Student Visa USA: Facts you should know about US Study Visa!!

Whether you plan to pursue a short term or full degree program, Studying in America can be an exciting experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. You should learn about the variety of options available and how to identify an institution that best fits your needs. We at H2O would help you find your best-fit universities in the United States.

The United States is the most popular destination for international students. It has a long history of welcoming foreign students and offers some of the best universities in the world. The US Student Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to pursue academic studies, language training programs or other types of vocational or technical training. 

We look forward to helping students like you who are considering continuing education in the United States. You will find all the tools you need to compile your necessary research in deciding if the United States is the best place for you — we have gathered valuable information on educational, social, cultural and economic aspects of studying in the U.S.

Annual Intakes:

There are three intakes available in US universities

Fall Intake: It starts in the month of September

Spring Intake: This intake starts in January

Summer Intake: This intake starts in May

Eligibility to Apply to US Universities for Studies

•Have a completed application form

•Proof of Secondary School completion (12 years)

•Certificate of English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)

•Evidence of financial support (with the I-20 form)

Documents Required for US Students Visas

•Requisite application form duly filled and signed

•I-20 showing that you are enrolled in a US universities

•Valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay

•Recent passport size photographs

•Receipt of payment of visa processing fees

•Confirmation page of DS-160

•Documents to show you are a bonafide student

•Payment of application fee for SEVIS

•Documents to show sponsorship

•Documents to show availability of funds

Applying  for a US Student Visa

After determining which type of US student visa you need to apply, you can begin with your Visa Application with the US Consulate.

Irrespective of which category of student visa you apply for, you will need to undergo the following steps:

Step 1: Apply to a SEVP-approved school and obtain an I-20

Step 2: Fill an Online Visa Application Form

Step 3: Attend the Interview

Cost of Applying for US Student Visas

Payment of the SEVIS fee: You need to pay the SEVIS-fee at least 3 days before submitting your US student visa application. You need to pay $ 200 if you are applying for an F1 or an M1 visa and $ 180 for a J1 visa.

•While making the SEVIS-fee, you need to ensure that your all details need to be exactly as they appear on your I-20 or DS-2020 form.

•This payment can be made using debit or credit card, Western Union Quick Pay, international money order or a check. Ensure you print your payment confirmation as it can be required during the later stages of your US student visa application.

Once you have completed and submitted your online application DS-160 form, you need to make an application fee of $ 160.

You can make this payment online, in person at an approved bank or by phone. Please note that this application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

It is advised to print and record this payment receipt as it might be required during the interview stage of your US student visa application.

Processing Time for Your Student Visa

Your student visa application is generally approved or denied during your visa interview. If your student visa is approved, you will get your passport along with your US student visa within 7 to 10 working days. However, most interviewers will not inform you about the approval or rejection of your application, and you will need to wait till you receive your passport..

Note: Do not forget to carry your passport, your I-20 form and all the other documents you carried with you during your US student visa interview. You might need these documents at immigration as well.