If You Dream It, We Help You Achieve It.

S.S. Patel Immigration

U.S.A.

Required Documents For Student Visa (U.S.A.)

To apply for a student visa (typically an F-1 visa) to study in the USA, you need to prepare several key documents. Here is a comprehensive list of the required documents:

  1. *Form I-20*:
    • This form is issued by the school you have been accepted to and is essential for applying for the F-1 visa.
  2. *Valid Passport*:
    • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
  3. *DS-160 Form*:
    • This is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form that you need to complete and submit online.
  4. *Visa Application Fee Receipt*:
    • Proof that you have paid the non-refundable visa application fee.
  5. *SEVIS Fee Receipt*:
    • Proof of payment for the SEVIS I-901 fee.
  6. *Photograph*:
    • A recent passport-style photograph that meets the U.S. visa photo requirements.
  7. *Academic Documents*:
    • Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended.
    • Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school (e.g., TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT).
  8. *Proof of Financial Support*:
    • Evidence that you or your sponsor have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses for your first year of study. This could include:
    • Bank statements
    • Affidavit of support
    • Scholarship letters
  9. *Visa Interview Appointment Confirmation*:
    • Confirmation of your appointment for the visa interview.
  10. *Supporting Documents*:
    • Any other documents requested by the U.S. embassy or consulate, such as a letter of admission from the U.S. school, personal statement, or additional forms of identification.
  11. *Proof of Ties to Your Home Country*:
    • Documents that demonstrate your intention to return to your home country after completing your studies. This can include family ties, property ownership, or a job offer.

Process For Applying Student Visa (U.S.A.)

The process for obtaining a U.S. student visa (F-1 or M-1) involves several steps. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:

Step 1: Apply and Get Accepted to a SEVP-Approved School

  1. Research and Apply to Schools
    • Identify and apply to Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved schools in the United States.
    • Ensure you meet all admission requirements and deadlines.
  2. Receive Acceptance
    • Obtain an acceptance letter from the SEVP-approved school.
  3. Get Form I-20
    • Upon acceptance, the school will provide you with a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status.”

Step 2: Pay the SEVIS Fee

  1. SEVIS I-901 Fee
    • Pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) I-901 fee online at FMJFee.com.
    • Print the receipt for your records.

Step 3: Complete the DS-160 Form

  1. Fill Out the DS-160 Form
    • Complete the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) at the Consular Electronic Application Centre (CEAC).
    • Print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode.

Step 4: Schedule and Attend a Visa Interview

  1. Pay the Visa Application Fee
    • Pay the non-refundable visa application fee. The amount varies by country.
    • Check the U.S. embassy or consulate website for payment instructions.
  2. Schedule the Interview
    • Schedule your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. Interview wait times can vary, so schedule as early as possible.
  3. Prepare for the Interview
    • Gather all required documents:
      • Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.)
      • Form DS-160 confirmation page
      • Form I-20
      • SEVIS fee receipt
      • Visa application fee receipt
      • Passport-sized photo (if required)
      • Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions
      • Test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT)
      • Financial evidence (bank statements, affidavits of support, scholarship letters)
      • Evidence of ties to your home country (e.g., family, property, job offers)
  4. Attend the Interview
    • Arrive at the embassy or consulate on time for your interview.
    • Be prepared to answer questions about your academic background, study plans, choice of school, and post-graduation plans.
    • Provide the required documents and any additional information requested by the consular officer.

Step 5: Post-Interview

  1. Visa Approval
    • If your visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality.
    • The embassy or consulate will provide instructions on how to collect your passport with the visa.
  2. Prepare for Travel
    • Make travel arrangements to the United States.
    • You can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program start date, as listed on your Form I-20.

Step 6: Arrival in the United States

  1. Port of Entry
    • Present your passport, visa, and Form I-20 to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry.
    • Answer any questions about your study plans and intentions in the U.S.
  2. Form I-94
    • The CBP officer will issue an electronic Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,” which can be accessed online.

Step 7: Check-In with Your School

  1. Report to the School
    • Check in with your designated school official (DSO) at the international student office.
    • Attend any mandatory orientation sessions and comply with the school’s reporting requirements.

Step 8: Maintain Visa Status

  1. Stay Compliant
    • Maintain full-time enrollment and make normal progress toward completing your program.

Follow all U.S. laws and regulations related to your visa status.