If you are planning on analyzing within the US, then getting an admission is best the first step. To be able to get into the usa and legally stay there throughout your course, you’re required to have a visa allow authorised through the USA government.
Once you get admission you need to ensure you apply for the visa soon i.E., at the least 3 to four months in advance of the class start date to ensure clean processing.
In this newsletter, we will damage down the complete student visa USA application method for international college students so you may be nicely prepared and go through the system smoothly.
Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining a USA Student Visa
- Step 1: Acceptance to a SEVP-Approved School
- Apply and gain admission to a U.S. school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- Receive your Form I-20 (for F or M visas) or DS-2019 (for J visas) from the school.
- Step 2: Pay the SEVIS Fee
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee to activate your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- Keep the receipt for your visa application.
- Step 3: Complete the DS-160 Form
- Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) form.
- Print the confirmation page with the barcode for your interview.
- Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee
- Pay the non-refundable visa application fee. The amount varies by country.
- Retain the payment receipt for your interview.
- Step 5: Schedule a Visa Interview
- Book an appointment for your visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Check the wait times for interviews in your area.
- Step 6: Gather Required Documents
- Valid passport.
- Form I-20 or DS-2019.
- SEVIS fee receipt.
- DS-160 confirmation page.
- Visa application fee receipt.
- Passport-sized photographs (as per U.S. visa specifications).
- Academic transcripts and test scores.
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letters).
- Ties to your home country (property, family, job).
- Step 7: Attend the Visa Interview
- Arrive on time with all required documents.
- Answer questions honestly about your study plans, financial support, and intentions to return home after completing your program.
- Step 8: Visa Approval and Processing
- If approved, the consular officer will inform you about the next steps.
- Your passport with the visa stamp will be returned to you via mail or pickup.
- Step 9: Travel to the USA
- Enter the USA no more than 30 days before your program start date (for F and M visas).
- Present your passport, visa, and Form I-20 or DS-2019 at the port of entry.
- Step 10: Check-In with Your School
- Report to the designated school official (DSO) upon arrival to confirm your enrollment.
