All About Visas: How to Apply and What to Know
by Erin Lynn
Source: U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs
Overview
Students cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas. A student visa (F or M) is required to study in the United States. Foreign nationals may not study after entering on a visitor (B) visa or through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), except to undertake recreational study (non-credit) as part of a tourist visit. For more information on the VWP, see Visa Waiver Program.
The F-1 visa is for students hoping to attend a University or College, Seminary or Conservatory school, or another academic institution, including a language training program. The M-1 vias is for students hoping to attend a vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution, other than a language training program.
For short periods of recreational study, a Visitor (B) visa may be appropriate. A visitor (B) visa permits enrollment in a short recreational course of study, which is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate. Learn more about Visitor Visas.
First Things First
The first step is to apply to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved school in the United States. After the SEVP-approved school accepts your enrollment, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVP-approved school will issue you a Form I-20. After you receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M) visa. You must present the Form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview. If your spouse and/or children intend to live with you in the United States while you study, they must also enroll in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s from the SEVP-approved school, and apply for a visa (but they do not pay the SEVIS fee). Visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program website to learn more about SEVIS and the SEVIS I-901 Fee.
Visit the Department of State EducationUSA website to learn about educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study, and an overview of the application process. You can also visit the Department of Homeland Security Study in the States school search page to search for SEVP-certified schools.
How to Apply
There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the U.S. Embassy website.
Complete the Online Visa Application
- Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 and print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
Schedule Your Interview
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early.
Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Additional fee information may be found at Fees.
For additional information about necessary documents, changing your visa status, or answers to other questions you may have, please refer to Travel.State.Gov1 and Travel.State.Gov2.
