Get a World-Class Education in USA
The United States is the world’s leading student destination. It offers unparalleled scope for students from all streams to study and excel in their chosen fields. Coupled with an economy that requires new talent every year, it is the ideal destination for students looking to study and make a life after graduation. Visafest offers the authoritative support students need to study in the US. Our understanding of the US education system and vast experience with its visa process make us your best bet to study in the US.
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International Students in USA
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Univ and Colleges in 50 States
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Average annual tuition (USD)
United States Student Visa
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. You must have a student visa to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F visa or an M visa.
Student Visa Types Issued by the U.S.
The United States government offers three student visa types including F, J, and M.
- F Student Visa: for study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at an English language institute
- J Exchange Visa: for participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study
- M Student Visa: for non-academic or vocational study or training in the United States
Student Visa Application
You must first apply and be accepted by a U.S. institution that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, you will receive a Form I-20 from the institution's international student office, which is a paper record of your information in the database called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
What’s required during visa application?
You will need the following documentation for your visa application:
- A valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the U.S. (unless exempt by country specific agreements)
- Acceptance at a SEVP approved school and your Form I-20
- Application fee payment for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
- Non-immigrant visa application and the Form DS-160 confirmation page
- One or two photographs in the requested format.
Additional documents for student visa
Additional documentation may also be required:
- Academic preparation documents such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates
- Evidence that you have sufficient funds to maintain your living expenses. This may include: bank statements, a financial undertaking by a sponsor to cover your accommodation and living costs or a scholarship program.
- Evidence that you will leave the U.S. once you have completed your course of study. This can be in the form of an air ticket out of the U.S. to your home country.
Where to Apply for Your F1 Visa
Applicants for student visas should generally apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. This will normally be your home country — the country in which you live. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers to some of the frequently asked questions about studying in the United States.
The first step is to apply to a SEVP-approved school in the United States. After the SEVP-approved school accepts your enrollment, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVP-approved school will issue you a Form I-20. After you receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M) visa. You must present the Form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.
If your spouse and/or children intend to live with you in the United States while you study, they must also enroll in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s from the SEVP-approved school, and apply for a visa (but they do not pay the SEVIS fee).
Some universities and colleges require exams such as IELTS/TOEFL (English language assessments), SAT/ACT (academic assessment at UG level), GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT (academic assessment at PG level), and more
Usually, a year's gap is acceptable in the USA. In case a student has taken a gap of more than a year, then he should be able to support it with sufficient evidence. If a student has dropped out of college or took a study gap because of medical conditions, he/she should present medical proof.
As an international student, you may consider bringing your dependents to the United States to live with you. F-1 and M-1 students may be eligible to bring their children, who are unmarried and under the age of 21, and/or spouse to live with them while they study in the United States.
Some entry level jobs will pay approximately $7.00 to $9.00 per hour, but more highly skilled positions may pay $10 or more per hour. Students are allowed to work up to 40 hours per week.
The United States has strict rules for international students who want to work during their studies. International students enrolled full time and in valid F-1 status can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during when classes are in session, and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not.
- Brigham Young University-Provo.
- Eastern New Mexico University.
- Nicholls State University.
- Bridgewater State University.
- Minnesota State University-Moorhead.
- Mississippi University for Women.
This program allows you to stay and work in the US for twenty-four months after graduation. You can submit a form I-765, or request for post-completion OPT, as early as ninety days before your program end date. However, you should start planning even earlier.
Child of a U.S. Citizen. United States citizens may petition for, or “sponsor,” their foreign national children to become permanent residents (“green card” holders) of the United States.
Universities and Colleges in the US have 3 intakes. Students have the option of choosing the term of their study from three main flexible intakes, Spring (January), Fall (September) and Summer (May). Intake 1: Fall Semester – It commences in August/September and is the major intake.
Almost all universities have scholarship programmes, most of which are open to applications from international students – although you may need to take SAT or ACT tests. According to the Fulbright Commission, more than 600 American universities offer scholarships worth $20,000 or more to international students.
Why Work with us to Ensure Your U.S. Student Visa is Successful
Studying in the U.S. is an amazing experience for any student. USA has one of the highest standards of education in the world. If you want to ensure your best chances at getting an approval on your student visa application, then we recommend you consult with us before submitting. We have helped thousands and 1000s of students successfully enter America on a study permit, and we can help you too!
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