For international students, F1 or an equivalent visa is necessary if they have to come and study in the USA. Therefore, a complete knowledge of the entire visa system and visa process is necessaary. On this page we attempt to impart this very knowledge to our students.
F1 Student Visa
A student visa is required for international students who desire to study in the USA. The candidate will have to apply for a student visa at a US consulate or Embassy. In most countries you will need to make an appointment at the consulate for a personal interview.
Tip:
You may apply for a Student visa only after you receive the I-20 or the IAP-66 from the College/School/University that has accepted you.
Types of Visa
There are three types of student visas:
> F1 (Student Visa)
> J1 (Exchange Visitor Visa)
> M1 (Non-academic or Vocational Studies visa)
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F1 (Student Visa) - General Information
The F1 visa is for international students who are enrolled full-time in academic institutions recognized by the United States government. It is not possible to get a F1 visa for part time studies. This visa is valid for the full length of the program the students are enrolled in plus 60 days. Normally the student's date of completion is mentioned on the I-20 form. If the student is unable to complete his/her study by this date, then the student visa will have to be extended and a new I-20 form will have to be issued by the college. The student visa is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. It is possible to change the college or institution, while on a F1 visa, without leaving the United States.
Working on F1 visa
Students can work on campus while they are enrolled at the school. Students can apply for Curriculum Practical Training while enrolled to get industry work experience. Students can also apply for full time Optional Practical Training (OPT) once they finish school. This is for 17 months from the date of graduation. Students typically apply for this when they are nearing graduation from their course. An OPT card is issued to the student. This is besides the 5 year validity of a student visa. If after their degree, and after the OPT, if the students wish to work full time in the US, then they will have to apply for an H1 Work Visa.
Travel on F1 visa
The F1 visa is a multiple entry visa
Ensure that you have a valid passport when you leave and enter US.
Note that at the port of entry, the I-20 from is also needed to give entry permission.
The student can travel freely within the US on the F1 visa.
F2 Dependant Visa
The F2 visa is a dependant visa issued to the dependant, usually spouse, of the original F1 visa. One is not allowed to work on a F2 visa and the validity of this visa is till the original F1 is valid. A F2 visa is also valid when the F1 visa person is on OPT. A separate application needs to be done for a F2 visa.
Visa Application Procedure (F1)
The application procedures vary a little from country to country. However, in most countries F1/F2 applicants/students will have to appear for a personal interview. Check your country's US Consulate/Embassy website for more details. Here is a link to the US Embassy websites for country specific information.
Depending on your country, there is a minimum period by which you can apply for the visa. This period typically ranges from 120 days to 90 days prior to start of your degree course, which is mentioned on the I-20 form. You will be required to schedule an interview at the embassy/consulate.
Documents required for a F1 visa application
Form 1-20 Certificate of Eligibility issued by the school/college/university that you plan to attend.
Form DS 156 Non-immigrant visa application, duly filled and signed. See the link below for downloading this and other forms. Form DS 157 and form DS 158, both complete and duly signed. These forms can be downloaded from the US govt website evisaforms.state.gov
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A valid passport that expires at least 6 months after the intended period of stay in the US.
Photographs as specified by the country's consulate or embassy. Fee receipts for the visa fees. These may vary from country to country. Check you country's US embassy website for the fee details.
Documents required at the time of consular interview
> Transcripts and mark sheets of previous academic work.
> GMAT and TOEFL scores.
> Admission letter provided by the college that you intend to study in the US.
> Proof of financial sufficiency. Usually it is enough to prove that you are able to finance your education for one year's time. However it is advisable to have financial sufficiency proof for the entire duration of the degree program. Any financial aid or assistantship from the college is mentioned on your I-20 form. You will have to provide financial proof for the remaining amount.
Any other document that are specified by your country's US embassy.
Note:
If your student visa application is denied, request for "written denial decision". This will tell you the reason for denial which could be:
> Your total personal annual income
> Total annual income of your Parents
> Your average annual living expenses
> Some details of your and your parents' assets
> Sources of funding for your education other than from the University
J1 (Exchange Visitor Visa)
The J-1 visa is issued for students that require practical training that is not available in their home country. This practical training must be necessary to complete their academic program. The training must be directly related to the academic program. A J-1 visa student must to return to his/her home country for a minimum of two years after the end of their studies in the US before being eligible to apply for an immigrant (permanent residence) visa.
M1 (Non-academic or Vocational Studies visa)
The M-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa which allows foreign students wishing to pursue vocational or non-academic studies, other than language training, to enter into the U.S.
Related:
F1 visa tips
Resources:
to be addedVarious student insurance options are available on the internet
websites for student insurance