Student Visa Requirements in USA

Do you want to apply for a student visa in the USA? The most important requirement for a USA student visa is an I-20 Form from a school in the United States that is approved by SEVP. You must also pay the SEVIS I-901 fee to apply for an F or M student visa.

In this blog, we will discuss the cost and the student visa requirements in USA for international students. If you are planning to study in the USA, this blog will be very helpful for you.

USA Student Visa Types

Before learning about the USA student visa requirements, let’s look at the types of US student visas. The U.S. government offers three types of student visas: F, J, and M.

• F Student Visa: For studying at an accredited U.S. college or university, or for studying English at a language institute.
• J Exchange Visa: For participating in an exchange program, including high school or university study.
• M Student Visa: For non-academic or vocational studies or training in the U.S.

Student Visa Requirements in USA for International Students

To avoid having your visa application rejected, you should know the student visa requirements in USA for international students. Before you can apply for an F, J, or M student visa, you need to apply to and be accepted by a U.S. school that is approved by the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP). Once you’re accepted, the school’s international student office will give you a Form I-20 or DS-2019. You will need this form when you apply for your student visa.

English Language Requirements for a Student Visa in the USA

To get your U.S. student visa, you need to show that you can speak and understand English well. This usually means passing an English language test.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most popular English test for studying, working, and moving abroad. Over three million people took the test last year. IELTS results are accepted by more than 11,000 organizations, including schools, employers, and governments in 140 countries. Most U.S. schools require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

Is IELTS Mandatory for a USA Student Visa?

No, IELTS is not the only requirement to get a USA student visa. You can study in the USA without an IELTS or TOEFL score. However, to be considered for admission, you’ll need to prove your English language skills through other tests like Duolingo or PTE Academic.

Which Entrance Exam is Required for a USA Student Visa?

Entrance exams are needed for some specific courses if you have a US student visa. To prove your English skills, you can use test scores from exams like TOEFL or IELTS. For undergraduate admissions, you’ll also need to submit ACT or SAT scores. For postgraduate admissions, you’ll need GMAT or GRE scores.

Documents Required for a USA Student Visa

Gather and prepare these documents before your visa interview:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for travel to the United States and should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay (unless your country has special agreements). Each person needing a visa, including family members listed in your passport, must submit a separate application.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Confirmation page of Form DS-160.
• Application Fee Receipt: If you need to pay before your interview, bring the payment receipt.
• Photo: You will upload a photo when filling out the online Form DS-160. If the upload fails, bring one printed photo that meets the Photograph Requirements.
• Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility): Your school will send you a Form I-20 after entering your information in the SEVIS database. Both you and your school official must sign it. All students must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS). If your spouse and/or children will live with you in the U.S., each will receive their Form I-20.

Additional Documents Requirements:

During your visa interview, a consular officer will decide if you qualify for a student visa. They might ask for extra documents, such as:

• Proof of your academic background, like transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you’ve attended, and any standardized test scores your U.S. school requires.
• Evidence that you plan to leave the U.S. after your studies.
• Proof of how you will pay for all your educational, living, and travel expenses.
• Check the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you will apply for detailed instructions on how to apply for a visa.

How Much Bank Balance is Required for a US Student Visa?

There’s no strict rule about how much money you need in the bank when applying for an F-1 visa in the USA. However, it’s generally recommended to have at least USD 18,000 to USD 24,000 in your bank account, shown in your statements from the past 6-9 months. This amount doesn’t include the SEVIS fee of USD 350 and the DS-160 form fee of USD 185, which are specifically for F-1 visa applicants. The exact bank statement requirements for a USA student visa can depend on:

• The school and program you choose
• The cost of living in the state where you’ll study
• Your circumstances

The recommended bank balance is to ensure you have enough money to support yourself during your first year of study in the USA.

What is the Student Visa Application Fee in the USA?

Pay the non-refundable visa application fee before your interview if required. If your visa is approved, you might also need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality. The USA student visa application fee for international students is $185.

What is the Student Visa Processing Time in USA?

U.S. student visas are usually processed quickly. Sometimes, your visa is approved right after your interview, which is the last step in the process. By the end of the interview, the consular officer will tell you if your application was approved. On average, it takes about 3 to 4 weeks to get your U.S. student visa.

Final Words

In conclusion, while the I-20 form shows that you have enough money to cover one year’s tuition in the USA, you can show different sources of funding when applying for a student visa. Your minimum bank balance will also be taken into account. So, make sure to prepare your funding proofs carefully. If you have any questions about U.S. student visa requirements, feel free to ask in the comment section.

FAQ

What are the requirements for a USA student visa?

Answer: The main requirement is having an I-20 Form from a SEVP-approved school in the United States.

How much bank balance is required for a student visa in the USA?

Answer: There’s no strict rule, but it’s generally recommended to have at least USD 18,000 to USD 24,000 in your bank account. This amount should be shown in your bank statements from the past 6-9 months.

Is it easy to get a student visa for the USA?

Answer: The process is usually straightforward, but it can take some time. Even in the best cases, getting a U.S. visa often takes a while. For an F-1 Student Visa, there are extra factors to consider.

How much money is needed to apply for a student visa in the USA?

Answer: The application fee for a USA student visa is $185.

How many bands are required for a USA student visa?

Answer: A minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 is typically required for a U.S. student visa.

Do I need to take the GRE for a student visa in the USA?

Answer: For undergraduate admissions, you need to submit either ACT or SAT scores. For postgraduate admissions, you need GMAT or GRE scores.