Students who want to study in the US should become familiar with the F-1 visa application procedure. There are currently over a million foreign students studying abroad in the USA, and you may become one of them with the right planning and direction.
Read the blog to know about the F-1 Visa for international students along with its requirements, eligibility, application process & more.
What is F-1 Visa for USA?
A non-immigrant visa known as the F-1 student visa enables foreign students to study in the United States at institutions approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is the most common kind of student visa for those who wish to attend a US college or university. The F-1 visa only applied, if applicant application has approved by a recognized US university.
The length of stay as an F-1 student will change according to the course student choose. Program expiration date will listed on I-20 form. Applicant will receive from the university they want to attend. The completion of degree prior to the specified expiration date will determine how long individual permitted to stay in the USA.
Candidate must qualified to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduating. This allow them to work in a field related to their studies for a maximum of 12 months while they are in the USA. Graduates in STEM fields may apply for two further years of work experience in a related field. Within 60 days following graduation, applicant must return home if they are not granted any extensions or additional training.
Requirements for F-1 Visa In USA:
If student intend to apply for an F-1 student visa, there are a few rules. These conditions must be fulfilled for application to approved:
- University accreditation:
SEVP Immigration & Customs Enforcement must accredit the college or university where applicant intend to study.
- Enrollment requirements:
During the academic semester, international student must enrolled full-time as a student at the university.
- English skills:
Individual must enroll in classes that will help them to get better at the language or meet the institution’s requirements for English language proficiency.
- Enough funding:
Student must demonstrate that one should have the enough money to pay for both living expenses and education while applicant stays in the US.
- Legal passport:
Applicant must have a passport that will allow them to travel to the US for at least six months following the end of program.
- Citizenship in home nation:
After earning degree, student must be able to return to their native country.
How To Apply for USA F-1 Student Visa?
The following actions must taken prior to starting F-1 visa application:
- Prior to applying for a visa, be accepted by an institution that has earned SEVP certification. Student will receive their I-20 form after they are accepted so they can apply for an F-1 visa.
- Make a SEVIS payment.
- Finalize application for a DS-160 visa.
- Set up interview for a visa.
- Show up for visa interview.
Once applicant finished these procedures, they are ready to fill out and submit their F-1 student visa application.
Application Process:
Below is the process:
- Acquire Acceptance and I-20:
When student get admitted to a US university with SEVP certification, the F-1 student visa application procedure begins. The US government uses SEVP accreditation as evidence that applicant university is both recognized and have adequately resources to offer.
University will provide I-20 form after applicant accepted. This form records study schedule and offers corroborating details about visit.
- Make a SEVIS payment:
An F-1 student visa will cost individual about $510 in total, which includes maintenance and processing costs for SEVIS as well as the cost of the visa itself.
- Finalize application for a DS-160 visa:
This is the application for a visa, DS-160. To obtain an F-1 visa, all aspiring international students need to fill out a DS-160 form.
- Set up interview for a visa.
Make an appointment for visa interview at the closest US embassy or consulate. Keep in mind that wait times might take months and vary by nation, so make sure to schedule appointments as soon as possible!
- Show up for visa interview:
In the interview phase of F-1 visa application, the US consulate or embassy verifies that applicant is genuine and committed to study. Individual also demonstrate at their visa interview that they have money to pay for their studies in the US and want to return home after their studies. It’s necessary to show up in person for the visa interview.
Admission Requirement for F-1 Visa:
Make sure applicant must have the following paperwork ready for the diplomatic representative to review before they go to visa interview:
- A passport that is valid
- A duplicate of the picture you plan to use on the visa.
- Paper copies of SEVIS payment confirmations, DS-160 and I-901
- I-20 document.
- Official exam results and school transcript mentioned in university application.
- Diploma (if relevant)
- Bank statements or other financial documentation
Additional documents may requested by the consular official during applicant interview. Consider bringing the following paperwork to be ready:
- Academic records from the schools attended, such as transcripts, degrees, diplomas, or certificates.
- US institution requires scores from standardized tests.
- Proof that candidate intend to leave the United States after completing studies.
- Declarations attesting to financial stability for living, education, and travel expenses.
Conclusion
The F-1 visa is a necessary step for international students to study in the USA. Having all the necessary paperwork together, a clear career objective, and close ties to your home country will help your F-1 visa application go more smoothly. To fulfill your desire of studying in the USA, contact DY Immigration now.
FAQ
Q1. Describe the F-1 Visa?
Ans: For international students wishing to pursue a full-time study at recognized colleges and universities in the United States, the F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa.
Q2. What qualifications are require to be eligible for an F-1 visa?
Ans: To get accepted into a university that approved by SEVP, the student must have academic transcripts, proof of language competency, a valid passport, and enough money for their whole course of study.
Q3. How does a student from India apply for an F-1 visa?
Ans: By paying the SEVIS fee, filling out the DS 160 form, providing digital photos and fingerprints at VAC or OFC, setting up a visa interview, and showing up for the interview at a US embassy or consulate, Indian students can apply for a F 1 visa.
