Guide on getting a United states of America (USA) Student Visa

For many years now united states of America (USA) has been the destination for many foreign students. It is no doubt that if you should ask student who wishes to study abroad his or her preferred country to apply for visa, United states of America is usually among the first three he or she mentions.

United states has been very open in accepting and allowing foreign nationals to study in their country. But before migrating to USA to study there are essential steps to take which include applying for a course in an approved university in USA as well as carrying on with the Visa application process.

Types United states of America (USA) Student Visa

There are mainly three main type of USA student visa which include the following

1. F1 Visa – Academic United states of America (USA) Student Visa
2. J1 Visa – Practical Training, United states of America (USA) Student Visa
3. M1 Visa – Non-Academic / Vocational Studies Visa

But we would concertate more on the F1 Visa – Academic United states of America (USA) Student Visa, other types of United states of America (USA) Student Visa will be briefly.

F1 Visa – Academic United states of America (USA) Student Visa

This type of visa is usually the most common type of visa that is issued to students that wish to study any academic course. Such course will should be accredited and the school, college or university the student wish to apply must be licensed and recognized in United states of America.

The F1 Visa – Academic United states of America (USA) Student Visa gives room for part time work and campus employment that is not more than 20 hours per week status allows for part-time, on-campus employment (fewer than 20 hours per week). H

ow ever the student can still apply for practical training immediately he or she finishes Additionally, students can work on optional practical training (OPT) for up to one year after completion of their academic program. Students are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).

This is the most common type of student visa. If you wish wish to engage in academic studies in the United States at an approved school, such as an accredited U.S. college or university, private secondary school, or approved English language program then you will need an F-1 visa. You will also need an F-1 visa if your course of study is more than 18 hours a week.

Admission Requirements for F1 Visa – Academic Studies Visa

One of the eligibility criteria for Academics studies visa is your academy qualifications, that is to say there are certain academic documents to provide which could be your secondary school certificate, basic school result or even your IELTS score report.

Among other requirements include your ability to proof to the school that you can have enough funds to take care of your bills and your school fees with out working in united states of America. You are also expected provide your medical certificate and health insurance to cover all medical expenses should any arise.

Once the university you applied for admission confirms the provision of this documents or requirements you are then issued a I-20 form which you would use in your Visa application.

Where to Apply for Your F1 Visa

All F1 Visa – Academic United states of America (USA) Student Visa application is processed at the United states embassy, of which all applicants or candidates are requested to visit the Us embassy and apply for the F1 student Visa.

It is Necessary to note that if you are in USA already you would have to visit th US Consulate or immigration office. But if you are out side the United states you would have to visit the US Embassy in your Home country of permanent residence. However it always nearly impossible to successfully apply for USA Visa if you are not in your home country. Follow this link to find the loacation and details of the US Embassy or Consulate in your country

Documents to be Provided when applying for US F1 Visa – Academic Studies Visa

United states of America (USA) Student Visa application process somethings canto be long and difficult if you are not able to provide the required documents to the Embassy. Below are list of documents that must be provided to the embassy during United states of America (USA) Student Visa application.

• Valid international passport
• DS-160 and the DS-157 Form
• Visa application fee payment proof
• Recent passport photographs

Valid international passport

Just like the New zealand student visa, united kingdom (UK) student visa and other student visa’s issued by other countries, your International passport is a compulsory document that should be provided during visa application.

The international passport serves as an official means of identification. It comprises of your country of origin, your date of birth, your full names, picture, contact address and many other items pertaining to your identification. Your international passport is recommended to remain valid 6 months after your schooling in USA this is to avoid you renewing your passport while in US.

DS-160 and the DS-157 Form

Males between the age of 16-45 years are requested to fill and provided the DS-157 form while All applicants would submit the DS-160 form

Visa application fee payment proof

There is a stipulated amount of money to pay for visa application. This payment is never refundable, that is to say – should in case you are not successful in your visa application you will not be refunded.

Recent passport photograph

The applicant is will have to submit his/her passport. This passport must b at a recent passport of at most 6 months. The back ground of the the passport should be white, No make up is allowed, your natural face should be what is on the passport.

Denial of United states of America F1 Visa – Academic Studies Visa

After successfully applying for F1 Visa – Academic United states of America (USA) Student Visa there are two possible outcomes which are Visa approval or visa denial. If your Visa is approved you can go ahead to migrate the USA for your studies.

But if the Visa is refused or disapproved you can only appeal so that the application can be reconsidered if you think the visa disapproval was an error. If the you able to prove to the embassy that the United states of America (USA) Student Visa approval was an error you would be issued the visa.

Below are some possible reasons for Denial of United states of America F1 Visa – Academic Studies Visa

1. Inability to provide necessary information or supporting documentation as required
2. Unable to meet the F1 Visa Qualifications
3. No strong ties with home country.
4. Insufficient funds
5. High criminal record
6. Health issues

Extending your stay in united states of America after you F1 Status expires

There is no doubt many students tend stay in USA after the expiration of their United states of America (USA) Student Visa. Students in one way or the other fall in love with united states because of the opportunities and developed lifestyle in the country.

If you wish to remain in USA, you would have to extend your student visa or apply for a work visa

J1 Visa – Practical Training, United states of America (USA) Student Visa

This is the type of visa issued to some one who wish to study and work at same time in united states of America. The candidates involved is expected to take part in work and study exchange in U.S. The J1 visa is adquate for studnt who take part in any practical training that is not avialiable in his or her home country, however the training must be directly related to their academic program.

People/qualifications for an J1 Visa – Practical Training

If your preffsion or qualification falls under any other following you are duely qualified for the J1 Visa – Practical Training, United states of America (USA) Student Visa. Nevertheless you would have to select the one you wish and follow the required J1 Visa – Practical Training requirements and processes.

• Trainee
• Student of either uniersity, secondary school or college
• Professor or scholar
• Research assistant
• A school teacher
• Nannies
• Caregivers
• Specialist
• Camp counselor
• some one under internship
• Physician

M1 Visa – Non-Academic / Vocational Studies Visa

Students who wish to study vocational courses such as cooking, cosmetology, lectricians, truck drivers, hair stylists or youu intend going to vocational schools such as trade Schools, administration School, Nursing Schools, Aesthetic Schools, and many others.

Who Can Apply for the M1 Visa?

If you dont intend doing a non academic vocational study in united states, this type of visa is not for you. This is to say the M1 nited states of America (USA) Student Visa is only issued to such persons. Below are requirements and criteria to fulfil before applying for the M1 visa

1. Admission letter to proof you have been accepted in a vocational school.
2. Proof of sufficient funds to foot your lifestyle bills in united states
3. International passport issued by your country of origin
4. Evidence of ability to communicate,, speak, write, read in English language. The IELTS Test can serve this purpose that is to say you would need to write the IELTS test.