How to Apply for the US Student Visa

There are  two primary types of student visas for the U.S. and they are the F-1 and M-1 visas. The F-1 visa is for academic studies, and the M-1 visa is for vocational and non-academic studies.

However, please note that exact requirements and procedures can change, and it’s always important to check the latest information from the U.S. Department of State and consult with your specific educational institution. Here’s a general process:

1. Apply and get accepted to a SEVP approved school: Before you can apply for a U.S. student visa, you must apply and be accepted by a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). You can use the School Search page on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website to find SEVP-certified schools.
2. Receive an I-20 form from your school: After you’ve been accepted, the school will send you an I-20 form. You will need this form to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, apply for a visa, and enter the U.S.
3. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee: All F and M students and their dependents must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. You can pay this fee at FMJfee.com.
4. Complete a visa application (DS-160): After you pay the SEVIS fee, you can apply for a visa. You’ll need to complete the DS-160, the online nonimmigrant visa application form. After filling out the application, you’ll get a confirmation page that you will need to print out and bring to your visa interview.
5. Schedule and prepare for a visa interview: After completing the DS-160, you can schedule an appointment with a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country for a visa interview. The wait time for an interview can vary greatly, so you should apply for your visa well in advance of your travel departure date. Prepare for your interview by gathering all required documentation, including the DS-160 confirmation page, a passport photo, your passport, the SEVIS fee receipt, and the I-20 form.
6. Attend the visa interview: During the interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. They may ask about your plans for study, financial situation, and plans for after the study.
7. Wait for your visa to be processed: If your visa is approved, the embassy or consulate will keep your passport for a few days to put the visa in it. Processing times can vary.

Remember that the exact procedure can vary depending on your location and specific circumstances, so always check the most current guidelines on the U.S. Department of State’s website or contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Be aware that due to Covid-19 there may be additional procedures or delays as well.