US education experts

Updated on March 16, 2023

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