Is it Hard to Get a US Education Visa?

The United States is the most popular destination for international students. The United States has a long history of welcoming foreign students and offers some of the best universities in the world. The US Student Visa is a non-permanent visa that allows academic studies, language training programs or other types of vocational or technical education for foreign students. 

If you want to study in the US and not a US citizen, you need a stıdent visa. Applying for a US student visa can be a long process. Make sure you start preparing at least three to five months in advance before your studies begin. Generally, there are a couple of steps to apply for a US student visa. These steps differ at each U.S. embassy or consulate. It is important to refer to the instructions on the website of the embassy or consulate you are considering to apply for.

There are 3 types of student visas in the United States that have different specifications. These visas are divided into three as F1, J1 and M1.

F1 Visa

The F1 visa is issued to international students for academic studies. It is issued to students attending a regular academic or English language program and is the most common US student visa. F1 student visa holders are required to maintain their full-time student status and be allowed to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week. International students holding an F1 visa must complete their course before their l-20 form (Certificate for Nonimmigrant Student Status) expires.

J1 Visa

The J1 Visa is issued to international students who are required to undertake practical training that is not available in their home country to complete their academic program. This student visa allows part-time employment limited to 20 hours per week. However, international students must obtain permission from the exchange visitor program sponsor for employment. 

M1 Visa

An M1 Visa is issued to international students that do not study in a vocational or academic school in the United States. M1 student visa holders cannot work during study. So, students that apply for an M1 visa must provide proof of funds that can cover tuition and living expenses during their stay.

There are eligibility criteria that you must meet to apply to US universities. US universities are very strict about criterias. Even a single document that is not provided by the student to the institution might result in an invalid application. 

• An application form that is filled. 
• Secondary school leaving certificate (12 years)
• English proficiency certificate (IELTS or TOEFL)
• Proof of financial support (with form l-20)
• Usually you need to provide the documents with your student visa application below:
• Required application form filled correctly and signed.
• l-20 showing that you enrolled in one of the US universities
• A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay.
• Passport photograph that is up-to-date
• Payment of visa application fees
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Documents showing that you are a favorable student
• Payment of the application fee for the service
• Documentation that shows sponsorship
• Documentation that shows the availability of funds

Processing Time for Your Student Visa

Your student visa application is usually approved or rejected during your interview for the visa. If your student visa is approved, you will receive your passport along with your US student visa within 7 to 10 business days. However, most interviewers will not inform you about the approval or rejection of your application and you will have to wait until you receive your passport. In addition, remember to carry your passport, l-20 form and other necessary documents with you during your US student visa interview. You may also need these documents at the Immigration office.