USA Student Visa

Why Apply for a US Student Visa?

• 260 QS Ranking Universities

• 1 Year of Post-Study Work Permit

• Tuition Fees in Public Universities range from $10,388 - $ 12,000

• Scholarships worth USD 10,000 – USD 100,000

• Get a Visa in 3 to 5 months

• More than 393,000 F-1 visas have been issued in 2023

Study in USA

The United States of America is the world's leading destination for education. Pursuing in the USA offers a great career scope and wide exposure range. The country's education system is designed to be comprehensive, skillful, and advanced. International students can get strong emphasis on theory and practical education. Coupled with an economy that requires new talent every year, it is the ideal destination for students looking to study and make a life after graduation. With a US student visa, it is possible to study in the USA.

Why study in the USA?

As evidenced by their high rankings, US universities provide the best possible platform to international students with a student visa. The country's education system offers the most comprehensive coursework, emphasizing practical and theoretical learning.

• Affordable Education
• Diversity and Flexibility
• Outstanding support system for overseas students
• Healthy and Safe Communities
• Access to internships
• Exciting Campus Lifestyle

USA Student Visa Types 

3 Types of Visas are available for students seeking to pursue graduate, postgraduate, master's degree or vocational courses. These Visas are further classified into sub-categories based on the visa application type. 

F Visa
Visas for international students seeking to study for academic degrees in US-accredited universities. 
•    F-1 Visa: For full-time students.
•    F-2 visa: for dependents on F-1 Visa Holders. 
•    F-3 Visa: For Mexican and Canadian students who are residing in their country and seeking to pursue part-time or full-time courses in the US. 

M Visa 
This is another category of Visa issued for non-academic or vocational training courses in US institutions. 
•    M-1 Visa: for vocational or non-academic studies. 
•    M-2 Visa: for dependents on M-1 Visa holders. 
•    M-3 Visa: for border commuters to pursue vocational and non-academic courses.

J Visa
J Visas are issued for international visitors participating in cultural exchange programs in the US. They are also given to students seeking to pursue medical, business, or any specializations in the US. 
•    J-1 Visa: for exchange students on a relevant exchange program
•    J-2 Visa: for dependents on J-1 Visa holders

Top Universities in the USA

Public Universities in USA

The following is a list of public universities in the USA. Some offer low tuition fees, and they all offer various scholarship programs every year. 
•    University of Florida
•    Ohio State University
•    University of California, San Diego
•    University of Michigan
•    University of Washington
•    North Carolina State University
•    University of Georgia
•    University of Texas at Austin
•    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
•    University of California, Berkeley
•    University of Wisconsin Madison
•    Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
•    University of Virginia

Study Intakes in US

The USA is mainly having three intakes. Depending on the course and university, students can select their joining intake.

You will have to choose an intake that best suits your requirements and make your application accordingly. Remember the deadline to submit applications is usually a few months before the semester's starting date. You must also plan your US student visa application to sync with your college application process.

Intakes for Bachelors and Masters Programs: Overview

Universities and Programs

USA Student Visa Eligibility

A student seeking to migrate to the USA for studying purposes must meet the required eligibility criteria. 
•    Apply for an SEVP-approved school in the US. 
•    Must be enrolled in a full-time program in an institution. 
•    Must have cleared any language proficiency tests like IELTS/ TOEFL. 
•    Having proof of sufficient financial funds. 
•    When applying for a USA student Visa F1, you must reside outside the country.  

USA Student Visa Requirements

The following are the required documents to apply for a USA student Visa. 
•    Confirmation page of DS-160.
•    Educational transcripts 
•    Form I -20.
•    Payment of application fees for SEVIS.
•    Language Proficiency Certification 
•    Application as a non-immigrant.
Check with the corresponding university/college to know the additional requirements. 

Educational Requirements to Study in the USA

Benefits of Studying in America

Studying in the USA has many benefits, including helping with career development and growth. The USA has many famous universities.
•    Wide range of academic programs
•    Access to innovative research and technology
•    Cultural diversity and exposure
•    Best scope for career growth
•    English language proficiency
•    Top-ranked universities
•    Global recognition of degrees

How to apply for a USA Student Visa?

Step 1: Check your eligibility for a US Visa.
Step 2: Get ready with all the required documents. 
Step 3: Apply for a USA visa online.
Step 4: Wait for the approval status.
Step 5:  Fly to the USA for your education. 

USA Student Visa Cost

International students are awarded Study Visa F-1 for full-time courses at Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) accredited universities in the USA. To migrate to the USA for studies, students must apply for an F1 Student Visa. The USA student visa costs approximately $185 to $800, depending on your country of origin. The visa costs may change as per the rules and regulations. So, check the USA Visa fee before applying for studies. Make sure to apply for a USA student visa at least four months before you are planning to move. 

