How to obtain a student visa

If you are in the U.S. primarily for tourism and are taking a short courses of study less than 18 hours a week, you may do so on a visitor visa. However, in order to study in a long-term program in the U.S., it is required that you obtain either an F-1, M-1 or J-1 visa. Here is an overview of how the process of getting a student visa works and some tips on how to get started.

Steps:

1. Begin by placing yourself in the best academic light. Paint yourself as a serious student who would like to further your education in the United States. Take advanced classes, pursue internships, etc.
2. Find and apply to an American college that is authorized to accept foreign students. Schools and programs must be recognized by either the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). A list of accredited schools may be found at http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.
3. Upon acceptance by the school, begin processing for a visa.
4. To apply for a visa, you must first obtain a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) generated document (I-20 or DS-2019), which is issued by a U.S. college or designated Department of State organization.
5. Pay the required SEVIS fee and visa application processing fee.
6. Make an appointment for a visa interview with a U.S. embassy or consulate.
7. Have proof of sufficient financial resources for your study (e.g. bank statement or confirmation of financial support).
8. Have proof of ties to your home country so that the government can be sure you are planning to return home after your studies (e.g. family and other commitments in your country).
9. If you are planning to study at a vocational or non-academic school, you will need an M-1 visa. The form is the I-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status for Vocational Students.
10. If you are planning to study at a college or academic school, you will need an F-1 visa. The form is the I-20A-B, Certificate for Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status for Academic and Language Students.

1. Apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.
2. Obtain a 2 x 2 photograph of your full face showing against a light background.
3. Obtain a passport valid for travel to the U.S. that is good for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the country.
4. Complete form DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant, along with form DS-158. Some students may also be required to fill out form DS-157.
5. Interview at the embassy or consulate, making sure to bring all documents along with you.
6. Wait for approval or denial. 

1. File for change of status, if eligible.

1. You may also apply for a J-1 visa (exchange visitor visa) if you will be participating in an educational or cultural exchange program.
2. Consult U.S. embassy or consulate to be informed of their specific policies, procedures and application instructions, as most require first-time student visa applicants to appear for an in-person interview. Interviews are not normally required for students under the age of 13 and over 80.
3. The summer months are the busiest in most consulates and it may be difficult to obtain an interview during these times.
4. If necessary, have all credentials (e.g. diplomas, grade reports, etc.) translated into English by an approved translator.
5. Research and select the school or program carefully to make sure that they are accredited and offer the courses you desire before wasting time and money.
6. Apply for your student visa as soon as possible. The time required to obtain a student visa may take anywhere from 3 to 12 months.
7. Embassies and consulates cannot issue a visa more than 90 days before the actual start of the program in the U.S.
8. Even if you are issued a visa to study in the U.S., you may not enter the country more than 30 days before the start of your program. If you would like to enter the U.S. prior to 30 days before the start of your program, you must qualify for and obtain a visitor visa. This requirement does not apply to returning students.
9. Be prepared to supply additional documents, such as transcripts and documents from previously attended schools and standardized test scores.
10. Student visa applicants with dependents must provide proof of the student’s relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g. marriage or birth certificates).
11. No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Final travel plans should therefore not be made until a visa has been issued.
12. For details on applying for a student visa from a specific country, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
13. Visit the U.S. Department of State website to find out more information at http://travel.state.gov or the EducationUSA website at http://educationusa.state.gov.