How to Get Student Visa for USA?

If you have been accepted into your desired US university but are unsure how to navigate the student visa process, we’ve got you covered. Securing a USA student visa is achievable with careful planning and a clear understanding of the process. This guide will explain the different types of visas, the application process, and key steps to help you confidently prepare for your USA student visa journey.

Different Types of USA Student Visa

International students have three student visa options – F-1, M-1, and J-1. Here’s an overview of all the three visa options:

Visa	Description	Eligibility Criteria	Duration	Application Fee	Key Observations
F-1 Visa	F-1 visa is the most common type of USA student visa. The visa allows international students to pursue academic education in accredited universities, schools, and colleges.	You must be accepted into a university that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). You must have sufficient financial resources to fund your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs. You must be enrolled in a full-time academic course.	The visa duration is until the course duration, which may be from a few months to a couple of years. After the F-1 visa expires, you get a 60-day grace period to switch to other visas, such as H1B visa.	The total cost of an F-1 visa is around $510, which includes $160 for the DS-160 non-immigrant visa application fee, $350 for the SEVIS I-901 fee, and $85 for biometrics.	India receives the maximum number of F-1 visas. In 2023, the country received over 130,000 F-1 visas. After India, China receives the most number of F-1 visas. In 2023, the country received more than 80,000 F-1 visas.
M-1 Visa	M-1 is another common US student visa. Unlike the F-1 visa, the M-1 visa allows international students to pursue vocational or non-academic studies. Vocational programs are those programs that are not considered traditional academic degrees. These are programs that are taught at flight schools, technical schools, or trade schools.	You must be accepted into a school that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). You must possess adequate English proficiency. Demonstrate sufficient funds. Your study course should be full-time.	The visa duration is the duration of your vocational program, which is typically one year.	The total cost for an M-1 visa is around $500 similar to an F-1 visa.	According to Wikipedia, a report published in 2017 shows that South Korea, Japan, Nepal, and India received the maximum M-1 visas.
J-1 Visa	J-1 visas are not your typical F-1 and M-1 visas. J-1 visas are issued to individuals to participate in cultural and educational exchange programs. The visa holders can participate in a wide range of activities, including research projects, professional training, academic studies, cultural exchanges, and more.	You must be accepted in a state-approved student exchange program. You must have a sponsorship for your program. You must meet some specific requirements, such as being a student, intern, or researcher. You must demonstrate that your funding comes from a source other than personal funds, such as sponsorship.	The duration of the visa depends on the type of exchange program you have chosen. For example: If you are a student, the duration will be 1 year. And for interns and trainees up to 18 months.	The application fee is around $300. There are also additional charges.	According to a report published in 2018, the largest number of J-1 visa holders come from China (approx 39,000). Next, from Great Britain (approx 20,000), and then Germany (approx 18,000).

Key Differences Between F-1 and M-1 Visas

Many international students confuse the F-1 and M-1 visas, as they are quite similar to each other, but there are key differences between them. Here are some of the main distinctions:

F-1 Student Visa	M-1 Student Visa
The students on F-1 visas are eligible for annual vacations.	The students on M-1 visas are not eligible for annual vacations.
The students are allowed to change their major or program of study while studying in the US.	Students are not allowed to change their major while studying in the US, as these visas are issued for specific programs.
Students can transfer or begin a new program after completing the earlier course.	Students can transfer in the first six months after arrival. To transfer, you must contact the US immigration authorities.
Students can work while studying or after the completion of the course but with permission.	Students can only work after the completion of the course but with permission.
Students have four types of work options, which include on-campus, off-campus, OPT, and CPT.	Students have only one work option, i.e., practical training (PT).
Students can stay up to 60 days after the F-1 visa or OPT expires.	Students can stay up to 30 days after the M-1 visa or PT expires.

