US Student Visa 2023 ❤️ Terms and fees (Study in USA)

All about US Student Visa

If you want to study in the United States (USA Student Visa) as a citizen of a foreign country, you must obtain a U.S. student visa. The United States government offers three student visa types. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F visa, a J visa, or an M visa.

Types of US student visas:

What is F Visa for US students 2022:

This is the most common type of student visa. If you wish to engage in academic studies in the United States at an approved school, such as an accredited U.S. college or university, private secondary school or approved English language program then you will need an F visa. You will also need an F visa if your course of study is more than 18 hours a week. F visa holders must maintain the minimum course load for full-time student status. F status allows for part-time, on-campus employment (fewer than 20 hours per week).

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Additionally, students can work on optional practical training (OPT) for up to one year after completion of their academic program. Students are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).

What is M Visa for US students in 2022:

If you wish to engage in non-academic or vocational study or training at a U.S. institution, then you will need an M visa. M visa holders for technical and vocational programs are not permitted to work during their studies. The M student visa applicants must have evidence that sufficient funds are immediately available to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of the intended stay.

What is J Visa for US students 2022:

A J visa is issued to students who need to obtain practical training that is not available in their home country to complete their academic program. J student status allows for similar employment as the F visa, with similar restrictions, as long as permission is given by the exchange visitor program sponsor.

Can students in America travel with the visa waiver program or with a visitor visa?

To study in the United States, a student visa (F or M) is required. Foreign nationals may not study after entering on a visitor (B) visa or through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), except to undertake recreational study (non-credit) as part of a tourist visit.

Is the Visitor (B) visa suitable for short periods of recreational study?

A visitor (B) visa permits enrollment in a short recreational course of study, which is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate.

Study leading to the U.S. conferred degree or certificate is never permitted on a visitor (B) visa, even if it is for a short duration. For example, a student in a distance learning program that requires a period of time on the institution’s U.S. campus must obtain a student (F or M) visa prior to entering the United States.

USA Student Visa Process Step by Step 2022

• Be accepted into an educational program:

The first step is to apply to a SEVP (Student Exchange and Visitor Program)-approved school in the United States. Even when an institution is SEVP-certified and able to issue an I-20 form for use in visa applications, it may not hold national or regional accreditation.

• Register for SEVIS and pay the fee:

After the SEVP-approved school accepts your enrollment, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.

• Complete and pay for an online non-immigrant visa application:

The SEVP-approved school will issue you a Form I-20. You will also need to upload a photo of yourself that meets specific requirements and provide any other requested documents. If you are an Exchange Visitor, the organization or U.S. Government agency that is sponsoring you will send you a DS-2019 form, which is the application for a J visa. Exchange Visitors come to the USA for consultation, training, research, teaching, or an approved Au Pair or temporary work position.

• Schedule an appointment for a visa interview:

After you receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M, or J) visa.  You must present Form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview. Student Visas can be issued up to 120 days before the date on your form I-20. Exchange Visitor Visas can be issued any time before the date on the DS-2019.

• Receive a decision:

At your interview, you should receive a decision on your application.

All about US visas for dependents

If your spouse and/or children intend to live with you in the United States while you study, they must also enroll in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s from the SEVP-approved school, and apply for a visa (but they do not pay the SEVIS fee).

How to Apply for US Student Visa in 2022?

There are several steps to applying for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the embassy or consulate website.

When putting together your application for a student visa, you will first need to research the admission policy for your university. Keep the following items in mind:

Academic Eligibility:

Every school has different academic eligibility criteria. Your school will tell you what their requirements are.

Financial Stability:

You will need to show that you can support yourself without having to work. Unfortunately, the required monthly amount is not officially defined and may vary depending on your home country.

Health Insurance:

You may have to show proof of health insurance to cover any medical expenses should you need any medical assistance.

Unlike many other countries, the United States does not provide socialized health care. It will be helpful for you to learn about the local healthcare system before it is actually needed.

The American healthcare system is one of the best (and most expensive) in the world. Health care for a major accident or illness can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars; therefore, most Americans have health insurance to minimize the costs.

How to Complete the Online US student Visa Application?

• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160: Complete the online visa application, and print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Photo: You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160.

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early.

The interview is usually straightforward and quick, and may only last around five minutes. The F visa interview questions you are asked during the interview vary but often concern your chosen program, academic achievements, finances, post-graduation plans, and choice of university.

You must show you have no plans to remain in the US when your program finishes. It is often necessary that you always have the funds available to buy a plane ticket home for the end of your program.

New Students: Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. (The COVID-19 crisis complicates waiting times even more.) However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.

Continuing Students: Student (F and M) visas for continuing students may be issued at any time, as long as the student is currently enrolled at a SEVP-approved school or institution and in SEVIS.  Continuing students may enter the United States at any time before classes start.

Prepare for Your Interview

• Fees: Pay the US$160 non-refundable visa application fee, if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality.

• Review the instructions available on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

• The passport that is valid for travel to the United States: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
• Photo: You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
• Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20: Your school will send you a Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database. You and your school official must sign Form I-20.  All students must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS). Your spouse and/or minor children, if they intend to live in the United States with you, will each receive an individual Form I-20.

Note:  Speaking English is not a requirement for a student visa, but it will be a requirement for your university admission. You will also have to speak in English during your visa interview.

Additional Documentation May Be Required!

A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa and may request additional documents, such as evidence of:

• Your academic preparation, such as:

• • Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and
  • Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;
• Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study or your ties to your home country; and
• How you will pay all educational, living, and travel costs.

Attend Your Visa Interview

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing.  The consular officer will inform you if this is required.

After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality) and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you.

Tips for Your student Visa Interview

• Dress formally;
• Be specific when you answer questions;
• Bring bank statements or proof of employment;
• Provide details of your study plans;
• Stay calm and be professional;
• Tell the truth;
• Work on your English

Entering the United States with a student visa in 2022

A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.  A visa only allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States.

Please note that two separate U.S. government agencies are involved with international student arrival and status while studying in the United States. The State Department is responsible for the visa application process and issuing the visa. Once a visa holder arrives in the United States, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security then takes over as the responsible agency for entry into the country, as well as issuing and enforcing international student regulations.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and U.S.A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have the authority to permit or deny admission to the United States.

After you present your passport, visa, and Form I-20 at the port of entry, a CBP official will make this decision.  Once you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.

Extending Your Stay in the USA

Foreign students in the United States with F visas must depart the United States within 60 days after the program end date listed on Form I-20, including any authorized practical training.

Foreign students may request an extension through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status. Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided (Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act).  Any multiple-entry visas that were voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.

Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future.

Change of Status for Students in America

If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa.  However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.

Additional Information for US student visa 2022

• There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa. If your visa is denied, you will be given a reason based on the section of the law which applies to your ineligibility. You are usually able to apply again, but you will need to start the process from the beginning. Filing a waiver of ineligibility is possible in some cases.
• If you have a temporary break in your study and if your student visa is still valid, but you are outside the United States, you should consult with your Designated School Officials.
• Spouse and children:

• Your spouse and unmarried, minor children who intend to reside with you during your study may apply for F-2 or M-2 visas. Although SEVIS fee payment is not required, your school must issue them an individual Form I-20, which is required to apply for their visas. You must provide a copy of your F-1 or M-1 visa and provide proof of relationship.
• Your minor children are permitted to attend school in the United States while accompanying you.
• S. Embassies and Consulates will adjudicate visa applications that are based on same-sex marriage in the same way that we adjudicate applications for opposite-gender spouses.
• A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.