A Comprehensive Guide to U.S. Student Visas

Curious about the role of Student Visas in the US? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the purpose of student visas, their various types, the application process, and more. Read on to learn all about it.

Visa Definition

A visa is an official document issued by a government that permits you to enter, stay, or travel through a country for a specific period and purpose. Visas are essential for international travelers, allowing them to cross borders and engage in activities in another country legally.

What are the Different Types of US Visas?

Although a visa does not guarantee entry, it indicates that a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad has determined you are eligible to seek entry for a specific purpose. DHS/CBP inspectors, who oversee the nation’s borders, decide on the admission of travelers into the U.S. for a designated status and duration. Additionally, DHS handles immigration matters during your stay in the United States.

Types of Visas

The type of visa you need is determined by U.S. immigration law and corresponds to the purpose of your travel. There are two main categories of U.S. visas:

• Nonimmigrant visas – For temporary travel to the United States.

For temporary travel and the corresponding nonimmigrant visa categories, you have to select a visa category of whether you are an athlete, amateur or professional (competing for prize money only), an au pair (exchange visitor), an Australian professional specialty or a business visitor.

To know more about the non-immigrant visa requirements, you can check the official site of the Directory of Visa Categories.

• Immigrant visas – For those who intend to live permanently in the United States.

What are the different types of student visas in the US?

International students looking forward to studying in the US must apply for the F-1 Visa and familiarize themselves with the F-1 student visa application process.

The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to study in the US at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It’s the most popular visa for students attending US universities or colleges. You can only apply for an F-1 visa after being accepted by an accredited US institution.

As an F-1 student, your stay in the US depends on the length of your program, as indicated on the I-20 form provided by your university. You must complete your degree before the program’s expiration date, which determines how long you can remain in the US.

After graduation, you might qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing you to work in the US for up to 12 months in a field related to your studies. STEM graduates can apply for an additional two years of work. If you don’t get any extensions or further training, you must return to your home country within 60 days of graduating.

F-1 Visa Requirements

• Institution Certification: Your college or university must be approved by SEVP Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
• Full-Time Enrollment: You must be a full-time student while your academic term is in session.
• English Language Proficiency: You must meet the required English proficiency score or be enrolled in courses to improve your English.
• Sufficient Funding: You must prove you have enough funds to cover your studies and living expenses in the US.
• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your program completion date.
• Home Country Residency: You must have a residence in your home country to return to after completing your degree.

Steps for F-1 Visa Application

• Acceptance by SEVP-Certified Institution: Get accepted by a SEVP-certified institution and receive your I-20 form.
• Pay SEVIS Fee
• Fill out the DS-160 Form (visa application)
• Arrange for your Visa Interview by booking a slot
• Attend your scheduled Visa Interview

Student Visa types in the US

Although F-1 is the common student visa type, US visas are generally divided into 3 types:

• F-1 Student Visa: For studying at an accredited U.S. college, university, or English language institute.
• J-1 Exchange Visa: For participation in exchange programs, including high school and university study.
• M-1 Student Visa: For non-academic or vocational study or training in the U.S.

Important Points

• Valid Student Visas: Required to apply to the Department of Homeland Security for entry into the U.S. at the port of entry.

• Documents Needed: Form I-20 (for F and M visas) or DS-2019 (for J visas) issued by your institution is necessary to maintain student status even if the visa expires during your studies.

• Certification: U.S. institutions must be certified by the Department of Homeland Security SEVP (for F and M visas) or designated by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (for J visas) to issue these documents.

Accreditation and Recognition

• Accreditation: Institutions issuing I-20s (F, M visas) may not be nationally or regionally accredited, which affects the recognition of credits and degrees by other institutions and employers.
  
• Accreditation Databases: The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation list accredited institutions.
• Exchange Programs: Institutions designated to place participants in Academic Exchange programs (J visas) must be accredited.