- You must present the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, financial support, proof of English proficiency, home ties, and other specific documents as per the visa type at the time of the visa interview.
- Revise your SOP and be clear and confident about all the information during your interview.
- Prodigy Finance provides a letter of approved funds to international students for their study loans. Add this letter as financial proof along with the other documents required for the visa process.
Have you decided to pursue your studies in the United States? Navigating the path to a U.S. education involves several administrative steps, including providing the necessary documentation needed for your Visa application. Whether you are applying for an F-1 visa, J-1 visa, or M-1 visa, it is crucial that you have the right documentation.
In this guide, we will provide you with all the details related to essential documents you need, from your passport to financial statements, and provide tips to help you prepare for a successful visa interview. Let’s get started on making your dream of studying in the United States a reality.
Types of US Student Visa
There are three main types of student visas in the USA: F-1, J-1, and M-1. Each visa type is designed for a different type of educational program.
F-1 Visa
This visa type is specifically for academic students. Most of the students apply for an F-1 visa as it is for students who are interested in a full-time degree program from an accredited university and college.
J-1 Visa
This visa is for students participating in exchange programs sponsored by the U.S. government, or other qualifying organisations. These visa programs can include high school exchange programs, university study abroad programs, and internship programs. The requirements for J visas will vary depending on the specific program.
M-1 Visa
This visa is for students who are enrolled in non-academic or vocational training programs, such as cosmetology, culinary arts, or flight training. M visa programs typically do not lead to a college degree.
Essential Documents for US Visa Application
As US visa authorities offer different types of visas to international students, the documentation of each type also varies. There will be some overlap in the documents, but there are also some specific requirements. So, let’s find out about the documents needed for each type.
General Required Documents (apply to all F, J, and M visas)
There are some mandatory documents that need to be presented in front of the visa officer for all student visa types. The only purpose of these documents is to verify the identity, eligibility, and background of the applicant.
Valid Passport
To travel to the US, a valid passport issued by your home country is necessary. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the United States.
There might be exceptions depending on your country, so be sure to cross-verify from the website of the U.S. Department of State for the latest updates. Make sure your passport is not damaged and has enough blank pages for any visa stamps.
Visa Application Form (DS-160)
The DS-160 is your online application form for any non-immigrant visa, including student visas. The form is a questionnaire you will fill out electronically. Here, you will be answering questions about your travel plans, background, and why you want to study in the US.
Filling out the DS-160 accurately and completely is the first step in the process of preparing your visa application, so be sure to set aside some time to answer all the questions carefully.
SEVIS Fee Receipt
SEVIS, also called Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is a tracking system used by the US government to monitor international students and visitors. The SEVIS fee helps fund this system.
Paying SEVIS is a mandatory fee before you schedule your visa interview. Along with other documents, you will need the receipt to show you have paid the SEVIS fee.
Form I-20 (F-1 or M-1 visa) or DS-2019 (J-1 visa)
These forms are issued by the educational institution as the Certificate of Eligibility. Both forms are required to be presented to your visa interview.
Form I-20 is for F-1 and M-1 visa applicants. When your information is added to the SEVIS database, you will receive Form I-20 from your school. This form is proof of your acceptance and eligibility for a full-time study program.
If you are applying for a J-1 visa, you will need the DS-2019 form after submitting your SEVIS Fee. This form is also called the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.
Passport-Sized Photograph
When you complete Form DS-160, you will need to upload a passport-sized photograph on the portal. If your photograph fails to be uploaded for any reason, you must bring a printed photo at the time of the visa interview.
The photo should be in colour and not older than six months. The head in the image needs to be between 22mm and 35mm of the total height of the image. Your face needs to be clearly visible in the photograph and feature a neutral expression with both eyes open. The background of the photograph also needs to be plain white or off-white. Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons and should not cover your face or cast shadows. Certain items like headphones, eyeglasses, or wireless are not permitted.
Financial Support Document
Along with other requirements, visa officers also check the financial status of the applicant. Financial support documents show how a student is going to survive during their stay. Whether you are applying for an F, J, or M visa, a financial support document is proof of your tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
The evidence of financial support documents covers family bank statements, financial aid letters, scholarship letters, or documentation from a sponsor. You can also consider a loan to cover your expenses, and Prodigy Finance can be a reliable resource for international student loans. For visa appointment purposes, they also provide a letter of approved funds to the students, which works as a valid financial support document.
