Summer is passing by quickly and many international students may be revisiting the possibility of completing their college education in the United States. The coming semester could be an opportune time to study abroad. The draw to study in the U.S. remains strong, and the timely vaccine rollout means many colleges and universities are reopening in Fall 2021 for the full on-campus experience.
Students who wish to complete a degree in the USA, need to apply for and obtain the proper visa.
What visa is needed to study in the USA?
An F-1 visa is a student visa that allows international students to live and study in the U.S. temporarily. This is the correct visa type for any student who is college- or university-bound, whether they will be coming alone or bringing a spouse and dependent children with them. F-1 visa students can work on campus while in the U.S. but hours are limited and working off-campus requires planning and authorization.
Once a student confirms studying at an American university is the right choice, they will need to complete 5 steps to obtain an F-1 visa. These visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of a program’s start date, and it is highly recommended to begin the process early.
1. Get Accepted to an SEVP Approved School
Before applying for an F-1 visa, students will need to prove they have been accepted by an institution approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). International students can find approved institutions by using the school search webpage.
Once an approved institution has been selected, international students will need to follow the school’s admissions process, which will be handled by the school’s own admissions personnel.
2. Pay the SEVIS Fee and Receive A Form I-20
When an international student is accepted by a U.S. college or university, a Designated School Official (DSO) will enter their information into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Students will need to pay a fee—$350 for most students—which directly supports the SEVP. They will then be issued a Form I-20, which is their Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. This form is a student's ticket to apply for the F-1 visa.
3. Apply for an F-1 Visa
With Form I-20 in hand, an international student can then locate their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and begin the F-1 visa application. The process can differ slightly between embassies, but every student will be required to fill out a Form DS-160.
4. Complete Form DS-160
Form DS-160 is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. This is a detailed form that requires photo identification, so students should set aside plenty of time to ensure it is filled out completely and correctly. The U.S. Department of State provides abundant resources for students filling out a Form DS-160, including a Frequently Asked Questions webpage and a webpage detailing photo requirements. Students who have additional questions can also reach out to their DSO for help.
5. Schedule an Interview
When a student’s Form DS-160 is complete, they are ready to schedule an interview. Students should interview at an embassy or consulate in their country of residence to avoid complications. Interview wait times can vary, but students can stay informed by using the Visa Appointment Wait Time webpage. Prior to interviewing, students will need to pay a $160 application processing fee. Some students may also need to pay an issuance fee, but only after their F-1 visa application is accepted.
6. (Bonus!) Find Quality Health Insurance
Covid-19 vaccines are quieting a lot of fears, but health insurance for F-1 students is still a necessary precaution. From routine doctors’ appointments and prescription medication to unexpected hospital visits and emergency coverage, a plan from LewerMark will keep students safe and healthy during their time in the States. Take time to understand what health insurance plans are offered at your school and feel free to ask many questions about how it works.
Key Takeaway
Getting the full U.S. college experience is a real possibility for international students again, and those looking to enroll in Fall 2021 should follow these five steps to keep their F-1 application moving. But an F-1 visa isn’t all they’ll need. Students can continue to prioritize their health by finding a quality health insurance plan built just for them.
Below are our 10 most valuable tips on being prepared to secure a quick turnaround visa:
1. Complete the visa application Form DS-160 and pay the fee
Completing Form DS-160 is the first step to being prepared for a quick turnaround visa. These forms can be submitted at the U.S. embassy in your home country or online. For help on filling out the form correctly and how to pay the fee, visit the U.S. Department of State’s student visa page and find instructions on your embassy’s website. Some embassies also provide YouTube explainer videos.
2. Schedule your visa interview
You will need to schedule an in-person interview at your local embassy. Even under normal circumstances, wait times can vary, so expect some delay. You may be able to expedite your interview in order to meet your school’s start date. The process for requesting an expedited interview can vary, so refer to your local embassy’s website and be ready to provide proof of your school’s start date.
