How to Get a Student Visa for USA
Planning to study in one of the Universities in the USA but are searching for a complete guide to help you with the Student Visa process? Read this article to know how you can get a student Visa for the USA, the requirements and organizations that can help you with the process.
Do you hope to pursue your academic aspirations in the land of liberty, knowledge, and innovation? You must secure a student visa to fulfil your study abroad dreams. Applying for a student visa to study in the United States may seem daunting, but don't worry. Here's everything you need to know about US student visa requirements and the application process.The Importance of a Student Visa for USA
A student visa is crucial for Indian students who aspire to pursue higher education in the United States. A student visa is your legal authorisation to enter and stay in the country for your academic programme. Let's better understand the importance of a USA student visa for Indians.
Legal Permission
A student visa grants you lawful status in the United States. It allows you to study at a recognised educational institution. You may face legal consequences, including deportation, without a legal visa.
Easier Enrolment
American universities require international students to hold valid student visas to enrol in their programmes. It is a mandatory condition to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
Work Opportunities
Your student visa enables you to enjoy conditional work while you study. The correct paperwork helps you gain valuable practical experience and financial support.
Travel Flexibility
A student visa allows you to travel in and out of the United States during your authorised period of stay. You can explore the country, visit family and friends, and attend academic conferences and events.
Optional Practical Training
Many international students desire to gain practical work experience after their studies. A student visa can enable you to apply for OPT, which permits temporary employment in your field of study for up to 12 months. STEM students might be eligible to gain temporary employment for 36 months.F1 Visa USA
The F1 visa allows international students to pursue academic studies in the United States. It is the most common type of student visa issued by the US government. Here are some key features and details about the F1 visa:
Academic Studies
The F1 visa works for students who wish to enrol in academic programmes at universities, colleges, high schools, private elementary schools, seminaries, conservatories, or other educational institutions in the United States.
Full-time Enrolment
F1 visa holders must be full-time students. Ideally, they should carry a minimum course load of 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduate programmes. Graduate students may have different requirements based on their specific programme.
Duration of Stay
The F1 visa allows students to stay in the United States until the end of their academic programme. The validity could extend to include authorised practical training or post-completion employment. Students have a grace period of up to 60 days to prepare for departure or apply for optional practical training.
Dependents
F1 visa holders can sometimes bring their dependents (spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old) to the United States on an F2 visa. However, F2 dependents are generally not allowed to work. They can engage in part-time study.
Work Authorisation
F1 visa holders can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during semesters. They can work full-time during official breaks. Off-campus employment is typically restricted, except in cases of authorised practical training or severe economic hardship.
Maintaining the Status
F1 visa holders must maintain a valid status by making satisfactory academic progress. They must attend the institution listed on their Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status) and keep their I-20 form updated with the Designated School Official (DSO).F2 Visa USA
The F2 visa is for dependents of F1 visa holders. It allows the dependents to accompany or join the F1 visa holder in the United States. Let's learn more.
Dependents
The F2 visa is available for the spouse and unmarried and dependent children of an F1 visa holder. Dependents include legally married spouses and biological or adopted children.
Accompanying the F1 Visa Holder
The F2 visa primarily allows dependents to accompany or join the F1 visa holder in the United States. Individuals cannot obtain an F2 visa without the F1 visa holder being in or planning to study in the US.
Study Restrictions
F2 visa holders cannot enrol in full-time academic studies in the United States. However, they may join part-time study, vocational programmes, or recreational courses. Dependents pursuing a full-time education must apply to change their visa to a different category.
No Work Authorisation
F2 visa holders cannot work or engage in any employment or business activity in the United States. The restrictions apply to both on-campus and off-campus employment opportunities.
Stay Duration
The duration of stay for F2 visa holders depends on the F1 visa holder's authorised stay. They can remain in the US while the F1 visa holder maintains their status. If the F1 visa holder's status ends or changes, the F2 visa holders may need to adjust their status accordingly.
Travel
F2 visa holders can travel in and out of the United States while their visa is valid. They must possess a valid passport, F2 visa, and other required travel documents.USA Study Visa Requirements
Applicants must fulfil the following requirements to obtain their student visa to study in America:Student Visa USA Cost
Applicants typically pay USD 510 per application for an F1 visa. When you pay for the visa, ensure you keep the receipt safely. Apart from the base fee, students may have to pay additional fees based on the country of origin and the Embassy. Given the turnaround time, applicants should start the paperwork early and apply for the visa at least three months in advance.Understanding the I-20 Form, USA
American educational institutions issue the I-20 form once they confirm a student's admission. You must use the I-20 form to apply for the required student visa.
Now that you understand the America study visa requirements, you can apply for the correct visa to complete your degree in the US. Many young Indians hoping to study in USA worry about getting the money together for their course. These young individuals can opt for an Avanse education loan for abroad studies. Education-focused lenders help with the proof of funds documents required to confirm admission and apply for the relevant visa. You can rely on a loan to help you embrace new opportunities and unlock your potential.