Requirements, Process, Application & Cost of Study Visa USA

USA is always a hub of students as well as always a first choice of students who are planning to study abroad. If a candidate, who already got admission in a USA university can apply for a study Visa USA. A study visa is the most important step to your study in the USA. This blog is for the study visa, study visa types, process of applying study visa and all the detailed information regarding US Visa. You can also get Information about France Student Visa: Requirements, Application, Process, and Cost

According to (USCIS) US citizenship and immigration services, a total of 2,32,851 Indians students went to the USA for their higher studies in 2021. The ratio of Indian students increased in the USA by 12% in 2021 and 37 % of Indian students were female.

Types of Study Visa USA

Before Briefing about study visas, let’s talk about the types of US Visas. There are 3 types of US Study Visa in the US which are as follow:

  1. F-1 Student Visa: F-1 student visa is one of the common study visas which is suitable for programs requiring more than 18 hours of attendance per week. F-1 student visa includes for both UG and PG programs. 
  2. J-1 Exchange student Visa: J-1 exchange student visa is for pursuing an exchange program, that is why it is named exchange visitor visa. A J-1 exchange visa requires a 10-month vocational training or some research fellowship,etc. Also this study visa is for a short term program to study in the US. 
  3. M-1 Vocational / Non-Academic Visa: this visa is a type of study visa/student visa which is for vocational and technical schools and students cannot try to overstay. In some cases F-1 and J-1 may be similar but M-1 is totally different. 

Documents required for Study Visa USA

The documents required for a US study visa are divided into 3 parts. 

  1. Academic Document Requirements for Study Visa USA
    • Academic Transcripts from high school
    • Bachelor’s degree if needed
    • Acceptance letter from an university and college
    • English language proficiency report which includes IELTS, TOEFL, PTE
    • ACT, SAT, GMAT, GRE score
    • Provisional Certificates
    • LOPs, SOPs
    • Work Experience Proof
  2. Document Requirements for Study Visa USA
    • Valid passport
    • Printed copy of DS-160 form
    • Copy of interview appointment letter
    • SEVIS fee receipt
    • I-20 form which is given by college/university
  3. Financial Document Requirements for Study Visa USA
    • Bank statements
    • Salary slip and letter of employment
    • Sponsorship letter 
    • Tax returns 
    • Loan approval letter if needed
    • scholarship letter if available

Process of applying for US Study Visa

There are several steps to apply for US Study Visa are as follows:

  1. The first step includes candidates to receive form I-20 from your college. Candidates can pay SEVIS fees anytime during Application
  2. Second step carry’s BS-160 Visa form. Candidates need to apply this form after paying the SEVIS fee.
  3. Applicants have to print their application form confirmation page to bring to the interview
  4. Candidates need to pay Visa fee through NEFT or at authorized Axis bank / Citibank locations.
  5. Now, candidates have to schedule Biometric appointments and interview appointments.
  6. In Biometric appointments, they need your presence to get your photograph clicked for visa and fingerprint scanned. 
  7. At the time of personal interview, they will ask you about choice of course, college, intent on coming back and finances. If they are convinced with your answer, then they will keep your passport to get the visa stamped. 

Note: candidates will not be allowed to enter in the United States on F1 status earlier than 30 days before your start date.

Cost of Study Visa USA

Type of Fee

Cost

Petition - based visa

$190

Non - petition based visa

$160

SEVIS fee for F visa candidates

$350

SEVIS fee for M visa candidates

$350

SEVIS fee for J visa candidates

$220

SEVIS fee for special J visa category

$35

Border Crossing Card Fees

$160

Processing Time of US Study Visa

The processing time of a US study visa can be averaged to 3 to 5 weeks, but in some exception cases it took 2 to 3 months depending on the application of Visa type. Candidates who are applying for an F-1 visa may expect the processing time to be shorter than other visa types. 

Candidates can expect their visa hard copy in around 2 to 3 days after receiving the positive response from the US visa consulate.

How can Visa Gurukul help with visa applications?

Visa Gurukul will help students with an offer letter from any of our partner universities in the US, Visa Gurukul advises you on how to go through the entire process of Us study Visa process. We will immediately inform you on the latest visa applications and requirements conditions and also prepare you with the right documents for your submission. Visa Gurukul have a team of experienced experts which will direct you to the official websites to ensure that you have the latest applications forms and right guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for student visa in USA?

The Requirements for Student visa in USA are as follows:

  • Valid passport
  • Copy of photograph 
  • Printed copies of your DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmations. 
  • I-20 form
  • Sufficient fund
  • Home country residency
  • Institution certification
Is it easy to get US student visa?

If a candidate applies for a US student Visa from India then it is not difficult at all to get the visa. The only thing that must be followed is the requirements which need to be fulfilled. 

How many years is F-1 visa valid for?

The F-1 visa is valid for 2 years. 

Which is better F-1 or J1 visa?

F-1 visa is the better option, as it allows you to work in your field and even allows you to work for 1 to 2 years after studies are finished. 

How much is USA Student Visa fees?

The fees of USA student Visa is:

  • F-1 visa fees is $160
  • M-1 visa fees is $160
  • J-1 visa fees is $160