F-1 Student visa - USA

• A person can enter US (on F-1 visa) only if he has a valid F-1 visa stamped on passport.
• A student with an F-1 visa cannot work off-campus at any time during the first year of study; however, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) may grant permission to accept off-campus employment after one year (or 2 semesters during Internship).
• No permission is required for on-campus employment (which can be max. 20 hrs/week).
• To get student visa you need an admission letter from University (form called SEVIS I-20). You will then take an appointment with US consulate in your country. Visa officer might check your documents/your ties with home country and if you have enough funds to live and support your education.

  Requirements for US Student visa (or F-1 visa)
  List of SEVIS (SEVIS stands for : Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.) approved schools
  

  How can I get a student visa?

  For F-1 student visa applicants must be sufficiently proficient in English (this can be proved by Tests like TOEFL/IELTS/GRE/GMAT for non native English speakers) to pursue the course of study, should have admission letter (form SEVIS I-20) for a full-time course of study by an approved educational institution (as listed in above url), and be able to prove that sufficient funds are available (like loans/cash) to support living (for yourself and family (if anyone is coming with you)) and school expenses during the entire period of study in the United States (How to create funding documentation).
  
  Visa officer also check if you have a strong reason to return back to your home country (after completing your education).

  Documents required for US F-1 (Student) visa

  • Form I-20A-B , Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students or Form I-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students.
  • SEVIS I-20, which is provided by your University/school. I-20 form must be signed by you and school official (Graduate school/International students office).
  • Online Non immigrant visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160.
  • Passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States
  • one colored photograph 2 X 2 inches square for each applicant, showing a full face, without head covering, against a light background.
  • Original TOEFL scores and SAT, GRE, GMAT scores (as applicable). Students going to the United States to earn a Bachelor's degree should bring their most recent mark sheets or graduation certificates.
  • Students going the United States to earn a Ph.D/MS degree should bring their original undergraduate degree and mark sheets/Transcripts.
  • Spouses and minor children accompanying the student to the United States should bring marriage certificates, wedding photos, and birth certificates with them to the interview, to prove the relationship between themselves and the principal applicant.
  • A MRV fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee.
  • The SEVIS I-901 fee receipt.

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  US student visa FAQs

  • US Embassy and Consulate (in your home country) can issue student visa (stamped on passport) 120 days or less, in advance of the course of study registration date. So if your registration date is Aug 23rd (for Fall session) then you can get student visa after ~April 23rd. If you apply for your visa more than 120 days prior to your start date or registration date as provided on the Form I-20, the Embassy or Consulate will hold your application until it is able to issue the visa. TIP : we strongly recommend to apply in beginning depending on economic & political conditions (also try to reach your school as early as possible because on-campus jobs are generally first come first..
  • Students in or outside the U.S., who have been away from classes for more than five months, will likely need a new visa to enter the U.S. TIP : be prepared to get new visa (which might require new SEVIS from your school..) especially if you are planning to do Internship outside USA.
  • Always keep SEVIS documents with you.. (even if you start working for a company)
  • Don't panic if you get F-1 visa for 2 years and you are enrolling for a PhD (which is 3+ yrs)
  • Remember student visa is only valid as long as you are a full time student..for example if you get F-1 visa for 5 years that doesn't mean you can stay in USA after completing studies. After completing MS (1.5 -3 yrs) you might have to get a OPT or other US visa (to be in legal status)
  F-1 student visa Interview Questions

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  F-1 Student visa success rate It really depends from which country you are applying. Success rate is 80%+ for some countries in Europe, Australia.. while it's low < 50% for countries like India,China..