US Student Visa

 It is well known that the USA is among the top choices for international students. The country is a hub of hundreds of top universities. To study at these universities, you must get an offer letter from them and receive a USA student visa. However, obtaining a USA visa can be difficult and time-consuming due to the various steps involved in the process, such as I-20 forms, SEVIS, and visa applications.

So, if you are applying for a USA Student Visa or having difficulty getting it on time, then don’t worry!

In this guide, you will learn about the nuances of a student visa USA.

US colleges provide international students with a student visa, which is the finest possible platform, as demonstrated by their excellent rankings. The nation's educational system emphasises both theoretical and practical learning and offers the most extensive courses.

• Affordably Priced Education

• Variety and Adaptability

• Excellent international student support system

• Safe and Well-Being Communities

• Obtaining internships

• A Dynamic Campus Lifestyle

• USA student visa success rate is 85%.

There are three types of Student Visas in USA -

• F Visa

• M Visa 

• J Visa

Overseas students wishing to pursue a degree at US-accredited universities may apply for F Visas.

• F1 Visa – An F1 visa means you are eligible for academic courses. It is available to full-time learners. 

• F2 visa - Granted to dependents of holders of F-1 visas. 

• F3 Visa - Available to residents of Mexico and Canada who want to study part- or full-time in the US while still living in their home countries.

M Visa is an additional type of visa that is granted for courses in non-academic or vocational training at US colleges. 

• M-1 Visa - For non-academic or vocational study. 

• M-2 Visa - Available to M-1 Visa holders' dependents. 

• M-3 Visa - Allows border commuters to enrol in non-academic and vocational courses. 

International travellers participating in US cultural exchange programs are granted J visas. Additionally, Students who choose to specialise in business, medicine, or any other field in the US are also offered these. 

• J-1 Visa - Granted to exchange students participating in appropriate exchange programs.

• J-2 Visa - Granted to families of J-1 Visa holders.

The USA has 3 intakes for international students. Candidates must select the intake that most closely matches their needs and make their application appropriately. You must remember that the application deadline is often a few months before the start of the semester.

So, it is imperative that you coordinate the timing of your college application with the application for a US student visa. Below, you can check the details of intakes in USA.

Intake 1: Summer Intake in USA – The application deadline for this intake is May – September.

Intake 2: Spring Intake in USA – The application deadline for this intake is January - May.

Intake 3: Fall Intake in USA – The application deadline for this intake is September - December.

Check the deadline for higher study courses in USA.

There are various benefits of studying in USA. Some top reasons are given below. 

• Wide Range of Academic Programs - The USA boasts diverse academic programs across various disciplines, catering to different interests and career aspirations. From liberal arts to STEM fields and professional studies, students can choose from many options to tailor their educational experience. 

• Access to Innovative Research and Technology - US universities are at the forefront of cutting-edge research and technological advancements. Students studying in USA have access to state-of-the-art facilities, laboratories, and resources, fostering creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning experiences. 

• Cultural Diversity and Exposure - The USA is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich tapestry of ethnicities, traditions, and perspectives. Studying in such a diverse environment exposes students to different cultures, ideas, and ways of life, promoting cross-cultural understanding, tolerance, and global citizenship. 

• Best Scope for Career Growth - Graduating from a US institution opens doors to a world of career growth and advancement opportunities. The USA is home to numerous multinational corporations, startups, and industry leaders across various sectors, providing graduates with ample employment prospects and networking opportunities. 

• English Language Proficiency - Studying in the USA offers an immersive environment for students to improve their English language proficiency. Engaging in daily conversations, academic discussions, and written assignments in English enhances language skills, preparing students for success in a globalised world. 

• Top-Ranked Universities - The USA is renowned for its prestigious universities, which are consistently ranked among the best in the world. Institutions like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Princeton are synonymous with academic excellence and attract top faculty and students from around the globe. 

• Global Recognition of Degrees - Degrees earned from American universities hold worldwide recognition and prestige. Employers, academic institutions, and organisations across the globe value the quality and rigour of education offered by US universities, enhancing graduates' credibility and marketability on the global stage.

Some other benefits that international students will get to study in USA are as follows - 

The USA is home to many highly regarded universities. As per the latest report, 27 USA Universities are ranked below the top 100 worldwide by the QS Ranking 2024. The list of US universities that accept applications from overseas students is shown in the table.