Cost of studying in the USA

The US Universities fall under two major categories: public-funded and private institutions.
International students' tuition expenses at state schools are based on non-resident costs, which are usually less expensive than private universities. This excludes the student visa fees. You will need approximately $15,000 to $55,000 annually to cover your tuition fees when you study in the USA.

USA Student Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a US student visa depends on the visa type you apply for. F-1 student visa processing may take 3-6 weeks but can extend up to 4 months if the submitted documents are inaccurate. Make sure to check all the documents clearly before applying for the US Study Visa. After applying, you can track your visa status on the embassy's portal.

Expenses in the USA for International Students

Eligibility requirements for students in US universities:

Student Applicant

• Students must be over 18 years of age.
• International students can work on campus for up to 20 hours/week or less during the academic terms and full-time during the literary break periods, including the summertime.
• Off-campus employment requires some form of written or documented authorization issued by either the USCIS or OISS.
• To be eligible for any form of off-campus employment, you must be currently in legal status and have been enrolled as a student on an F-1 student visa in the US for at least one academic year.

After you graduate:

• F1 Student Visa holders are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT (optional practical training) after graduation. This means they can work for a year after finishing their studies.
• It is temporary employment permission allowing students to gain practical experience in their field of study.
• After that, you must apply for a work visa to continue working in the US. However, you can remain in the US for up to 60 days after completing a course at a US university, even if you don't have a job offer or haven't applied for OPT.

Student dependent visa

The student-dependent Visa is called the F2 visa. It is a non-immigrant dependent visa for the immediate family members of F1 student visa holders. Dependents include the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of the individual who is studying in the US.

Eligibility conditions for the F2 visa

• Must be the spouse of an F1 student visa holder.
• Must be the dependent child (under 21 years and unmarried) of an F1 visa holder.
• Applicant must have enough financial resources to support the family in the US.

Benefits of F2 visa

Extended Visa stays

If the primary F1 student visa holder extends his / her stay, then the F2 visa dependents are also automatically eligible to apply for the extension. Filing Form I-539 and proof of financial status are enough to renew the F2 visa.

Change of visa status

You can enter the US on an F2 visa and subsequently request a change of visa status to F1 by enrolling in a US university or finding an appropriate job.

Getting a Green Card

While you get a Green Card automatically when your primary F1 visa holder receives one, you are also eligible to apply for one on your own. You can change your visa status to one that allows for dual purposes (e.g., an L1 visa) and then apply for a Green Card. If you find employment, you become eligible for a Green Card.

Access to healthcare

F2 visa holders have access to medical services and hospitals in the US. However, buying a health insurance plan makes sense to cover the high healthcare costs if you plan on an extended stay or expect a medical situation.

F2 visa restrictions

• No permission to work
• Not eligible for Social Security Number
• Not allowed to pursue higher education
• Cannot enter the US before the F1 student visa holder
• You can't get a Social Security Number (SSN) because you are not eligible to work.
• You can't get employment in the United States on an F2 visa, but you can do unpaid volunteer work.
• You cannot pursue a bachelor's or master's degree program at a US university on an F2 visa, but you are eligible for recreational and vocational training courses. Dependent children on an F2 visa can complete primary, middle, and high school education. To pursue higher studies, you must apply for a visa status change.
• It would be best if the primary F1 visa holder accompanied you or flew later after you for first-time travel to the US on an F2 visa. You can't enter the United States before the F1 visa holder. This only applies when first entering the US and not for subsequent travel.

M1 visa – student visa (vocational course)

M1 visas are a type of non-immigrant student visa issued by the USCIS to international students who want to study in the United States. However, not every student receives an M1 visa, primarily intended for those pursuing vocational training in the US.

Students can enter the US with an M1 visa and complete their full-time vocational studies.

What can you do with an M1 visa?

Using the M1 visa, students can obtain a driver's license, a bank account based in the US, access to health care services, and, under certain restrictions, apply for work.

What you cannot do?

Requirements for student visa application

• You cannot apply for non-academic or vocational training courses in the US
• You meet the minimum education qualification required for admission into the vocational course.
• You were admitted to a U.S.-based educational school and got Form I-20.
• You have the appropriate level of proficiency in English
• You've shown you've got enough funds to cover your expenses while you're in the US
• You have permanent residence in your country of origin
• You have no intention of remaining in the US and will leave after your education is complete
• The institution is convinced that the education you are receiving will benefit your country of origin

Documents required

• Passport valid for at least six months
• DS-160 confirmation
• Visa appointment letter
• Recent photographs
• Fee receipts
• Educational certificates
• Proof of financial stability

Apply for full-time employment outside the campus

Study the full-time course as a part-time operation (which means strict monitoring of attendance)

US Post Study Work Visa

International students can stay in the USA for 60 days after graduation. They can apply for optional practical training (OPT) if they plan to work in non-STEM programs. You can apply for curricular practical training (CPT) during your course period, and OPT can be completed before or after graduation. The country offers a one-year post-study work visa for non-STEM programs and a three-year work visa for STEM programs.