Living in the United States is the dream of millions of people around the world. The USA student visa guarantees the right to stay in the country legally and complete your studies at the institution where you enrolled.
Going to the United States on a student visa for academic and professional purposes is one of the safest ways.
Universities, colleges, schools and companies in the United States welcome thousands of foreigners every year. It is the opportunity they find to receive talents from around the world and nurture them within their country.
Student visas are among the least denied, as they are supported by US institutions. Despite this, it is important to perform all the steps correctly.
Many people have questions like:
- Can I work in the US on a student visa?
- How long can I stay in the US on a student visa?
- When applying for a US student visa, is the length of stay satisfactory?
To make sure everything goes as planned, this comprehensive guide on how to get a student visa in the United States has been written.
Here you will find everything you need to know about going to study in the United States, step-by-step instructions for applying for a student visa in the US and many crucial tips and information to be successful from the beginning of the journey.
Who can apply for a USA student visa?
A student visa in the United States can be applied for by people who have enrolled in an educational institution in the country. To do so, the institution must be authorized to issue an I-20 form by the US Department of Security and the US Exchange Student Program.
Therefore, not every institution will be able to issue this document, which is essential for applying for this type of visa.
To make sure yours is a part, just go to the United States Department of Homeland Security (USDHS ) and The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website . Search for it in both to confirm.
English students on exchanges, undergraduate, graduate or other types of courses can apply for a student visa in the USA. It will give these people the possibility of staying legally on American territory for a specified period of time. This will allow the person to study and train as an academic and professional in the United States.
Like any visa, it has a validity period, however, it can be easily extended in case of stay with the institution.
The search for American education is made by students from all over the world. It is the possibility to learn English in a native-speaking country or to train in the largest academic and scientific centers in the world.
In addition, studying in the United States can open several professional doors in the country itself. This contributes to the formation of the person and career development from the beginning of the process.
Types of student visa
Every student coming to the United States for study and academic purposes must follow a series of steps. However, depending on the type of course you will be taking in the country, a type of visa issued is different. They can be F-1, M-1 or J-1 type. Each confers specific study and work rights.
There are several other types of visa , issued for specific functions and purposes and with varying durations.
F-1 visa
The F-1 is the type of visa issued to those who will take an academic course in the United States. This means courses that result in a diploma, which can be degrees (higher education) in colleges and universities, but also high school and elementary school, or English courses.
Institutions must be authorized by the government to receive foreign students. The visa is valid for a predetermined period of time and up to 60 days after the end of the course, in cases of graduation in American lands.
M-1 visa
The M-1 visa is issued to students enrolled in courses at non-academic institutions such as companies. They are usually professional and vocational courses. Its duration is, in general, only for the duration of the course.
This visa also validates the student to work within the campus where they study or in a role that is related to practical course activities, such as mandatory internships. Still, you must be authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) to do so.
J-1 visa
Type J-1 will be issued to work exchange students or for graduate courses. This includes students who participate in research, training and internship programs in the US, professors and academics who will teach in the US.
Members of programs such as au pairs, summer jobs, also receive this type of visa. It guarantees the right to study work in the United States and has a predetermined duration.
Planning for the request
While student visas in the United States are frequently issued and rarely denied, you need to plan well. For this, keep in mind that the process may take a considerable time, or even require resubmission of documents and request for reassessment in case of a negative response on the first attempt.
The ideal is to start applying for a visa about 120 days before the start of classes at the American institution where you will be going. This will allow time for all documents, payments and interviews to be completed.
In addition, it will be necessary to collect a series of information and documents. Be ready to request them from educational institutions you have attended, banks, government agencies and others.
Have all documents, including passport, valid and ready for presentation. In the case of a passport, it must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel to the United States.
Step by step to get a US student visa
For those who are already sure of the purpose of studying in the United States, the process to do is long, but simple. Just follow a few steps and, if everything is within the rules, you will get the American student visa.
However, as simple as the steps are, they still need to be done with extra care. This is because they involve legal documents, extremely important forms and proof of your intentions in American territory.
But do not worry. To make sure everything goes smoothly, we have prepared a complete walkthrough. Below you can see each step of the process, with crucial information, important websites and some tips to help you along the way. Just follow along and get ready to pack your bags!
- Get accepted to an educational institution in the United States
First, to apply for a US student visa, you must already be accepted at an educational institution in the country. As obvious as it may seem, it is important to emphasize this information. This is because the purpose of the visa is to allow the entry and stay of students who have clear academic goals, and not for those who intend something in the future.
These student visas are issued with speed and priority compared to others. The United States and its institutions are interested in cultural exchange and the cultivation of skills that can be useful to them. This includes the fields of academic science and art or even who will teach courses in companies (non-academic institutions).