3. Prepare answers to common questions
The F Visa is a non-immigrant student visa. It is designed to temporarily allow citizens of other countries to study in the USA. You should authentically have a study plan to apply for this visa. The interview will include questions about your goals for studying abroad, your reasons for wanting to study in the U.S., and your ties to your home country. It’s important to have a few brief key points ready in answer to these questions, and not to prepare speeches. You must reflect on the reason you want to study in the USA. This is a student visa and it not just a step to a job here or a way to be closer to a loved one. For instance, when asked about ties to your home country, you don’t want to give a memorized recital about your childhood. Instead, you will want to quickly discuss your family’s part in your study plan and how your goal is graduating with skills that allow you to return to your country, listing out larger career goals or any job prospects in your home country.
4. Practice your English and be relaxed
Your visa interview will likely be conducted in English, not in your native language, so it’s a great idea to practice conversational English beforehand. If you can, practice with a native speaker, but in times of social distancing and isolation, that might be difficult. You can also pick up on conversational English through TV shows and movies, music lyrics, and books—or through a language app like Babbel or Duolingo. Please note that this interview should be treated like a dentist appointment: professional and something that is routine. Flattery is not needed, and big stories are not welcome. Be pleasant and fact-based.
5. Compile your personal information
When you go to your interview, you may be told you only need your application and appointment letter. However, it is recommended that you bring a binder or partitioned folder where you can quickly and easily access any potentially-necessary documentation. Remember, the goal is to make this process as fast and easy as possible. At least you should bring the following documentation in case the officer wants to see it:
- Passport (current and previous)
- MRV Fee Receipt
- DS 160 Confirmation Slip (with the Bar Code clearly visible)
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Passport Size Photograph
6. Bring your education documentation
The officer at your interview may also request to see documents regarding your previous education. If you have previously completed degree programs, refer to this more exhaustive list of documentation requirements. Otherwise, at a minimum, bring these with you:
- Acceptance letter to U.S. university
- High school and pre-university qualifications or equivalent
- GRE/GMAT/SAT Scorecard
- IELTS/TOEFL Scorecard
- Transcripts, official English test scores like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL, and awards or letters of communication or recommendation are helpful but ONLY if the visa officer requests to see them.
7. Have your financial documents in order
Lastly, in your binder or folder, bring financial documents that prove your ability (or your parent’s ability) to cover your monetary needs during your time abroad. You can refer to this more exhaustive list, but bring the following at a minimum:
- Loan approval letter (if applicable)
- Bank account statement (Recommended: Last Three Years)
- Fixed deposit certificates (Recommended: Last Three Years)
- Tax Returns for the past three years`
- Property documents
NOTE: the total should meet or exceed the amount on your I-20. Savings are the easiest way to show sufficient funds, but you need to prepare to answer how you will fund your studies for the duration of your program.
8. Arrive at your interview early
If you must travel to the consulate or embassy from your hometown using public transportation, it is best to arrive the day before to account for travel delays. Also, we know arriving early only to wait around can be boring, but it’s important to have time to find the location of your interview, settle into your surroundings, and review your interview answers one last time. You don’t want to miss your appointment and rushing in frazzled won’t do you any good. It can also be a bad first impression.
9. Dress professionally
You’re attending an interview, so it’s sensible to dress like it. Don’t wear anything too casual, like sweats or athleisure clothing, and don’t get too fancy or flashy. It’s best to dress in office apparel. If you have an outfit in mind, you can check it against this full list of dos and don’ts.
10. Stay Positive
It’s easy to get nervous in an interview setting, but remember, this is just one hurdle to get over, and your incredible study abroad experience is on the other side. Be prepared, be positive, be confident, and you’ll have a successful interview.
Key Takeaway
Securing a visa and attending an interview can feel like daunting tasks, but follow these ten tips and you’ll be ready to sail through the process. Remember to check in regularly with your local embassy or consulate so that you can snag an early appointment and check this to-do off your list. You can track your case status using the links on the Non-immigrant visa page of your US embassy or Consulate.