Student Visa USA: All You Need to Know in 2025!

Eligibility to Apply to US Universities for Studies

Here are the eligibility criteria you need to meet to apply to US universities:

• Have a completed application form
• Proof of Secondary School completion (12 years)
• Certificate of English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)
• Evidence of financial support (with the I-20 form)

Documents Required for US Students Visas

You would generally need to provide the following documents along with your application for a student visa:

• Requisite application form duly filled and signed
• I-20 showing that you are enrolled in a US universities
• Valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay
• Recent passport size photographs
• Receipt of payment of visa processing fees
• Confirmation page of DS-160
• Documents to show you are a bonafide student
• Payment of application fee for SEVIS
• Documents to show sponsorship
• Documents to show availability of funds

How to Apply for a US Student Visa?

After determining which type of US student visa you need to apply, you can begin with your US Student Visa application.

Irrespective of which category of student visa you apply for, you will need to undergo the following steps:

Cost of Applying for US Student Visas

Payment of the SEVIS fee: You need to pay the SEVIS-fee at least 3 days before submitting your US student visa application. You need to pay $ 200 if you are applying for an F1 or an M1 visa and $ 180 for a J1 visa.

• While making the SEVIS-fee, you need to ensure that your all details need to be exactly as they appear on your I-20 or DS-2020 form.
• This payment can be made using debit or credit card, Western Union Quick Pay, international money order or a check. Ensure you print your payment confirmation as it can be required during the later stages of your US student visa application.

Once you have completed and submitted your online application DS-160 form, you need to make an application fee of $ 160.

You can make this payment online, in person at an approved bank or by phone. Please note that this application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

It is advised to print and record this payment receipt as it might be required during the interview stage of your US student visa application.

Processing Time for Your Student Visa

Your student visa application is generally approved or denied during your visa interview. If your student visa is approved, you will get your passport along with your US student visa within 7 to 10 working days. However, most interviewers will not inform you about the approval or rejection of your application, and you will need to wait till you receive your passport..

Note: Do not forget to carry your passport, your I-20 form and all the other documents you carried with you during your US student visa interview. You might need these documents at immigration as well.