So, it doesn’t matter if it’s an exchange during an English course, a full degree in the United States or a graduate degree. In all these cases, it is possible to apply for such a visa, as long as you already have a place to do so.
- Fill in the forms
Once you have been accepted into an institution and have clear objectives for studying on American soil, you will need to complete a series of documents. This is the bureaucratic part of the process. However, it is also one of the most important.
Always read each form carefully and fill it out carefully. Please review the information before confirming submission. Remember to always provide the information that matches your documents, such as full name, passport number and others. If different or conflicting data are passed, the chances of the visa being denied are high.
Each form below is of great importance and will be issued differently.
Form I-20
The I-20 document is only required for visas given to students, and in that case, the most important one you will have to fill out. It is issued by the educational institution you will study in the United States and is absolutely mandatory for F-1 and M-1 student visas.
To be sure that the institution you are applying to can issue this document, verify that it is authorized by the United States Department of Homeland Security (USDHS ) and accepted into The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) . In case of a positive answer for both cases, she can fulfill this requirement.
Upon acceptance to a university, college or other location, the I-20 will be generated by that institution and mailed to you. The document arrives by mail at your residence, but most institutions send a copy by email to speed up the process.
This email submission is important because it is the I-20 that contains the SEVIS number – Student and Exchange Participant Information System. With SEVIS in hand, you can already pay the fees and schedule the interview at the consulate. The fee is currently $200.
However, you must have the original document on hand for the interview. It is also important for entry into the United States, as well as other applications such as obtaining a US driver’s license.
To issue the I-20, the educational institution will need your valid passport and a copy of a recent bank statement. This account information is required to prove that you have sufficient financial funds to support yourself in the United States for the duration of your studies.
Proof of funds
The amount considered sufficient varies according to the period you will stay in American lands, and also according to the type of course. Exchanges to learn English are different from an undergraduate degree, for example. That’s because the values vary depending on the course tuition, housing costs, food and others.
In some cases, a simple extract is already valid. However, in specific institutions or cases, a letter headed and signed by the bank manager may be required.
If the amount is in realis, it is necessary to convert it to the US dollar, since your expenses are calculated in the local currency.
Every institution that accepts exchange students and students from other countries must provide a cost calculator on their website. Go to the official website of the school or university you want to enroll for more information about it.
Is it possible to cancel the I-20?
Once the I-20 document is generated, the institution will be responsible for monitoring the student. Any conduct or problems that compromise you with the institution may result in the cancellation of the I-20. This includes not attending classes.
If the student’s enrollment is revoked, either by his own will or because of problems with the institution, he must return to his country of origin or he will run the risk of becoming illegal in the United States.
If the I-20 is canceled by accident or due to an error, you have 15 days to ask the institution to issue a new one. After these 15 days, if there is no renewal of status, you must leave the United States.
Can I extend the validity of my I-20?
If you want to stay studying in the United States, you can extend the duration of the I-20. To do so, simply apply to the institution. If the extension is accepted, a new I-20 will be issued, now with the new deadline.
For students who are going to change institutions, the current one will cancel their registration and the procedure will be the responsibility of the new one.
Form DS-160
To apply for a US student visa, the second form to fill out is the DS-160. This is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, which is completed entirely online by this website .
This is not specific to students and is mandatory in all non-immigrant visa cases. Therefore, the DS-160 is what will prove your information and intentions on American soil.
Here, you will re-enter your personal information, such as identity documents, passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel and, if you have, an old US visa.
To complete the DS-160, you will need to upload a photo of yourself. This must fulfill a series of requirements that you can check on this link . Even so, it is recommended to have a physical version of the photo and take it with you on the day of the interview along with other documents.
The difference for the USA student visa is that you will need the SEVIS number and the name of the educational institution where you will enroll, responsible for issuing the I-20 as we saw earlier.
The consulate informed will be the same where the interview will be scheduled. So fill in with that in mind.
Upon successful completion of the DS-160, a barcode will be generated. This code is confirmation that the non-immigrant visa has been requested. Also take it to the consulate interview.
Issuing a DS-160, like an I-20, requires payment of a fee. In this case it is currently 160 US dollars. For any queries, you can visit the Visa Applicant Service Center (CASV) website .
- Pay the SEVIS or I-901 fee
As stated, the I-20 issued by the educational institution you will attend in the United States will give you the SEVIS number. With this number, you can pay the fee and proceed with the USA student visa application process. Such a fee is also known as the I-901 SEVIS Fee.
The person responsible for registering in SEVIS is the DSO, Designated School Official, the name given to the person responsible for assisting international students in applying for a visa.
It is through the SEVIS number that you will be accompanied while in the United States. It maintains both your security and that of the country and guarantees legal status for exchange students.
