How to Get a Student Visa in the US

Live Jul 22, 2019

First things first, to get a US Visa you need to have a course to study! You can’t apply for a student visa until you’re accepted on to a course in that country. Not only that, but you must ensure the course meets the country’s visa requirements. Different countries have differing visa systems and acceptance procedures. To study in the US you need to prove that you have a permanent residence in your country of citizenship. You need to have the funds to support your study and intend to return home once your study is complete.

Applying for a US student visa can be a long process, so make sure you start preparing well in advance, at least three to five months before your course is due to start! There are usually several steps to apply for a US student visa. These steps vary at each US embassy or consulate so it’s important to consult the instructions on the website of the embassy or consulate where you intend to apply.

Usually, you’ll apply for your student visa from your own country. You’ll visit an application center, where you’ll submit your application paper-work and provide any biometric information required. If you are studying abroad for your post-16 education you will require a general student visa. In the US this is called a F-1 visa.

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Then comes the big question, ‘How much money is needed?’ Well, it is necessary for you to prove that you have enough funds for your course fees and living costs. However, the money required can vary depending on country and region within that country. Some countries require you to prove that you have funds for the entirety of your course. While others only require proof of funds for the 1st year.

The final step in getting a US student visa is to arrange and attend a visa interview, be on time for the interview! You can do this either online or by calling your nearest US embassy or consulate. The visa application process cannot be completed until you appear for an interview with a consular officer.

Though we’d like to tell you otherwise, you’re not always guaranteed a US visa. Which is why we say, do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa. Be aware that a valid visa does not guarantee entry into the US: it only allows you to travel to a US port-of-entry and request permission to enter the US. Permission to enter is given by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official. Always remember to carry your visa-related documents in your hand luggage, as you’ll need to be able to present the documents at your port of entry.

Once you’ve arrived in the land of dreams, your student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours per week. You can only start working once your course has started. On a student visa you are allowed to stay for the duration of your course, and also for a short time following the completion of your studies, however this can be anything from 60 days to 4 months depending on your chosen destination. So you won’t have to miss your graduation ceremony and the throwing of your cap!

So there you have it, the basics of applying and using your student visa. All the best!

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