Below, you can check the list of public universities in USA. These public universities provide low tuition fees and various scholarship programs. 

• University of Florida

• Ohio State University

• University of California, San Diego

• University of Michigan

• University of Washington

• North Carolina State University

• University of Georgia

• University of Texas at Austin

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• University of California, Berkeley

• University of Wisconsin Madison

• Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

• University of Virginia

The best courses offered by all universities are listed here. These courses provide a variety of job options throughout the globe.

Many scholarships are available in the USA for students from India. Applicants can apply for these scholarships to help pay for their USA costs. These scholarship funds could cover your living expenses, housing, and tuition.

To enrol in prestigious colleges, applicants must meet certain prerequisites. Verify your eligibility for master's and bachelor's degree programs in the USA from the table below.

These are some additional requirements for a USA visa that you must meet to apply. Here are the US student visa requirements.

• Confirmation page of DS-160

• Educational transcripts 

• Form I -20

• Payment of application fees for SEVIS

• Language Proficiency Certifications like IELTS/ TOEFL

• Application as a non-immigrant

• Proof of sufficient financial funds

• Offer Letter of enrolment in a full-time program at the university

• Applied for a SEVP-approved university in the US

After receiving an offer letter from a USA university, you need to apply for a study visa. To obtain a USA student visa, follow these steps:

Step 1 - Verify the US student visa requirements. 

Step 2 - Gather all the documents needed in order to submit a visa application. 

Step 3 - Proceed to the official embassy website to begin the visa application process. 

Step 4 - If you receive an answer, get your plane ticket to USA.

You must pay the fee below to apply for a USA student visa.

Studying in USA entails paying for living expenses, tuition, student visa fees, and other costs. The table below provides a summary of the cost of studying and living expenses for students in USA.

The processing time for US student visas may vary depending on the kind of visa you want to apply for. Processing an F-1 student visa might take 3 to 6 weeks, but if incorrect or improper documentation is presented, it could take up to 4 months. So, it is essential to verify all the documents thoroughly before submitting an application for a US study visa. Upon application, you can use the embassy's portal to check the status of your visa.

Post-study work permits are granted to international students in the USA. However, the length could vary based on your course. For information on post-study work permits in USA, see the table below.

You can get counselling from Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC) to realise your ambition. Our counsellors will assist you in choosing the top colleges and programs. To help you get high band scores and improve your chances of being accepted into prestigious USA Universities and colleges, they will also assist you with obtaining a student visa and offer you English language instruction for the TOEFL and IELTS examinations.

1. Who needs a US student visa?

Any international student pursuing a full-time academic program in the United States generally requires a student visa.

2. What are the types of US student visas?

The main types of US student visas are the F-1 visa for academic studies and the M-1 visa for vocational studies.

3. Is there an age limit for applying for a US student visa?

There is no specific age limit for applying for a US student visa. However, applicants must demonstrate their intent to pursue a full course of study at a recognised institution.

4. Can I work while studying in the US on a student visa?F-1 visa candidates

are typically allowed to work on-campus part-time during their academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks. Off-campus employment may be available under certain circumstances and with proper authorisation.

5. What is the validity period of a US student visa?

The validity period of a US student visa (F-1 or M-1) typically corresponds to the duration of the academic program, including any authorised practical training periods.

6. Can I extend my US student visa?

Yes, extensions are possible, but they require approval from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They must be based on valid reasons such as program changes, additional degree levels, or academic difficulties.

7. Are there any English language requirements for a US student visa?

While there is no specific English language proficiency requirement for obtaining a US student visa, proficiency may be assessed during the visa interview or through other means.

8. Can I travel outside the U.S. with a USA Student Visa?

Yes, you can travel outside the U.S. while on an F-1 Visa, but you will need to have the appropriate documents for re-entry, including a valid F-1 Visa and a Form I-20 with a valid travel signature from your designated school official.

9. Do I need health insurance to obtain a US student visa?

Many universities and colleges in the US require international students to have health insurance. While it may not be a visa requirement, having health insurance coverage is strongly recommended.

10. Are there any financial requirements for a US student visa?

Yes, applicants must demonstrate the ability to cover tuition costs, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying in the US. This is usually done through bank statements, sponsorship letters, or scholarship awards.