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Student visas are issued for the period it takes the visitor
to complete his/her course of study, program or work assignment.
Non-immigrant student visas can be categorised as F-1
visa, M-1 visa and J-1 Visa.
F1 visa is for students qualified
to attend full time college, university etc. in the
United States. In order to be qualifyed for getting
an F1, you must be accepted by an recognised university
in a full time capacity. You must also prove the sufficient
financial support during this stay in United States.
Accept for the training required by the course an F-1
holder cannot work. M1 visa is for students attending
vocational courses. J1 visa is an "exchange program"
in which one might obtain a legal status to work in
the United States if he/she is a doctor, scientist,
researcher, university professor or teacher, and has
been accepted by an exchange program. In order to be
qualifyed for J-1 sponsorship, the program you have
been accepted for must be approved by the United States
Information Agency. The spouse of the J-1 can also be allowed to work
in the United States, only when approved by the INS.
Check out the details with your program sponser beforehand. Documents required for Student
visa (F1/M1/J1):
- Completed Non-immigration Visa application form
DS-156,
which is available free of charge at the consulates
only. (Separate for each applicant).
- Completed NIV form DS-157.(For
male applicant age between 16-45yrs)
- Completed form DS-158.(effective
from Aug 1st 2002)
(Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant
Visa Applicant)
- Passport validity of at least six months beyond
end of intended stay.
- 2 recent color photograph, (2x2 inches or 5x5 cm)
for each applicant showing full face, preferably without
head covering, and with a light background. Always
keep some extra photos with you.
- Form I-20A-B "Certificate of Eligibility for
Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and
Language Students," properly completed and signed
by the prospective student and the designated school
official.Vocational students must present a Form I-20M-N
"Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant
(M-1) Student Status - For Vocational Students,"
properly completed and signed by the prospective student
and the designated school official.
- You will be required to show the proof of financial
support for the entire time you plan to study in U.S.A.
Or if you are going on a scholarship then, scholarship
proofs likewise.
- Original GRE/GMAT/SAT/TOEFL score sheets.
- Your past education certificates, diplomas and/or
degrees.
- Might need an "Affidavit of Support" form
I-134 from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Complete
this form with information about your source of financing,
and submit it along with your other documents.
- You may also need to submit your medical certificate
to prove that you are in good health.
- Demand drafts for visa application fee.
- Demand draft or cash for visa issuance fee.
For current visa fees rate, Visit
Here Process to apply ? All US visa applicants require to be interviewed by
a US Consulate, before being granted a visa. Applicant
need to appear in person for the Interview at consulate.
A prior appointment is must for this purpose.
Get more details about complete visa process.
Facts About F-1 Visas Process:
- Visa will be issued for the duration mentioned on
your form I-20. (In practice most students get five-year
visas irrespective of the duration mentioned on the
I-20)
- If you are refused a visa, you can apply again and
again. There is no limit to the number of times you
can apply for a visa.
- Having relatives or family in the US does not disqualify
you for a US visa.
Consulate verification: US implemented the Student and Exchange Visitor Information
System, known as the SEVIS. Universities issuing I-20s
have to enter international student information in the
SEVIS database and this information is then accessed
by US consulates worldwide. So If your university does
not enter your information in the database, your visa
may not be issued . In this case, inform the university
and request them to enter your information in the SEVIS
database. Top Visa Interview Questions for Students:
- Why have you chosen this university?
- What do you plan to do after you graduate?
- Who is paying for your education and what is his/her
income?
- How do I know you'll come back after your education?
- Why don't you do this course in your country?
- Do you have any relative in USA?
Useful Links : What
Consuls Look For - Student Visas Documents required for
dependents of Student visa (F2/M2/J2): Spouse
and dependant children of the student on F1/M1/J1 visa
will come under this category. Visit page Dependant visa document
checklist for requirements for F2/M2/J2 visa. In
addition to that, you will be required to show your
spouses I-20 form copy. Upon receiving your visa, carefully check for any kind
of mistakes like name, date of birth, type of visa,
validity date, etc. For the information on education in USA checkout Higher
Education in USA page. How do I convert my F1 visa to
a H1-B visa? Once you find a suiatble job and employer who can sponsor your H1B visa, you can convert F1 to H1 status can can start working based on that H1B visa for the that employer.
Can I get the H1B stamp in USA
itself? No, first time H1B stamp can only be done in your home country.
- Student Medical Insurance |
