Guide on US Visa Application Requirements for Study in the United States
US VISA APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS – You can check the lists below for the documents needed in applying for a visa to study in the United States.
Undeniably, a lot of people want to study abroad. The educational system of other countries as well as their curriculum may be different compared to what the other countries have. It can be a different feather on a cap that a person can be proud of. Are you one of those who want to study in the United States?
The United States is not one of the visa free countries thus you need to secure a Student Visa to be allowed of entry. A visa may initially allow you to a maximum stay of 60 days in after the program end date including the practical training if it is applicable. Meanwhile, an extension may be requested through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
To apply for the travel visa, you will have to go through a quite long process including an interview. You can check the requirements needed below.
The US Student Visa is required for the purpose of studying any of the following course of studies in the United States:
- Private Elementary School
- High School
- College or University
- Seminary
- Conservatory
- Another academic institution, including a language training program
- Vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution, other than a language training program
There are US Visa application requirements that you must prepare and submit to the Embassy of the United States if you want to study in the foreign country. Here are the documents that you must prepare and submit to the Embassy for application:
- duly-accomplished Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160)
- provide the necessary details requested in the form
- print the confirmation page of the application form as you will need it for the interview
- photo based on the following requirements:
- in color
- taken in front of a plain white or off-white background
- taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
- sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image’s total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
- with a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
- taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
- Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.
- Uniforms should not be worn in your photo, except religious clothing that is worn daily.
- eyeglasses are no longer allowed in new visa photos, except in rare circumstances when eyeglasses cannot be removed for medical reasons:
- medical statement signed by a medical professional/health practitioner
- frame must not cover the eye(s)
- no glare on eyeglasses that obscures the eye(s)
- no shadows or refraction that obscures the eye(s)
- taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis
- Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo
- If you normally wear a hearing device or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo
The next phase in your US Visa application is the interview. There are exemptions as applicants who are aged 13 and below and those who are 80 years old and above are not required to undergo an interview. For the other ages, the interview is required unless the application is for renewal.
On your appointment day for the interview, you must bring with you the US tourist visa requirements. Here are the documents that you must bring:
- Passport valid for travel to the United States
- valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
- For students who will enroll in a university or college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, or another academic institution — Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status
- For students who will enroll in a vocational or other nonacademic insitution — Form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status
- Application fee payment receipt (If it was asked for your to pay prior to the interview)
- Photo
- Addition US visa requirements upon request:
- Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
- Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school
- Evidence of how you will pay your education expenses and stay in U.S.
In case there is a change of plan while you are in the United States, you can request for a change of the status of your nonimmigrant visa. Once you have departed the country, you must apply for a new visa already.
There is no fixed number of days or weeks with regards to the processing of a travel visa application as there are several factors considered including the season of visit, the location of the application, and the type of visa applied for. It is advised that you apply for a travel visa early.
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