Education in the USA – the right choice for you!
Student visas in the USA
The most common student visa in the USA is the F-1 visa. It is intended for academic study at American universities or language courses.
There is also the M-1 visa type, which can be obtained by students who want to study during vacations or take courses (excluding language courses).
If you are a prospective exchange student, you may be eligible for a J-1 visa.
First, you need to be admitted to an educational institution, and only then can you begin the visa application process. The educational institution should send you a form confirming your admission, which serves as a visa application.
Student visa application:
- Pay the fees (consular and SEVIS, around $360).
- Visit the U.S. Department of State website and fill out the application form.
- Schedule an interview (online).
- Attend the interview at the U.S. Embassy.
Required documents for obtaining a student visa for the USA::
- Electronic visa application
- Valid passport, with a validity of at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in the USA
- 1 photograph sized 5×5 cm, taken within the last six months
- Receipt for payment of the consular fee
- Approved Form I-20 from the educational institution or program administration in the USA
SEVIS fee payment receipt - Transcript of grades from a US university, confirming the applicant’s status as a full-time student
- Invitation letter for the interview
Supporting documents:
(these are not mandatory, but having them will increase your chances of success)
- Documents proving strong financial, social, and family ties to your home country, which will compel you to return after completing your studies
- Financial and other documents showing the availability of sufficient funds to cover all expenses for the first year of study and other expenses related to staying in the USA
- If you receive financial sponsorship from another person, you must provide evidence of relationship with them (e.g., birth certificate), as well as the sponsor’s financial documents
- Educational documents confirming the level of education (original school transcripts with grades, certificates of passing state exams, SAT, TOEFL certificates, etc.)
Interview and Visa Issuance
For the interview, bring all prepared documents, including confirmation of your interview appointment. The most common reason for refusal is a student’s uncertainty about returning home, so passionately explain how your beloved relatives are waiting for you here and how you will contribute to the economy of your home country with the knowledge you gain.
