How To Apply Student Visa For The USA?

Blog

Are you interested in studying in the USA? If you are interested in higher education from the USA, being a non-US citizen, then you need a student visa. US universities and schools in every field offer top-quality, world-renowned programs and academic opportunities with their global presence. If you choose to study in the USA for a higher education journey, then first, you need to select the course and university that fits perfectly as per your requirements. The next step is to acquaint well with the admission process and visa requirements. Always prepare in advance before the course begins, as it is a long procedure with many steps. This article will guide you easily and systematically to obtain a USA student visa from India. It includes the eligibility criteria, documents required, bank balance, and other important details to ease the whole process for you.

Student Visa For The USA

Your acceptance letter for US university admission signifies congratulations are on the way, but the admission process hasn't started yet. Once you receive the admission letter to the university, start preparing papers to acquire your visa. There are various kinds of student visas in the US, for example, the M-1 and F-1 visas. To enroll in academic classes, you will require an F-1 visa; if you go for vocational programs, then you'll have to apply for an M-1 visa.

These steps differ at each American embassy or consulate. You can visit the embassy or consulate's webpage for more information. You can also seek help from overseas education consultants in Kerala for a better understanding. International students must choose an institute and program authorized by the American government's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Generally, aspiring students need to go through these five basic stages to obtain a US student visa:

  • Apply for a SEVP-approved school or university in the US at least six to twelve months before your US study.
  • Once a university accepts your invitation, it will send you an I-20 form. Your visa application will need this form. It consists of your curriculum and all the relevant information related to your stay in the US.
  • Make sure you pay your SEVIS fee at least 3-days before your visa application. It is a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) handling and administration charge.
  • Complete the DS-160 visa application form for the foreign national online visa application with your latest photographs. Make payment for the visa application.
  • Later, you can schedule and book a slot for your visa interview at the nearest US embassy and consulate in India. Remember to gather your documents before your visa interview. 

Also Read: How to Prepare for Duolingo English Test?

Eligibility Criteria for Students in US Universities

The opportunity to study in the USA is undoubtedly an excellent opportunity, but you must meet certain eligibility criteria as an international student. Let's look at these criteria:

  • English language proficiency is the basic and most essential requirement for students with a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score of 78. Here, some universities might ask for a separate English test other than the TOEFL/IELTS score.
  • A Statement of Purpose (SOP) describing the student's intentions and course choice is also essential. SOP is the primary communication channel between the student and the university. It helps the university to assess the student's ability, capabilities, and potential.
  • Depending on the course, you may need to take some standard tests like SAT, GMAT, GRE, MCAT, PCAT, DAT, VCAT, or LSAT. Undergraduate programs may ask for the SAT, while graduate courses may require the GRE or GMAT.
  • For visa requests, students must present proof of funds (POF), like statements of bank accounts, loans, or scholarship letters. This is to state that they can manage their expenses and course fees until their stay in the country.
  • Sometimes, referral letters and attested bachelor's degree Certificates may also be needed for the visa process.

What documents are required for a student visa in the USA?

You require the following documents for your student visa application in the US:

  • Having a valid passport with a validity of at least six months beyond your stay period in the USA. (until exempted under agreements specific to a country)
  • Approval from a SEVP-accredited school or university and the I-20 form.
  • SEVIS fee acknowledgement.
  • Applicants' non-immigrant visa application and the Form DS-160 barcoded confirmation page with the application ID.
  • A photograph or two in the required format.

You should also have the following documents on hand if necessary:

  • Credentials and diplomas earned from prior institutions of higher education
  • Test scores from the standard tests required by the university, such as the TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, etc.
  • Financial proof to show that either your sponsor (i.e., parents or the government sponsor) or you have enough funds to finance your studies, vacation, and living expenditures while in the US.

You can also take along the list of your prior employers and the institutions you have studied at for references.

Also Read: What are the Preparations You Take Before Your IELTS Test?

How Much Bank Balance Is Required For A US Visa For Students?

You need to show proof of funds (POF) during your study course, as indicated in your I-20 application. Therefore, you must submit your I-20 as proof of finances with your visa application. Schools usually consider the course fee and living expenses for 12 months. However, if the I-20 states that the course will take 24 months to complete, then you must have the required funding as the amount stated.

Approximately you will need 1.5 times the amount mentioned on your I-20, or at least 10,000 USD, to become eligible for an F1 visa. Usually, US institutions favor only cash as proof of finances. If you don't have enough money to show in your accounts, you can provide a liquidity, supporter, or loan letter with the bank to show your eligibility to take a loan if necessary. For any more questions, you can always contact the immigration consultants in India. Here is a list of required documents:

  • A copy of the savings account statement attested by the bank.
  • A photocopy of FDs, if any, with attestations
  • Detailed evidence of property or any possessions owned by you.
  • Scholarship or loan document, if necessary
  • Copies of salary receipts, ITRs, PF/PPF, or passbook statements, if any

For more information about the applications, courses, universities, and destinations, feel free to contact us for queries.