The USA is one of the best places for education in the world. Every year, thousands of international students target to visit the US to study. Not that only, the US warmly welcomes international students into their schools to get a world-class education. However, not every student succeeds in their objectives because most are unaware of the process of obtaining a visa. There is no doubt that the US visa process can make students puzzled. Due to its complexity, we are here to guide students.
If you want to study in the USA, you must get a US student visa. However, you cannot get it magically, as there are many complications behind the process. Luckily, this article will offer a complete guide to getting a USA student’s visa alongside basic knowledge. Besides, a quick tip, if you are afraid of earning poor grades in your online courses, you can try hiring Online Exam Help Services to secure top-notch scores.
The Complete Guide to Obtain the US Student Visa
If any international student wants to study in the US, they must first obtain a US student visa according to their legal terms. People who do not have permanent residence or US citizenship cannot study in any US schools without a student visa. The US student visa is a temporary bypass for international students to attend school or any academic exchange program. Also, the student visa ends when you complete the academics or whatever program you enroll in. So, you must leave the US on completion, but you can come back again with another visiting or working visa.
Besides, many people are unaware of the US student visa types. Perhaps you have thought too that there would be only one student visa. However, there are actually three different types of student visas in the US. Here is brief info about all three visa types:
- F-1 Visa: International students who have to enroll in high school, college, or language require an F-1 visa in the US. Whether you want to pursue an undergrad or postgrad program, both require an F-1 student visa.
- M-1 Visa: Students who want to pursue career-based studies in the US require M-1 Visa. It is for students visiting the US for nonacademic or vocational study. These programs are highly practical and short such as the medical training program.
- J-1 Visa: International exchange students require a J-1 visa to study in the US. Whether you are an abroad exchange student, internee, or visitor, as long as you belong to an exchange program, you require a J-1 visa.
Steps to Obtain the US Student Visa
I believe you now understand the different types of US student visas and some basic info. Therefore, we can now talk about the steps to obtain the visa. However, before it, know that the steps we will provide below work for every type of visa. Thus, whether you want an M-1, F-1, or J-1 visa, you can follow the same steps everywhere. Here are the things you need and how to apply for a US student visa.
Passport
If you want to get a US student visa, you must own a valid passport from your home nation. Not that only, the passport’s expiry must not end at least after six months of your program completion in the US. Else, you may face numerous issues while living in the US. So be careful about this factor, and ensure you have a valid password with an extended expiry date to obtain the US student visa.
Passport-Style Photograph
When you request a US student visa, they will ask for your passport-style photographs. It is a part of your visa request process. Also, the photo must be the latest, you cannot use a photograph older than six months. Why? Because your US student visa will use the same photograph.
Money
Of course, everything these days requires money. On a US student visa, you may have to pay various visa-related fees. Therefore, ensure to have a fair amount of money at the backend. You may wonder what type of fee or for what purposes. Well, if you want to obtain an F-1 or M-1 visa, you will have to pay $350 for it. On the other hand, the J-1 visa is less expensive, costing $220. These are the visa-compulsory fee that everyone must pay. Besides, do not forget to put aside $160 for the visa application fee, which is also necessary.
Get A School Approval
Now that you know about the passport, photograph, and money, let’s jump to the point of taking admission to a school and getting their approval for a US student visa. Not that only, you need to ensure your targeted school is credible and affiliated with SEVP (Student Exchange and Visitor Program). SEVP holds the authority to approve or disapprove international and exchange students for US visits. Thus, take admission to a school successfully to proceed further.
Obtain The Certificate Of Eligibility From Your School
When you successfully secure admission to the US school, they will give you one of two forms. For F-1 and M-1 students, which means the undergrad and postgrad, the form will be I-20. On the other hand, for J-1 visa students, which means exchange programs, the form will be DS-2019. These forms contain crucial data such as your SEVP ID, school’s address, and more vital info related to your academic program. Also, this form will be an essential asset during the US visa interview.
Pay The Fee, And You Are Done
Once you successfully secure admission to the US school and obtained the I-20 or DS-2019, it is time to pay the visa fee. Let me remind you once again that the fee for M-1 and F-1 visas is $350 and $220 for a J-1 visa. You will have to pay the fee through an online bank transfer. When the payment is done, screenshot it, as you may need to show it during the visa interview.
Conclusion
I believe the above guide helped you understand the US student visa and how to obtain it. If you have confusion, know that you can seek help from the US embassy or consulate offices in your nation. Besides, whether you hire Best Class Takers to deal with your exams or seek help from the US embassy, it is up to you.