Proof of Ties to Home Country (Intent to Depart the US)
While most of the documents focus on your studies in the US, there is one requirement that looks back to your home country, i.e., proof of ties to your home country. This document provides assurance to the visa officers that you intend to return home after completing your studies.
The home ties should cover details about your life, responsibilities, and career opportunities in your home country. Showing all these aspects strengthens your application. You can show your property ownership deeds or evidence of close family members residing in your home country. You can also provide proof of employment ties that show that you will resume your work after your studies.
Additional Documents by Visa Type
Beyond these general requirements, each visa type (F-1, J-1, and M-1) needed additional documentation. An F-1 and M-1 visa might need academic transcripts or proof of English language proficiency, and a J-1 Visa might include specific program paperwork.
F-1 or M-1 Visa
Whether you are seeking admission to a full-time degree program or vocational programs, the students need to submit:
Proof of Academic Records
For an F-1 visa, you need to provide official transcripts for the degree, certificates, or diploma from your high school or college that you attended. This proof of academic records showcases your academic achievements, which the visa officer will use to make a decision that you are a strong candidate for your chosen program.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
To study in the US, passing the English language proficiency test is a major requirement for international students. Usually, the score requirements vary depending on the program and the school. The most common test to prove English language proficiency in the US is TOEFL or IELTS.
Admission Letter from a US Institution
Another major requirement for your US F-1 or M-1 visa is receiving a letter of acceptance from a US college or university. You must be enrolled in an academic, vocational, or language training program that is approved by a SEVP-certified university or college. It is considered an important document as it shows that you have a legitimate reason to enter the country.
J-1Visa
An exchange visitor student requires the following documents:
Form DS-7002
This form is also called the Training/ Internship Placement Plan and is specifically used for a J1 visa. It is important to present this form to the visa authorities at the time of the visa appointment.
Preparing for the Visa Interview
To stand out in a visa interview, you need to follow some general tips such as organising the documents, revising the submitted SOP, arriving early, and dressing professionally. Make sure that you give clear and concise answers related to your home ties, your intentions, and your plans about managing health insurance to study in the US. Some students need help explaining the employment opportunities in their home country, so make sure that you address this area confidently.
Also, certain things are necessary to avoid, such as misleading information, overconfident attitude, negative language, or being nervous.
Conclusion
Proper documentation and interview preparation will take you one step closer to living your dream of pursuing education in the United States. Always remember you need to be confident about your goals and explain all the questions clearly to the interviewer.
If you funded your education through Prodigy Finance, ensure that you have collected the letter confirming your loan along with your other documents.
FAQs
1. Do all student visa types require the same documents?
No, some of the documents are the same in the process, such as passports, photographs, financial support, etc., but there are some additional documents that vary for F1, M1, and J1 types of student visas.
2. How long does the US student visa process take?
The processing time of the US student visa usually takes between 3 weeks to 8 months. It varies depending on several factors. If your application had received approval during a visa interview, then it might take around 3 to 5 working days for processing. However, if you submit your application by courier and are eligible for the Interview Waiver Program, then it might take up to 21 working days from the date on which the authorities received the application.
If your visa application is refused, you have to submit the documents and proof requested by the visa officer. This can take up to additional 8 months to complete the whole process.
3. Can I work while studying on a US visa?
Yes, you can work part-time during your student visa in the US. However, there are certain employment rules that you need to follow. You can only work either on the school premises or can work with an educationally affiliated employer.
4. What if my student visa application is denied?
The denial letter comes with the reasons for rejection. You may be eligible to reapply after you address the issues raised by the consular officer after a specific timeframe.
5. How early can I go to the US after I get my study visa?
If you are a new student, you can only enter the US 30 days before the beginning of your chosen program, even if you have received the visa six months before. So, consult with your immigration counsellors to understand the right time to apply as per your profile.
Prodigy Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Prodigy Finance loans are offered to eligible borrowers and these loans are governed by English law.
