Student Visa Process

If a student desires to enter into any short-term course or any full time course, requires USA student visa.

There are two main categories of non-immigrant visa for the international students who wanted to study in United States. These categories are “F” visa, “M” visa and “J”. “F” visas are especially reserved for those non-immigrant students who want to take admission in the academic studies or language training programs. While the “M” visas are especially reserved for such students who want to complete their vocational or non-academic studies. The Process for USA student visa for both “F” and “M” are same which can be attainable in just two-three steps:

Following are the steps for USA student visa procedure:

1. Before applying for the visa, the student should verify that the respective institution is approved by the USA Citizenship and by Immigration Services (ICE).
2. Once verified, the student sends application to the school. Once the application is accepted, their school fills up and sends SEVIS I-20 form back to the student. SEVIS I-20 form is also known as Certificate of eligibility.
3. Then the student has to either apply for USA student visa (if presently staying in another country) or apply for change to student status (if presently staying in USA and approach US consulate).
4. Every student must apply for F-1 or M-1 student visa at US consulate with the jurisdiction under their resident country. The students of countries like Bermuda, Canada are exempted from applying for student visa. When the students applying for the F-1 or M-1 visa have to show their acceptance at SEVP certified institution.
5. The students applying for F-1 visa are not required to get healthcare insurance policy. However, some colleges consider it compulsory.

When the student arrives in USA with F-1 visa will receive Form I-94 which will include admission number to USA. This form shows Arrival and Departure records of the student. The admission number is written on the I-20 form by immigration inspector. The first and second pages of I-20 form are further sent to the school showing a record of legal admission in USA. The third and forth page of I-20 form is known as I-20 ID is kept with the student. This will be the document showing the proof allowing the student to study under student visa in USA. The student should also take care of I-94 form which is the proof of legally entering US under student visa.

Every time the student move out or in US, will require getting new I-94 card describing their official stay in USA. The student staying in USA under M-1 visa for one year can apply for one or two year of extension of I-20 with the help of designated school officials.

Check out Student Visa Document Checklist which holds the list of document you will require on the day on Visa Interview