Study US: Getting your student visa

Part I: Education system and academic calendar
Part II: Admissions process explained!

Thousands of international students from all around the world wish to go to the US to study and improve their skills. Getting a visa for USA will be dream come true for many who wish to pursue studies there. However, many students that I regularly come across put the question "Is obtaining US student visa easy or difficult?" That is exactly what the topic of discussion is today.

First and foremost, the applicant must be admitted to a US school or university before starting the visa process. Moreover, an early start is highly recommended so that the admissions, travel arrangements, accommodation etc can be planned in advance as well.

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Visa officers evaluate the applications very carefully and take more time now than in the past. Moreover, the applicants will be interviewed. Students should also remember that acceptance by a US educational institution does not guarantee issuance of a student visa.

Normally, international students who are not residents of USA will require an F-1 (non-immigrant) student visa, but there are other visa types as well. Here is a short description of the different visa types that involve study:

F-1 or Student Visa: This is the most commonly issued visa for those who wish to pursue studies in the United States. It is for the people who want to study at an accredited US college or university or to study English at a university or intensive English language institute.

J-1 or Exchange Visitor: This visa is for people who will be participating in an exchange visitor programme in the US. The "J" visa is for educational and cultural exchange programmes.

M-1 or Student Visa: This visa is for those who will be engaged in non-academic or vocational study or training at an institution in the US.

Next we look at the steps that are involved in applying for the Visa:

Points to be noted before you apply for a visa
1) First, you must obtain a SEVIS-generated document, either a Form I-20 or DS-2019, issued by a US college or university or Department of State-designated sponsor organisation. The US academic institution or programme sponsor will provide you with the appropriate SEVIS-generated form only when the institution academically admits you or the exchange programme accepts you as a participant. In case, the spouse/child also wishes to accompany, the same should be listed on your form or have their own SEVIS-generated form.

2) After getting the I-20, you needs to pay the SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information) fee of $131 at any designated branch of HDFC bank. The visa fee receipt is normally activated within two working days of the payment of the same. The spouse/child or exchange visitor does not pay the SEVIS fee.

3) The next step involves scheduling of Visa interview online. Thus, after two working days of paying the SEVIS fee, you should logon to https://www.vfs-usa.co.in and click on the "Apply for a Non-immigrant Visa" link. It is to be noted here that the two-page Visa Fee Receipt should be in hand, to book the  appointment and complete the forms DS-156, DS-157, DS-158 and lastly the print out should be taken.

4) Lastly, attend the interview. Make sure you reach in time.

Points to be noted when you apply for a visa
1) Apply early for a visa. Students should note that the US Embassy and US Consulates are able to issue a student visa 120 days or less in advance of the course of study start date or registration date. In addition, all initial or beginning students can enter the US 30 days or less in advance of the course of study start or registration date as shown on the Form I-20 or DS-2019.

2) Spouse or Children. As mentioned earlier, the spouse or children of a student are also entitled to accompany or join the holder of an F-1 Visa. They can apply for an F-2 Visa. However, they cannot seek employment in the US. Their visas application, interview appointments also need to be applied for the same day as the student's and all of them should attend the visa interview together.

3) The F-1 Student Visa Application kit should include:

• SEVIS generated original I-20
• Valid passport -- six months beyond interview date
• Latest 2x2 inches photographs with a smiling face on a white background
• Application form DS-156/ 157/ 158
• Valid HDFC SEVIS fee receipt of $131 with two bar code stickers
• Interview appointment letter
• Proof of liquid assets which was given to get I-20 form
• Original educational documents with mark sheets
• Relevant test scores TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT etc