Different Types of Study Options Offered to F-1 and M-1 Students

The US offers international students a variety of study programs for M-1 and F-1 students. Below are some examples of study program options offered to M-1 and F-1 students:

• K to 12 Program: There are two types of K-12 schools in the US – private and public schools. The main difference between these schools is that private schools are funded by a non-governmental entity while public schools are funded by a government entity. International students looking to pursue higher-secondary education will only be accepted if these schools are SEVP-approved. F-1 visas are typically applicable for such programs.
• Community Colleges: International students who want to pursue post-secondary education as a pathway to a four-year degree need to study at community colleges. For such studies, an F-1 visa is applicable.
• STEM, Undergraduate, and Graduate Studies: If you are looking to pursue a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in any field, you need to study at an SEVP-approved university.  When choosing an undergraduate or postgraduate course, you can consider STEM-related courses, which are Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. F-1 visas are applicable for undergraduate, graduate, and STEM-related courses.
• English Language Training Program: English language training programs in the US help international students improve their English language skills through SEVP-defined courses, which are either stand-alone or combined. Stand-alone courses focus only on English training, while combined courses include English training alongside other courses. These courses require an M-1 visa.    

Documents Required for F-1, M-1, and J-1 Visas

Here are the documents that you require for F-1, M-1, and J-1 visas before you appear for a visa interview:

• A valid passport. Your passport should be valid for at least six months and beyond your period of study in the United States.
• A confirmation page of form DS-160, which is an online application form required for F-1 and M-1 visas.
• Visa application fee payment receipt.
• Photos.
• Form I-20 sent by your university. This form proves that you have been accepted by a SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program)-approved university.
• For a J-1 visa, you need Form DS-201 and Form DS-2019. The Form DS-2019 is given to you by your program sponsor. 
• J-1 visa applicants who are participating in training or internship programs are required to submit Form DS-7002.

Additional Documents Required 

• Transcripts
• Standardized test scores
• Financial proof

Application Process: How to Apply at USA Student Visa?

• The first step is to get accepted by a SEVP-approved university. Once you are accepted, you will be registered for the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visa Information System).
• After registration, pay the SEVIS fee. The SEVP-approved university will issue an I-20 form for F-1 and M-1 students. For J-1 students, Form DS-2019 will be issued.
• Complete the online application (Form DS-160). This form will be submitted to the State Department directly.
• The Form DS-160 (online application) requires applicants to fill out their personal details, passport details, travel information, previous US travel details (if any), educational background, family details, employment information (if any), and security and background questions to name a few. 
• Upload your photograph to complete the Form DS-160.
• Schedule interview. Select a date and time for the interview.
• Pay the visa application fees.

Types of Accepted Evidence for Financial Support to Study in the USA

During the visa interview, you will be asked to provide financial evidence for funding your studies. Here are some of the financial proofs that you can submit during your visa interview:

• Recent bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds. The bank statements must belong to the visa applicant or sponsor, such as the parent.
• Scholarship or fellowship letters specifying the amount of funding provided to you for your higher studies in the US.
• If you are an employee, provide recent pay slips or income tax statements.
• Provide loan details if you are taking a bank loan for your studies.
• Provide other assets, such as liquid assets, stocks, fixed deposits, etc.

Tips to Crack the USA Student Visa Interview 

Here are some tips to crack F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa interviews:

• Explain your study plans in the US. Provide the details on why you have chosen the specific course. And highlight why the US is the ideal place for your higher education.
• The interviewer may ask about your academic background. If you have low scores or gaps in your studies, be prepared to explain them. When answering, be honest and emphasize the steps you took to improve despite the setback.
• Prepare for US-specific visa interview questions by researching common questions online. For instance, the interviewer might ask, “What are your plans after graduation?”. Focus on your career goals in your home country and avoid emphasizing staying in the US for work. 
• Practice your visa interview with mock interviews. Take the help of a family member or use online tools to practice visa interviews. While practicing, focus on body language, and eye contact, and frame your answers concisely.
• Know your university name, location, and key details of the university. Some students overlook these smaller details and struggle to answer university-specific questions during the interview. Avoid this embarrassment.
• Communicate clearly in English. This shows your proficiency and command of the language – an important factor for the visa interview. 

Conclusion

Securing a US student visa might be daunting. However, with a thorough understanding of the process, requirements, and preparation, you can achieve the impossible. Go through this guide carefully as it will help you understand what you can expect during your application process.