Student Visa Process USA

Before submitting a formal application, prospective students must satisfy several statutory eligibility criteria. The consular officer will carefully examine these elements during the interview to ensure the applicant is admissible under U.S. law.

• SEVP-Certified School Acceptance: Formal acceptance into a certified academic (F-1) or vocational (M-1) institution in New York is an absolute prerequisite.
• Proof of Full Course Load: The applicant must be registered and intending to pursue a "full course of study," defined by the school's specific SEVP requirements.
• Financial Sufficiency: Convincing documentation is mandatory to demonstrate adequate funds to cover all tuition, fees, and living expenses in the New York metropolitan area without needing unauthorized employment.
• Intent to Return: The applicant must legally overcome the presumption of being an intending immigrant by showing strong, binding social and economic ties that ensure their departure from the U.S. after finishing their program.

The Form I-20, or "Certificate of Eligibility," is the key document generated by the SEVP-certified school's Designated School Official (DSO) following acceptance. It confirms the student's admission, details the program, and itemizes estimated costs. Once the I-20 is issued, the student must pay the mandatory SEVIS I-901 fee, registering them in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The unique SEVIS ID from this form is essential for all subsequent application steps and the visa interview.

The DS-160 is the electronic non-immigrant visa application that collects all necessary personal and security background information. All data entered must be consistent with the Form I-20 to avoid procedural issues. After electronic submission, the applicant must print the confirmation page containing the barcode, which is required to schedule the interview. Applicants must also ensure they have the receipt for the paid MRV fee (Machine Readable Visa fee) as part of the formal application submission.

The visa interview requires the applicant to present physical proof supporting every claim made in the application. Organizing all documents meticulously is necessary for a streamlined interview experience at the U.S. Consulate.

• Valid Passport & I-20: A passport valid for at least six months beyond the expected U.S. stay, along with the original, signed Form I-20.
• Payment Proofs: Receipts for both the SEVIS I-901 fee and the DS-160 MRV application fee.
• Financial Evidence: Up-to-date bank statements, scholarship letters, or notarized affidavits of support verifying sufficient funds for the first year of study.
• Academic Records: Official transcripts, diplomas, and required test scores (e.g., TOEFL) from both previous and prospective New York institutions.

The applicant must present evidence that convinces the officer that the stay in New York is strictly temporary and for educational purposes only. This proof often includes financial, familial, and employment commitments in the student's home country.

• Financial Assets: Ownership of significant property, long-term investments, or other substantial assets held abroad.
• Career Prospects: Written, committed job offers or proof of career continuity that requires the student's return after graduation.
• Familial Obligations: Close family members or dependents residing abroad who require the applicant's return.

Students must adhere strictly to the rules set forth by USCIS and the SEVP, which dictate the terms of their stay in the U.S.

• Continuous Enrollment: Students must maintain the full-time course load listed on their I-20, with only limited, authorized exceptions for academic or medical reasons.
• Reporting Updates: Any change of residential address, name, or major must be reported to the school's DSO within ten days to keep SEVIS records current.
• Employment Regulations: F-1 students have very restrictive, limited on-campus work options and must secure DSO authorization for any off-campus training like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). M-1 visa holders face even stricter limits.