FAQ in USA

Documents to carry along for your visa interview include:

• A valid passport for at least six months beyond your stay in the US
• Signed SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019
• Form DS-7002 for J-1 Trainee & Intern Visa
• SEVIS fee receipt
• DS-160 application confirmation page with barcode and ID number
• MRV fee payment confirmation 
• Copy of visa interview appointment
• 1-2 photographs in the required format

Additional documents:

• Transcripts from previous institutions attended
• Scores from general and language efficiency examinations 
• Financial evidence showing proof of funds

Derivative visa applicants will be required to bring:

• Copy of marriage and/or civil partnership
• Birth certificates for proof of relationship
• Copy of principal applicant’s visa F1/M1/J1
• Or official documentation from the USCIS
• Copy of personal data page from the principal applicant’s passport

The academic year in the US is 9 months. Funds required during this period would be mentioned in the I-20 form. A 2-year Master’s Degree in The USA is expected to cost $40,000 in the first year. This means you will have to show at least $80,000 for the course.

The procedure of getting a US student visa is surprisingly easy. But it takes time. It can nevertheless be confusing for international students as they are unaware of the steps necessary to take.

Yes. IELTS is a mandatory requirement for studying in the US. But several universities allow students to select programs without IELTS. Northwood University, North Texas University, Dayton University, and California State University are some of the institutions among others.

An interview at the embassy or consulate is required for all US study visa applicants aged between 14 to 79 years. Applicants below or above this range do not require an interview unless asked by the embassy or consulate.

Yes, they do sometimes. But the most common reasons for US student visa rejections are lack of financial resources and inability to prove intent of returning to the home country. There are several other factors as well for a student visa to be denied.

SEVP-approved educational institution means that the facility has been certified and authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These institutions can take in international students holding the F1 student visa.

Yes. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program is a part of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). It is the largest investigative arm of DHS (Department of Homeland Security) in the US. 

This certification permits educational institutions to issue a “Certificate of Eligibility for non-immigration student status” (Form I-20) to prospective students when they are admitted to a study program. International students can then use this form I-20 to apply for a visa to come to the US.

People applying for non-immigrant visas like the F1 or J 1 are viewed as ‘intending immigrants under US law. It means that this is a possibility until they convince the visa officer that they do not intend to.

It is usually for five years if you are travelling to the US on an F1 student visa. The visa stamp typically endorses the validity of the authorities on your passport. 

You may be able to stay in the United States for as long as you maintain your student status even after the expiration of your F1 visa. However, you need to have a valid visa to return to the US if you are returning to your home country or travelling to another country where automatic revalidation does not apply.

You can stay in the US only for 60 days on a F 1 visa after completing your graduate studies. So start planning your future course of action prior to completing your graduation course.

You will have to undergo the same process as the initial F1 visa application for visa renewal. However, you can still stay in the US with an expired F1 visa provided your Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status (Form I-20) is valid.

Yes. You are eligible to apply for a US green card if you are holding an active F1 visa. Obtaining a green card will allow you to live and work in the country. 

This is a non-immigrant visa issued to dependents of F1 student visa holders. It allows dependent spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age to enter the US. 

No. Foreign nationals entering the USA on a visitor visa are not allowed to join study programs except to undertake recreational study. You would require an F1 or M1 student visa to enter the US for your studies.

Looking at the complicated and arduous process of enrolling and obtaining a student visa, it would be rather easier to seek professional help. This will help you get your visa faster with zero chances of visa rejection or delays.