Visa for Study in USA

What type of visa do I need?

Most non-U.S. citizens who wish to study in the United States will seek an F-1 (non-immigrant) student visa, but there are other visa types that are sometimes authorized for those who study in the U.S. Here is a short description of the different visa types that involve study. 

 F-1 (Academic) Visa: 
    
     For students wishing to attend a university, secondary school, or language institute.

 M-1 (Non-academic) Visa: 
    
    For students wishing to attend a vocational or other recognized 
    non-academic institution.

To obtain a student visa, you must demonstrate:

• Acceptance as a full-time student at a US Government-approved institution which will issue a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) compliant Form I-20

• The form I-20 should have a bar code on the right-hand side and be signed by the school official. This form is required to receive a student visa. The I-20 is not a visa

• If you arrive in the US with the I-20, but no student visa, you will not be allowed to enter the US

• Student visa applicants need to pay the visa application fee as well as the SEVIS fee. You must pay both fees before applying for a visa

• Adequate academic preparation, indicated by school transcripts, for the studies you plan to undertake

• Adequate English language skills or evidence that the school is aware of this and will provide language training

• Sufficient funds for the first year, as evidenced by bank statements or other financial documents

• Strong ties to the country in which you are applying for the visa and indications that you will leave the United States upon completion of your studies

These factors must be established to the satisfaction of the consular officer. Since cases will vary, there is no set list of documents to submit.

 Science and Technology Course of Study: 
    
    Applicants going to the U.S. for science or technology-related study must bring
    additional documents to the interview.

 Complete CV or resume

• Complete list of publications, if applicable

• Letter of acceptance/invitation from the school

 Optional Practical Training (OPT): 
       
    Applicants going to the U.S. for Optional Practical Training must also bring the 
    original Employment Authorization card together with your endorsed I-20 form.

 Dependents: 

    Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 need their own I-20 to accompany the 
    primary applicant. The application procedure is the same.If applying separately, 
    submit a copy of the principal applicant's I-20 together with a copy of the principal 
    applicant's visa and birth or marriage records showing relation to principal applicant.

*Persons wishing to attend academic institutions or vocational and recognized nonacademic institutions should apply for student visas. You cannot attend school full-time on a B-2 (tourist) visa or on the Visa Waiver Program.

Please visit the American Embassy in your country to obtain a visa to study in the US.

For more information about visa for study in US, just ask us!

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