A Guide to Navigating the U.S. Student Visa Process for International Students
What’s this big deal about visas anyway? As of 2023, nearly 36.36% of student visa applications were rejected leaving many hopefuls disheartened and confused. The stakes are high and this process can be daunting. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of student visas available, walk you through the application process, and share some valuable tips to make sure your journey is as smooth as possible.
Overview
In the U.S. there are three primary types of student visas, each designed to cater to different educational paths and experiences. This article will focus on the most common one — the F-1 visa. It is for those of you who are engaged in academic studies at an accredited U.S. institution. The benefit is you can stay in the country for the full duration of your academic program plus an additional 60 days to find a job. You can also work part-time on campus and, after a year, you might be eligible for practical training OPT or CPT (we’ll talk more about this later) providing hands-on experience in your field of study.
While that’s the most common visa type, there’s also the J-1 Visa which is designed for students and professionals participating in exchange visitor programs. It’s ideal if you’re involved in a program that promotes cultural exchange, such as teaching, studying, receiving training, or demonstrating special skills. Lastly, for those looking at non-academic or vocational studies, the M-1 visa is for you. We’ll share more information about these in the coming articles!
Ensuring You Qualify
Each visa type has its own set of eligibility criteria that you need to meet. Here’s what you need to check off to be eligible for the F1 visa:
- You must be enrolled in an “academic” educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.
- Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student.
- You must show sufficient financial support to complete your studies.
- You must prove that you do not intend to abandon your foreign residency.
Preparing for Your Visa Application
Once you qualify, it’s time to prepare your visa application. Here’s a quick checklist with things for you to follow:
- Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the U.S.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160): Fill out the DS-160 form carefully, providing accurate details about your background, education, and purpose in the U.S. Print out the confirmation page and keep it handy
- Application Fee Payment Receipt: You’ll need to prove that you have paid the fee.
- Photo: Upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Make sure it meets the specified requirements and upload a good one while you’re at it!
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status: After acceptance, your university will send you an I-20 form. This document confirms your admission and is vital for your visa application. Review it carefully.
- B1 / B2 Visas: Tourist visas and how they relate to student visas — you can keep both visas on your passport (one doesn’t cancel the other)
If you already have an existing US visa, check out this article.
While the above documents are required, here are some additional documents that could be useful to keep handy while you fill the application:
- Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended.
- Scores from tests required by your U.S. school, such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT.
- Proof of your intent to depart the U.S. after your course of study.
- Proof of financial stability to cover all educational, living, and travel costs.
Now that you have your documents ready, let’s walk through the application process!
Application Process Step-by-Step
Step 1. Verify Your School’s Accreditation: Ensure your school is approved by the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program)
Step 2. Complete the Online Visa Application through Form DS-160: It’s important to be thorough and accurate to avoid delays.
Step 3. Pay the Visa Application Fee: It is known as the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee and is currently $185. Remember to keep the receipt as proof of submitting your application.
Yay! You’re done submitting your application — what’s next? Before scheduling your visa interview, you must pay the SEVIS fee. Keep your receipt, as it will be required at your interview.
Step 4. Schedule Your Visa Interview: Wait times for interview appointments can vary depending on your country. Schedule your interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This process includes biometrics collection and the in-person interview. Once you register, save your visa appointment letter.
Step 5. Prepare for Your Interview: This is your chance to show that you are a genuine student. Review possible questions, practice your answers, and stay calm.
Visa Interview
Here are the essential documents required for Your F-1 Visa Interview:
- I-20: Perhaps one of the most important documents as an international college student — it certifies that you have been admitted to a full-time program and have the sufficient financial resources to stay in the U.S.
- SEVIS Form: Issued by your U.S. university
- DS-160 Form Confirmation Page: Includes your application ID number.
- Receipts: Proof of payment for both your visa application fee and the SEVIS fee. As a rule of thumb, keep all receipts saved on your desktop or somewhere accessible if they are ever needed
- Visa Appointment Letter: Confirms your interview appointment.
- Passport and Recent Photo: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
- Academic Documents: Transcripts, test scores (e.g., SAT, TOEFL, GRE), certificates, and diplomas.
- Proof of Ties to Your Homeland: Such as job offers, property deeds, or family ties. They are all critical to prove your intent to return.
- Financial Evidence: Demonstrates that you or your sponsor can cover your tuition and living expenses.
If you want to learn more about how to fill out the required forms mentioned here, check out this article.
Preparing for the In-Person F-1 Visa Interview — Sonia (our AI visa interviewer to help you practice!)
We know an interview can be daunting… but don’t worry, the Visa interview is short and usually ranges between 20 seconds to 2 minutes. Here’s some steps you can take to ace it:
- Dress in business casual or formal attire to make a good first impression. Here’s a link to a quick guide on the attire.
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early to navigate any long queues and security processes comfortably.
- Clearly articulate what you want to study and why. Discuss how your program fits into your career goals and why studying in the U.S. is beneficial for these aspirations.
- Be familiar with specifics about your university.
- Be ready to discuss how specific opportunities in the U.S. are essential for your professional growth.
- Convincingly talk about your connections to your home country, showcasing your intent to return after your studies.
- Discuss and document how you will finance your education in the U.S., including funding sources and financial planning.