To pay this fee, simply access the I-901 website and go to PAY I-901 Fee. You will need to provide SEVIS and some other data, in addition to choosing the payment method. This can be done via international credit card, Western Union or check/money order. This is also where you can print your payment confirmation.
It is important to make payment at least three days before the interview. That’s because you’ll need his confirmation when you go to the consulate to do so.
Payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee is a basic prerequisite for those seeking a US student visa.
Its value in 2022 was US$350 for F-1 and M-1 visas (universities, college, regular education or courses at accredited institutions, or vocational studies or other recognized non-academic institution), and US$220 for the J-1 visa (exchange programs).
- Register on the website and schedule the interview
Once you have completed all the previous steps, you will be ready for the interview at the consulate. To schedule it, just access the Consulate’s website and choose the location.
Please fill in carefully, as the consulate where you will be interviewing must be the same as informed in the DS-160!
Along with the interview, it will also be necessary for the applicant to be present in a CASV for the collection of biometric data. These are the photos and fingerprints. In certain consulates, the collection can be done on the same day as the interview.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on movement between cities, states and face-to-face meeting, stay tuned for the information given on the consulate’s official website and get in touch with any questions.
- Prepare for the consulate interview
The interview is a very important process for issuing a student visa. This is where you will check all the information and previous steps. In addition, it is where you will be able and aware of your responsibilities and projects in the United States.
First, go safely, with all documents and aware of all your goals in the United States. As you are applying for a student visa, the consular agent may request specific information about the institution or course you will be taking.
Be ready to answer questions about your study plans and further steps, as well as motivations for studying in the US. Professional goals can also be questioned.
Show that you know what you will be doing in the United States and that you are aware of the positives and negatives. There is no point in extolling the benefits or exaggerating about the American education system and way of life.
The interviewer is there to see if you are really aware of what you are going to do on American soil. Show that you know the institution and that you have researched its areas of activity.
Always give clear and objective answers. Focus on the question itself and don’t daydream. Avoid ready-made and memorized answers, show yourself well articulated and that you understand the subject.
If you are not fluent in English, you can request the assistance of an interpreter. This is because many students go to the United States precisely for exchange during courses in the English language.
Documents for the interview
Have all the necessary documents at hand. They are indispensable to prove your identity, your intentions as a non-immigrant in the United States and that you are really able to stay there. Are they:
- Form I-20;
- DS-160 form confirmation code page;
- Proof of payment for both forms;
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel;
- Recent photo in 5×5 format;
- Proof of enrollment at the destination institution;
- Proof of income;
- Proof of address.
Important information for applying for a student visa in the United States
As much as the US student visa is successfully issued in most cases, attention to detail is still required. To ensure that everything goes as expected, follow the steps taught. Always seek information when in doubt and use official communication channels, either from the consulate or the educational institution.
As this visa is issued to those who intend to take a course in the USA, it is expected that the person can stay in the country financially, be able to study and also return to the country of origin. So stay tuned for the topics below.
Proof of financial situation
As we have seen, an important step towards approval is proving that you can finance your studies and life in the United States. This is done through an account statement or bank statement.
It is possible that additional information will be requested, so be ready to provide it. Cash in your account may not be enough, and the consulate may ask for information such as occupation, average monthly income, and the like.
For cases where your parents are going to pay for your studies, you may need a statement from the bank about your accounts and income, as well as that of your parents’ employers.
Never give contradictory information, as it may raise suspicions about your conditions to remain in American territory.
Intention back
As it is a temporary visa, you need to be sure that you intend to return to your country of origin. This is the “Back Intent”. The consular agent will be able to ask a series of questions about the subject, such as time to complete the course and its objectives when returning to the country of origin.
Be ready to answer these questions, as well as present documents that confirm your ability to remain in the US and also to return. Documents that confirm the intention to return are passports with previous trips abroad or school records at national institutions, for example.
Academic conditions
Since you are going to study in the United States, you are expected to be able to do so. Depending on the course or institution you are going to, you may need to present a transcript.
The notes present can have great weight during the interview with the consular agent. Therefore, if you have contradictions or below-average grades, there needs to be justification. Statements from educational institutions may be required, explaining their school situation and recommendations.
If you have had periods that have interfered with your studies, such as illness or other difficulties, ask to be legally informed by the declaration of your previous schools.
What to do if my USA student visa is denied?
Although it is rare, it can happen that the visa is denied for some reason. In this case, you can request a reassessment of the decision. If this is done, the consular agent can ask for more documents, whether to prove the financial situation, study intentions or something else that generated the denial.
Be aware of this and prepare as many legal documents as you can beforehand. Proofs of jobs, real estate or companies in your name, which, for example, confirm your financial status, are good ideas.
