USA Study Visa Requirements, Types, Costs, Documents
USA Study Visa Requirements are given in this article. It includes types of study visas, and their requirements, documents, Steps to apply, Cost of the USA Study Visa.
Supriya Shrivastava11 Jan, 2025
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USA Study Visa Requirements : The United States is a popular option for international students looking for a high-quality education and unique cultural experiences. With its vibrant economy, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes, the United States offers a unique and interesting study experience that can lead to job opportunities and personal development.
USA Study Visa Requirements
The US government offers all Indian students the chance to study in the country however, you must first get a student visa. Your visa requirements will be subject to your age and the type of study you want to do in the United States. Studying in the United States provides admission to some of the world's most prestigious universities, modern research centers, and an extensive selection of academic programs.Also Check:
Types of USA Study Visa
Based on the duration of your stay and your particular situation, you may need to get many types of visas to study in the United States. Here is a list of many types of student visas.F Visa
The F visa is designed for international students getting an academic degree at a recognized US university. F-1 visa holders may work at the university for 20 hours or less each week. To work longer hours, students must get permission from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). There are three categories of F visas. F-1 : It is for full-time students. F-2: Dependents of F-1 visa holders (spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old, including same-sex couples). F-3: To "border commuters": Mexican and Canadian students who live in their home country but attend school in the United States.Click Here for IELTS Online Courses
M Visa
The M visa is intended for those pursuing non-academic or vocational education in the United States. M-1 visa holders can apply for a specific period and may not stay for more than a year, unless medically necessary. If you are enrolled in the M-1 program, you are not allowed to work on or off campus. In total, there are three categories of M visas: M-1: M-1 is for students who are learning nonacademic or vocational courses. M-2: Intended for the dependents of M-1 visa holders. M-3: For "border commuters" - Mexican and Canadian students pursuing trade or non-academic degrees.J Visa
The J visa is meant for international travelers and students interested in exchange programs. J-1 visa holders usually stay in the United States for one or two semesters and have to go back to their native country for at least two years after finishing the program. There are two kinds of J visas: J-1 : For exchange students taking part in particular cultural or academic programs. J-2 : For J-1 visa holders dependents.Derivative visas
Holders of F-2, M-2, and J-2 visas are also permitted to study in the United States as long as they fulfill the requirements set out by the educational institution. J-2 visa holders can enroll as recreational or degree-seeking students and are eligible for a status change to F-1 if they match the criteria. They can also apply for work authorization from USCIS by filing Form I-765.Also Check:
Cost of USA Student Visa
There are no laws or regulations that require a minimum bank balance when applying for a US student visa. The US F-1 student visa fees is about USD 535. The cost is divided into two categories: the I-901 SEVIS fee ($350) and the DS-160 form fee ($185). Here is the division of fees based on the type of visa. This page provides a summary of the many US student visas, along with information on their related costs:| Type of Student Visas in USA and their Costs | |||
| Types of Student Visas | F1 | J1 | M1 |
| SEVIS Fee* | |||
| Amount | $350 | $220 | $350 |
| Accepted Modes of Payment | Credit Card Money Order/ Demand Draft | ||
| Payable in | dollars at the relevant exchange rate as established by the bank. | ||
| MRV Application Fee / Visa Application Fee** | |||
| Amount | $185 | $185 | $185 |
| Accepted Modes of Payment | NEFT Online Transfer Instant Money Transfer by Mobile - IMPS By cash at Axis Bank or Citibank counters. | ||
| Payable in | Payable in INR at the Consular Office's fixed exchange rate. (Currently, the exchange rate is $1 = INR 83.96 until October 8, 2024.) | ||
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- Jobs in the USA for Indians
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Documents Needed for USA Study Visa Requirements
When applying for a student visa to the United States, you will normally need:- Original academic transcripts and certificates from previous degrees.
- Standardized and English proficiency exam scores (GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS/iTEP/PTE Academic).
- Statement of purpose
- Research proposal or essay.
- Letter of recommendation
- A copy of a valid passport.
- Proof of finances (bank statements from the last three years).
- Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the duration of your planned stay.
- A printed copy of the DS-160 (online application form).
- The fee receipt for SEVIS and the interview appointment letter (original and copy) are attached.
- Form I-20 sent by the US university
- Visa fee payment confirmation receipt
- Original mark sheets and provisional certificates
How to Apply for USA Study Visa Requirements?
There are numerous stages to apply for a US Study Visa:- Your visa application procedure begins when you get Form I-20 from your university. Although you can pay the SEVIS fee at any moment during the application process, it is strongly advised that you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before beginning your US visa application.
- After paying the SEVIS fee and receiving your receipt, you are eligible for a DS-160 visa form. It's an online application form.
- When you go for your interview, bring the confirmation document from your application.
- Pay the visa cost by NEFT or at an authorized AXIS/Citi bank location.
- Schedule a biometric and interview appointment.
- You will need to attend the Biometric appointment in person to have your photos taken for the visa and your fingerprints scanned.
- During the personal interview, the interviewer can ask about your college choice, finances, and intention to return. If he or she is convinced, they will keep your passport to have the visa stamped. This article will help you study for your F1 Visa interview.
Also Check:
- Courses in the USA for Indian Students
- Cost of Living in USA for India Students
- Diploma Courses in USA for International Students
English Language Requirements for USA Student Visa
To obtain a US student visa, you must show fluency in the English language. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world's most common high-stakes English language proficiency test for education, employment, and migration, with over three million tests taken in the previous year. More than 11,000 organizations in 140 countries worldwide acknowledge IELTS results, including schools and universities, companies, professional associations, and governments. Educational institutions in the United States demand a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 band.PW IELTS
Physic Wallah provides online I ELTS coaching that improves the preparation process by offering an organized approach to becoming ready. PW provides both general and academic training for IELTS coaching. A band score of 8 or above on the IELTS exam is required for those who take part in PW’s IELTS coaching program.USA Study Visa Requirements FAQs
Q1 - Who needs a student visa for the US?
Ans - Anybody who is not a US citizen or permanent citizen who wants to study in the US for more than 18 hours per week must get a student visa.
Q2 - Can I work on a student visa for the US?
Ans - Yes, Students with an F-1 visa can work on campus for up to 20 hours each week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods. However, the off-campus job requires further approval.
Q3 - How long can I stay in the US on a student visa?
Ans - You can stay in the United States on a student visa for the period of your academic program, as long as you maintain full-time enrolment and follow the terms of your visa.
Q4 - Can I travel outside the US while on a student visa?
Ans - Yes, you can go outside the United States during a student visa, but you must have a valid visa and an active passport to re-enter. Before leaving the United States, you may also be required to receive a travel signature from your institution's Designated School Official (DSO).
Q5 - How many scholarships do international students in the USA get to study in the USA?
Ans - International students in the United States are awarded scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to study in the United States.
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