Studying abroad is a big game changer that will help you in several ways. Global education will undoubtedly have a significant impact on how you perceive your courses and yourself.

The next step is to determine which study destination best meets your needs. CIC Visa Consultants is your overall USA study visa consultants in Amritsar.

One of the top study destinations you can look at is the United States.

Studying abroad is a big game changer that will help you in several ways. Global education will undoubtedly have a significant impact on how you perceive your courses and yourself.

The next step is to determine which study destination best meets your needs. 

To study in the United States, you must first get a student visa. Before applying for a student visa, all applicants must be accepted and authorized by US universities. Once accepted, US educational institutions will supply each applicant with the relevant approval papers to submit. 

Types of Student Visa for the USA

F-1 Visa

F1 is the most prevalent type of student visa in the United States. If you want to study in the United States at an approved institution or university, you must have F-1 status. If your course is 18 hours or more per week, you will need an F-1 visa.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is primarily intended for students who desire to participate in an exchange program. Working professionals participating in an exchange program typically choose the J1 Visa. Hence the term Exchange Visitor Visa. A J1 Visa allows for a study duration of up to ten months. This would mostly benefit students interested in conducting research or receiving a short-term fellowship.

M-1 Vocational/ Non-Academic Student Visa

The M1 Visa is a type of student visa used solely for vocational purposes. The application process is quite similar to that of an F1 visa. The only distinction is that M1 visas are time-stamped, and students are not allowed to overstay their visit. M-1 visas are for people who want to pursue non-academic degrees, such as vocational training, to advance their careers.

Let’s get to the visa application process in detail. 

1. Apply to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) authorized institution in the United States six to twelve months before beginning your studies there. 

2. Pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) charge.

3. Complete the US student visa application form and include a recent image.

4. Pay the visa application fee.

5. Schedule and attend a visa interview.

Here is the brief process put together for you. 

1. Apply to a SEVP-approved institution

First, obtain information about the list of universities participating in the SEVP initiative. Select an institution and course that has been accredited by the US government’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Because the United States lacks a centralized university application system, you must submit your applications to each university individually, taking into account each institution’s admissions standards.

Once you receive your University acceptance letter, you will be enrolled in the SEVIS system. If you are eligible for an F or M visa, you will receive a SEVIS-generated document known as Form I-20, or DS form if you are eligible for a J visa.

2. Pay the SEVIS fee

You must pay the SEVIS fee at least three days before you apply for a US visa. You can pay it either online or offline. Make sure to provide the relevant information precisely as it appears on your I-20 or DS form.

It is preferable to obtain a copy of the payment confirmation from the website after processing your payment.

3. Complete the US student visa application

The US student visa application is known as the DS-160. This DS-160 form must be filled out online. Ensure that you have all of the necessary documents and information to fill out the visa application form. Make sure to enter your information correctly in the form. Make a note of your application ID after completing the form. You will need this ID to access your information at any time. 

Details required in completing your DS-160 form,

• Name and date of birth
• Address and telephone number
• Passport info
• Details regarding your study travel arrangements
• If you have traveled to the United States before, please describe your experiences.
• Your point of contact in the US
• Family, employment, and education information
• Security, background, and medical health data
• SEVIS ID 
• Study the course you wish to enroll in (as written on the I-20 or DS form).

Answer all of the form’s questions carefully. The responses must be accurate. Because any inaccuracies or mismatches in the information provided may damage the interview process, and you may need to reschedule it. 

After you’ve completed the form, click the “Sign Application” button to electronically sign it. When you submit the final application, you will receive a confirmation page that includes a barcode, barcode number, and application ID. Bring a copy of the confirmation page with you to your visa interview.

4. Payment of the visa application fee

The visa application fee is known as a Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee. It is a government-mandated visa processing cost that must be paid whether your visa is issued or not. The MRV fee is non-transferable and non-refundable, and the receipt issued following payment of the MRV charge is known as the MRV Receipt number.

How to pay the application fee:

• In person at an approved bank.
• Through your phone. 
• Online (you will have to print your receipt)

5. Schedule and attend your US visa interview

The final step in obtaining a visa is to attend the visa interview. You can book your interview online or by calling the nearest US embassy or consulate. Remember to pay the MRV charge before booking your interview, as you will be requested to present your MRV fee number.

After receiving your SEVIS form and paying the SEVIS fee, you can schedule an appointment with the US consulate or embassy to submit your US student visa application. Visa processing times may vary. So, apply as soon as feasible. 

Here is the checklist you have to keep on track for your US Visa Application 

1. I-20 certificate provided. 
2. Letter of Admission from the Institute
3. Financial supporting documentation, such as loan approval documents, if applicable.
4. Academic credentials and TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, or LSAT test scores.
5. A valid passport and Form DS-160.
6. Two passport-size pictures.

Once you have completed the successful application process, you must attend your Visa Interview. 

Documents Required for the Student Visa Interview

• Valid passport with DS-160 barcode page.
• Required documents include an appointment letter from the university, a SEVIS receipt, and an I-20 form for F or M visas.
• If you are a J Exchange student, you will need to provide your SEVIS receipt and DS form.

This marks the end of the application procedure for a student visa to the United States. Make careful to follow the rules and the checklist provided above. Having everything structured can assist to smooth the procedure and boost your chances of receiving the Visa.

Crack the interview, obtain your US visa, and pack your bags! Wasn’t that a huge inspiration for you? Go ahead, start the visa process, have your visa accepted, and begin your study abroad experience! Contact us for a smooth and worry-free visa as we are the best student visa consultant in Amritsar

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