- Lastly, practice practice practice. Conduct mock interviews to build confidence. Familiarity with potential questions and rehearsed responses will ease your anxiety and help you present a polished, assured front.
We’re sure you’ll have a killer interview to secure your visa. Once your visa is processed, you will receive a notification within a few days to a few weeks.
If you’re interview is coming up soon, we suggest reading this article.
Now that you’ve secured your F-1 visa you can relax… once you understand how to maintain your status!
Maintaining Your Visa Status
To maintain your F-1 visa status, you must enroll in a full course of study at the institution listed on your I-20 form. Generally, you must take a full-time course load each semester. The definition of “full-time” varies by institution but typically involves a certain number of credits (often around 12 for undergraduates and 9 for graduates). You should be making satisfactory progress towards completing your course of study. There are limited exceptions where you can drop below full-time status, such as academic difficulties, medical conditions, or in your final semester if fewer credits are needed to complete your degree. Always consult with your international student advisor before reducing your course load.
Employment Opportunities
While studying in the U.S., you might want to gain work experience related to your field of study.
Here are your options:
- On-Campus Employment allows most students with F-1 visas to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks. Working here also enables you to get an SSN and unlocks the world of U.S. credit.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows you to work in your field of study for up to 12 months full-time after completing your degree. Pre-completion OPT is also possible but less common.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work experience that is an integral part of your curriculum, allowing you to work in a position directly related to your major. Remember, using more than 12 months of full-time CPT will disqualify you from OPT.
Interested in learning more about the job process? Check out our article on EAD and OPT!
Extensions, Renewals, and Changes
Sometimes life can be unpredictable, and you may need more time to complete your studies, renew your visa, or change your education plans. If you find yourself in a situation like this, try these:
- If you are unable to complete your course of study before the date on your I-20, apply for a program extension through your school’s international student office before your current I-20 expires.
- If you travel abroad and your visa expires while you are out of the U.S., renew your visa to re-enter. Always plan ahead, as this can take time.
- If you decide to change your major, program, or school, notify your international student advisor and obtain a new I-20.
Visa Delays
Your interview may have gone perfect but it can also get delayed for several reasons. Certain times of the year, especially during peak travel seasons, can slow down processing times. Depending on your field of study or country of origin, your application might require additional security checks. Missing information or incomplete application documents can lead to delays. Sometimes, Administrative processing, an additional screening procedure used for certain visa applications, requires further review of your provided information which can cause delays. This is typically triggered if your area of study is considered sensitive or there are potential security concerns based on your personal history or country of origin. It usually takes between a few weeks to several months to resolve which cannot be expedited due to strict security protocols.
Waiting for your visa to process, especially during administrative processing, can be frustrating. However, it’s important to stay informed and track your visa application status through the official Consular Electronic Application Center. Submit all requested documentation swiftly if the consulate asks for more information. Also, follow up if significant time has passed since the last update but avoid overwhelming the consulate with frequent inquiries. Lastly, consider flexible travel and accommodation plans due to the unpredictability of administrative processing duration.
Visa Rejection
Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and your worst nightmare may come true — a visa rejection. While this can be disappointing, it’s not the end of the road. They usually happen due to incomplete application or documentation, failure to prove qualifications for visa category and security and background concerns.
To avoid a rejection be sure to ensure that every section of your application is filled out accurately. Double-check all entries and make sure that your information matches the documentation you provide. Also, gather all required documents before you start your application. This includes your passport, proof of financial support, acceptance letters from your U.S. school, and any other required papers. Make sure each document is current and valid. Finally, practice answering common visa interview questions with friends or mentors. Be clear about your study plans, why you chose the U.S. for your education, and your intentions to return home after completing your studies.
What can you do if it is rejected?
- Understand the Reason for Rejection: The consular officer should provide a reason for the visa denial. If the reason isn’t clear, politely ask for more details.
- Can You Appeal? In most cases, there is no formal appeal process for visa denials. However, you can reapply. If you choose to reapply, you must address the reasons for the original denial in your new application.
- Reapply Wisely: When reapplying, make sure to correct any errors or oversights in your previous application. Include additional documentation that supports your eligibility and addresses the reasons for the initial rejection. Take a thorough look at your application and interview notes. Identify any weak points or missing elements that could have led to the rejection. If available, consult with an international student advisor or a visa consultant who can provide professional advice and help strengthen your application. Stay committed to your goal, and approach each step of the application process with attention to detail and positivity
If you got rejected, don’t worry! Take some time, cheer up, and let’s try this again together! We’ve written an article just for you.
Wrapping Up
We hope this article helped you understand how the visa process works and everything you need to know to attain the F-1 visa. As you can see, it can be a tedious and stressful process so we recommend getting started well in advance to avoid any hiccups along the way.
As always, if you still have any unanswered questions feel free to email us at hi@roam.college and we’ll respond to you by writing an article that answers your doubts.
Hey, I’m Krish! A fellow international student and the founder and CEO of roam. roam is an ecosystem that simplifies international student migration by putting together all the resources students need to start their lives in a new country in one place. We do this by publishing informative articles (like this one), creating personalized tools on our website, and building digital and in-person communities for international students.
If you have any questions regarding starting a life in the U.S. as an international student, feel free to reach out! We’re here to help :)
