Study In USA

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Is it easy to get a study visa in the USA

If you would like to study as a full-time student in the United States, you will generally need a student visa. There are two non-immigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States. These visas are commonly known as the F and M visas.

F-1 Student Visa

The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate and your school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students.

M-1 Student Visa

The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other non-academic programs, other than language training.

You may enter the F-1 or M-1 visa category provided you meet the following criteria:

  • You must be enrolled in an “academic” educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.
  • Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement
  • You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution
  • You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
  • You must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study
  • You must maintain a residence abroad that you have no intention of giving up.

Employment

F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:

Is it easy to get a study visa in the USA

Getting your visa to study in the United States takes time but can be a surprisingly easy procedure. Universities, colleges, and schools in the United States continue to be very interested in welcoming students from all countries.

Requirement of IELTS

IELTS is not a mandatory requirement for a USA student visa for those who have completed an international baccalaureate or previous studies in an English-speaking country.

Can I transfer universities with an F-1 Visa

you can! The university itself will need to be approved by the SEVP, just as before. Transferring universities works exactly the same as changing universities in the UK, however, you will need to meet the same visa requirements, and you will still need to return to your home nation when you’re done.

You don’t have to return home as soon as you graduate, you can remain in the US for up to sixty days after completing your degree or your OPT training. If you wish to stay in the US after your degree, you will need to re-enroll in a higher program or change your visa status.

F1 Visa Requirements

Here are the documents required to apply for an F1 Visa:

  • Your valid passport.
  • Form DS-160 for non-immigrant visa applications.
  • Two photographs meeting the US Visa Photo Requirements.
  • Proof of paid F1 visa fee.
  • Form I-20. Your Form I-20 states the amount of funds you need to finance your education and live in the US. You must submit documents that prove you have that amount readily available. This can be done by submitting various documents, such as:
    • Bank statements for the last 3 years
    • Tax records for the last 3 years
    • Pay stubs of previous employment
    • If you have received a scholarship, you also need to submit proof of it
    • Paying a semester’s or a year’s worth of tuition is also a good idea, but not mandatory
    • If you are supported or sponsored by someone else in the US, you will need to submit Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, and bank statements for the last three years of that person.
    • If you are funding your US education through a loan, you must also show proof of the approved loan
  • Documents that prove your previous education and current qualifications:
    • Original transcripts
    • Standardized test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, etc.)
    • Acceptance letters from the educational institution which accepted you
    • Previous degree diplomas
  • Proof of purchased health insurance for international students.

Bringing Family Members to the United States

In case you have dependents, such as a spouse or unmarried children under 21 years old, they are allowed to come to the US too. This can be done with an F2 visa.

The F2 visa has no cap and dependents should just fulfil the requirements and complete the application procedures to get the visa. To be eligible for an F-2 visa, you must fulfil the following criteria:

  • Be the spouse of an approved F1 visa holder, or
  • Be the unmarried child under 21 years old of an approved F1 visa holder
  • Have the financial means to support the family during your stay in the US