The visa process can take a while. Therefore, you should initiate the application process with sufficient time in hand. The right time to apply for an F1 visa is immediately after receiving your acceptance letter.
Upon receiving the acceptance letter from your university, you have to register yourself with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). You will also be required to pay a one-time application fee.
The university will ask you to provide proof of funds and deposit the tuition fees to get the I-20 form. After receiving the I-20 form, you have to pay the SEVIS (The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee.
I-20 form is one of the most important documents required for getting your F1 visa. It supports your claim that you have the money to live in the country during your course period.
You can also use this form to schedule an appointment for an interview with the US Embassy or Consulate.
List of all the required documents
As far as the F1 visa documents checklist is concerned, you might be asked for the documents mentioned below. These should be kept handy so that you can produce them when asked.
- Passport – It should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay duration in the US.
- MRV Fee receipt – Payment confirmation page printout (if paid online)
- Form DS 160 (Non-immigrant Visa Application) – Online application confirmation page printout
- SEVIS fee payment receipt – Payment confirmation page printout
- Photo – Physical copies are only required if the upload is unsuccessful while filling the online DS 160 form. It must match the required format mentioned in the DS 160 Form
- I-20 Form – Received from your university or institution
- Visa Interview appointment letter
You might also have to present the following additional documents. It is recommended to carry them along.
- Academic transcript including marksheets
- Diploma/Degree certificates
- GMAT/GRE/SAT scores
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores
- Loan approval letter
- Financial capacity proof
- Appointment/Relieving letter/salary slip of any professional experience or internships
- Intent to depart from the US upon program completion
The students should also be prepared to pay the visa issuance fee once their visa application has been approved and the visa is granted.
Important Links : Student Visa | Student Visa for USA
What is the Process to Get a Student Visa in USA
It is not difficult to obtain a student visa in the USA. The steps to be followed include:
- Apply to a SEVP-approved institution and once your enrollment is accepted, register for the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- The institution will issue the Form I-20 which you should register in SEVIS and then apply for the F/M visa at the US Consulate or Embassy. This form has to be presented to the officer when you attend your interview.
- Complete the Form DS-160 (online nonimmigrant visa application) and print the confirmation page for your interview. Also upload your photograph while completing this form.
- Schedule the visa interview at your nearest US Embassy or Consulate at this stage.
- Prepare documents as per the checklist for F1 visa interview. These include your passport, application fee payment receipt, Form DS-160 confirmation page, photograph, Form I-20, certificate of eligibility for F-1 student status if required, and added documents like academic transcripts, standardized test scores, and so on.
- The next step is to attend the visa interview and provide digital fingerprint scans as well.
Sometimes the application may need further administrative processing, and you will be informed of the same. Once you obtain approval, you will have to pay the visa issuance fee if applicable, and make arrangements for the return of your visa and passport.
Tips for F1 Visa Interview
Here are some tips for your F1 visa interview that will stand you in good stead.
- Emphasize your ties to your home country. You can do this by demonstrating to the visa officer how you have family, investments, property/assets to inherit in the country, and so on.
- Practice your conversational English skills and make sure you speak correctly without grammatical errors.
- Be clear about the reasons for choosing the program, university, and the United States. If you are not clear about the same, then the consular officer will not be convinced about your future plans. Explain how the course will help you with your future professional plans in your home country.
- Go through the F1 visa documents checklist before the interview and make sure everything is well-organized and easily understandable for the consular officer.
- Be crisp and concise, since you’ll basically make your impression in the first few minutes itself.
- Be positive and maintain the right attitude in terms of politeness and responsiveness, without being lackadaisical or over-eager.
Taking care of these documents through the checklist will help you organize and plan better. Remember, planning is the key to successfully getting your student visa and opening the gates to your study abroad dream!
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