10 Easy Steps to Obtaining a US Student                                              Visa.

 

Many students apply every year for full-time studies in schools abroad, especially in the US. However, for you to have your undergraduate or postgraduate studies in the states, you’ll need to obtain a student visa. But the process of getting a US student visa can be complicated. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 10 easy steps to obtaining a US student visa from. 

 

Step 1. Apply and Get Admission into a US School: 

 

Apply and get  accepted to a US school. The school you apply to must be SEVP (student exchange and visitor program) approved. To find a SEVP approved school or confirm if your choice school is SEVP approved, visit the SEVP certified schools.

Note that most full-time undergraduate and postgraduate schools require that applications for admission be submitted by December/January each year. Around March/April, they send out admission notifications.

 

Step 2. Form 1-20 of Form DS-2019:

 

Once a school admits you, the school will send via your email form 1-20 if you are an F-1 student or M-1 student and form DS-2019 if you are a J-1 student. On the form, you will find your SEVIS ID, your school address and other necessary information regarding  your program. Save this form as you will need it for your interview. 

 

Note: F-1 students are those going for undergraduate or postgraduate programs in the US for the first time. M-1 students are those going for a nonacademic program in the US.

 

Step 3. Pay the SEVIS Fees:

 

After receiving the form I-20 or DS-2019, you will be required to pay the sum of $350 SEVIS fee for F-1/M-1 students. To pay, go online at www.FMJfee.com. Save and print out the confirmation page. You will need this print out during your visa interview.

 

Step 4. Locate the Embassy or Consulate Nearest to You:

 

Find the US embassy or consulate nearest to your location and apply for your international student visa. It is important you make this application at the embassy/consulate located in the city or region where you live. Visit the US department of states to search for US embassies or consulates online.

 

Step 5. Complete The Visa Application Form: 

 

At this point, you must have with you, your passport, visa photograph to upload and form 1-20 or DS-2019. Carefully complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application ( also known as Form DS-160) in English language. Submit and print out the confirmation page sent to you as you will bring it to your visa interview. 

 

For any question concerning how to fill the form, visit DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions

 

Step 6. Schedule Your Visa Interview:

 

Next, book your visa interview with the embassy consulate nearest to you. This should be the same with the one in your online application. 

 

Note that interview wait time varies depending on the embassy. Check  the US visa website to find the wait times for your embassy for more information.

 

Step 7. Pay your Visa Application Fee:

 

Pay the 160 USD visa application fee. Print and keep the receipt.

 

Note, your embassy will instruct you when and how to pay for your visa application fee. Also, be sure to come with the receipt as proof of payment during your interview.

 

Step 8. Your Visa Interview:

 

This is the last big step. Your visa interview will be the deciding factor as to whether you will receive the US student visa or not. So before going for your interview, make sure you have the following information at hand.

• Your passport
• One copy of your visa photograph
•  Your printed DS-160 confirmation page
•  Your printed I-901 SEVIS fee confirmation page
• Your visa application fee payment receipt. That is if you paid the fee before the interview day.
•  Original copy of form I-20 or DS-2019

 

Note also that your particular embassy may require you to provide additional information such as:

 

1. Transcript from colleges/universities you previously have attended 
2. Diplomas/Degrees from colleges/ universities you have attended.
3. Proof of sufficient funds.
4. Proof of your interest to leave the states at the end of your program.

You will be asked a range of questions at your interview. These questions will mostly be on why you want to study at the school you have selected and what you intend to do at the end of your program. You have to state it clearly that you do not have the intention of remaining in the US at the end of your program. 

 

Step 9. Wait For Visa Processing:

 

After you’ve done your interview and have submitted all required documents, you have to wait for your visa to be processed. The processing time might take 3 to 5 weeks after the interview. Once approved, it may take 5 to 7 working days to receive your visa documents. Click on the US visa appointment wait times for more information.

 

Step 10. Receive Your Visa.

Once your visa is approved,  your embassy will return your passport together with your visa. You may be required to come to the embassy to pick up your new visa or you can receive it through mail. Be sure to check your new visa well for any errors.

 

Conclusion:

 

Every student who wishes to study in the US as an international student will have to apply for an F-1 visa especially if it’s your first time. And before starting the application process, you must ensure you’ve got a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond your program end date, a digital copy of a passport-style photograph and enough money to handle the application fees. 

 

By following these 10 easy steps to obtaining a US student visa, you will be able to secure an approved visa for your studies in the states.