You may also need to ask for statements from the educational institution at which you enrolled in the United States. Through e-mail, or even fax, she can confirm more information about you and give more certainty about the purposes of the trip for academic purposes.
How to apply to a university in the United States?
For those who want to take an undergraduate course at a higher education institution in the United States, it is necessary to meet certain requirements. First, contact the desired institution to get to know it and learn more about it.
Search about the programs available for international students and the particularities of each. Curriculum, student history and their grades are also available information.
Once you’ve made up your mind to study there, know that American universities place much higher value on the curriculum, your grade point average and performance over your student years.
Despite this, they do not completely eliminate aptitude and entrance tests, like our ENEM. In this case it is the SAT, the Scholastic Assessment Test, or School Aptitude Test. It covers 20 subjects from five areas of knowledge, namely history, mathematics, science, English and foreign languages. Not every course requires all areas.
In addition, foreign students interested in studying in the United States must be fluent in English. This is also proven through tests. The most common and requested are the TOEFL and IELTS tests. They will prove their familiarity with the English language and ability to attend classes, interact in the academic environment and produce.
If you succeed on both the English language proficiency tests and the SAT, you will be eligible to apply to an American university. Now just hire a translator to produce the official versions of your documents in English.
School transcripts and curriculum, statements and letters of recommendation are among the most important. Once you have them translated, simply send the test results and documents to the institution.
If approved and able to enroll, the institution itself will issue documents necessary to apply for a visa, such as the I-20 form.
How long can I stay in the US on a student visa?
With the US student visa, the length of stay will depend on the duration of the course you are taking there, since it is directly linked to this. The maximum time, however, is four years.
With a US student visa, can you work in the US?
Many people who are going to take courses in the United States want to combine study with work. As a rule this is not allowed, however, there are cases in which those who have a US student visa can work, yes.
The rules, however, are very specific.
First of all, you need to keep in mind that you will not be able to work to pay for your studies, but only do it of your own volition. In other words, the US student visa is only provided to those who can prove that they are able to stay there during the period they are studying.
As we have already shown, the American F1 visa is aimed at those seeking full-time courses that offer a degree or certificate. It is valid for enrollments in universities, colleges, schools of different levels or even for seminars or language courses in accredited locations.
Precisely because it provides for a full-time course that employment is not allowed for the F1 USA visa, something that only does not fully apply if you have work on the campus where you will study.
In such cases, functions will need to be authorized, but generally include activities in the library, cafeteria, or other activities directly linked to the institution’s operation. The student can work in the USA from 30 days before the start of classes, but always respecting the maximum limit of 20 hours per week.
Off-campus work with a US student visa
In long-term courses, the American (student) visa can even be used to work off-campus. Once again, however, some rules will need to be observed.
The first is that this can only happen after one year of stay in the country. Here comes the second: you can move from campus work to an offsite job if you perform well academically and qualify for one of the following programs:
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
If you have a US student visa and want to work in your field of study there, this is certainly a great option. After all, it’s a chance to put what you’ve learned into practice and start building a beautiful network.
This, however, is taken seriously by all sides: if the idea is to put what has been learned into practice, you will necessarily have to work in a role that is linked to your field of study. For example, if you’re taking an economics course, it doesn’t make any sense to want to work as a cafeteria attendant.
If you do not prove that the work is related to your field of study, authorization to do so will not be granted.
Another prerequisite to use the USA student visa and to participate in the Optional Practical Training is to have studied for at least 12 months before. In addition, the work permit – which is also for up to 12 months – needs to be completed within a maximum period of 14 months after the end of the course.
To join the OPT, another rule that must be followed is not to work full-time during the school term – this can only be done during the holidays. When classes are available, work can be performed part-time.
Other details to note is that it will be necessary to request authorization to work with the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and formalize new documents.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
It is also exclusively geared towards work that involves the course you are taking, but here the requirements are simpler.
The CPT is for both on-campus and off-campus work. You can also apply for part-time, in the case of up to 20 hours per week, or full-time, for jobs that require a higher workload.
This type of work aims to complement the curriculum of the course being carried out. It can be said that it is the American version of the curricular internship that we have in our universities.
For example, if you are going to the country to study journalism, you can work with a USA student visa in the CPT program in any media outlet. And that work will result in credits in your course.
The CPT is available to those taking undergraduate or graduate courses. In addition, it can be either a paid or unpaid service.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) OPT
Allows you to stay and work for a full 2 years after completing your studies.
Final considerations
Well, we hope that, with this content, you can have solved all your doubts about the US student visa and that, above all, you have realized the importance of paying attention to all the details of the process that involves obtaining it.
Living in the states is the dream of millions of people around the world. Studying in North American lands can be the beginning of realizing this dream.
