Visa Details

 Procedure

1. Get Accepted to a SEVP-Approved School

• First, you must be accepted by a school that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This applies to both F-1 (academic) and M-1 (vocational) student visas.
• After acceptance, you will receive the Form I-20, which is essential for your visa application.

2. Pay the SEVIS Fee

• After receiving the Form I-20, you must pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee online.
• The SEVIS fee for F-1 students is typically around $350, but it can vary for M-1 students and other categories.
• After paying the fee, keep the receipt as you will need it for your visa interview.

3. Complete the DS-160 Form

• The DS-160 is the application form for a non-immigrant visa.
• Complete the form online and upload a passport-style photo as per the guidelines.
• Once submitted, you will get a confirmation page with a barcode. Print this out as you will need it for your interview.

4. Schedule a Visa Interview

• Schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.
• Depending on your age and the specific embassy/consulate, an interview may be required. For most applicants, interviews are mandatory.
• Be prepared for potential wait times to schedule your appointment, so apply well in advance.

5. Pay the Visa Application Fee

• You will need to pay a visa application fee (usually around $160 for F-1/M-1 visa applicants).
• The payment method and fees can vary by country, so be sure to check the specific instructions for the U.S. embassy or consulate where you are applying.

6. Prepare for the Visa Interview

• Required Documents:
  • Valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay)
  • Form DS-160 confirmation page
  • Visa application fee payment receipt
  • Form I-20 (signed by your Designated School Official)
  • SEVIS fee payment receipt
  • Passport-sized photo (according to U.S. specifications)
  • Financial proof: Bank statements, affidavits of support, scholarship letters, etc. to show that you can pay for your tuition and living expenses while studying in the U.S.
  • Academic transcripts, standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE) if applicable
  • Any other documents required by your embassy
• During the Interview: You will be asked about your study plans, why you chose your school, and how you plan to finance your education and stay in the U.S. Answer truthfully and clearly.

7. Attend the Visa Interview

• Attend the interview on the scheduled date and time. The consular officer will assess whether you meet the visa requirements.
• If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport. The processing time varies, so it's best to plan ahead.

8. Visa Approval and Passport Return

• If approved, you will typically receive your passport with the student visa attached within a few days or weeks, depending on your country’s processing times.
• You may be required to pick it up at the consulate or have it mailed to you.

9. Travel to the U.S.

• Once you have your visa, you can travel to the U.S. You are allowed to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program starts.
• At the port of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will review your documents, including your Form I-20.