How to apply for a student visa in the USA

The USA is a land of endless opportunity, with some of the world's most highly regarded academic institutions. Unsurprisingly, it welcomes more international students each year than any other country.

If you want to study in the USA, you will need to apply for a visa. As with every country, this is a process to take seriously and complete carefully – and one you can get through successfully. While it might seem complicated, our guide to applying for a US student visa can make it simpler.

Which US student visa is right for you?

Before starting your application, check the following table to determine which visa type is best suited for your studies.

This article shows you the application process and requirements for the M-1 and F-1 student visas.

What courses can I study with a US student visa?

The F-1 and M-1 student visas allow you to enrol on any full-time course that meets one of the  descriptions listed earlier. This is provided that you study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP)-certified institution.

What does a US student visa allow?

Typically, a student visa will permit you to live and study in the US for either:

• The duration of your study programme (F-1 visa); or
• One year, with the option of extending up to a maximum of three years if your vocational programme requires it (M-1)

When you receive your visa, you can arrive in the US up to 30 days before your course starts.

After your course ends, you may stay in the US for either:

• 60 days (F-1 visa)
• 30 days (M-1 visa)

International students can bring their partners and children with them to America, subject to funding requirements. Eligible family members must apply for a separate F-2 or M-2 visa.

Find out more about the rules on studying abroad with family.

Work

F-1 student visa holders are allowed to work on campus. During term time, this is limited to 20 hours per week, but it is unrestricted during semester breaks.

Off-campus employment is generally limited to work placements and internships. F-1 visa holders can complete these as part of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) after their first year of study. Internships with a recognised international organisation can start as soon as a student has F-1 status.

M-1 visa holders cannot work during their studies but can receive practical training after they have completed their qualification.

Learn your international student work rights in the USA.

Other rules

International students in the United States must:

• Report to their Designated School Official (DSO) within 30 days of arrival
• Maintain full-time enrolment (unless authorised for a reduced course load)
• Make satisfactory academic progress.

Keep in mind that every visa is unique and issued on a case-by-case basis. Your visa may include specific conditions tailored to your circumstances.

Getting ready for your US student visa application

Before you apply for your US student visa, you will need:

• A current passport with multiple blank pages, valid for at least 6 months after you plan to leave the USA; and
• A Form I-20

Form I-20

To obtain your Form I-20, you must first be accepted onto a programme at an institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP). You will then be registered on the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.

Your institution's Designated School Official (DSO) will issue your Form I-20. The document will contain your personal information and details of your studies. These include your study costs, funding, school code and SEVIS identification number. All are required for your student visa application.

If you intend to bring family members with you to the USA, they must register with SEVIS and get separate Form I-20s from your institution. However, they do not have to pay the SEVIS fee.

Health insurance

Having health insurance is not a legal requirement for F-1 or M-1 student visa applicants. However, most institutions do require you to obtain it for the duration of your stay. Even if yours does not, it is still highly advised, as healthcare in the US is expensive.

To make things easier, many institutions allow you to purchase a health insurance plan directly through them. Alternatively, you may be able to arrange coverage from another provider. 

Coverage requirements should be made clear by your institution. Failing to meet them can lead to your enrolment being paused, or other administrative issues. Make sure to arrange your health insurance appropriately and on time.

When to apply for your US student visa

You can apply for your F-1 or M-1 student visa up to 365 days before your course begins.

Cost of a US student visa

The costs associated with F-1 and M-1 student visas are listed in the following table:

You will also need to provide evidence that you have enough money to support yourself while in the US, covering expenses such as tuition fees and living costs. Typically, F-1 students only need to show funding for their first year in the country. M-1 students must do so for the duration of their intended stay.

The amount of money required will depend on where you study. Your academic institution is responsible for verifying that you have sufficient funding, so you should follow their guidance. This is often given in the form of a detailed cost of attendance breakdown on their website. If you need clarification, you could contact them directly.

To prove your funding as part of your application, you can submit various forms of evidence. These include:

• Bank statements
• Scholarships or sponsorship letters
• Confirmation of your salary

Your academic institution may have its own rules on the forms of evidence that are accepted. It could be worth checking for this in advance. 

Your knowledge of English

Although the US student visa application process includes no direct English language proficiency requirements, you will need to meet any set by your institution.

In most cases, you will be able to prove your ability by taking a common English test such as TOEFL or IELTS. Some institutions will also accept others, such as PTE and Duolingo.

You may also be able to prove your language skills in other ways. Some universities and colleges regard previous qualifications studied in English as sufficient evidence. They may also waive requirements for citizens of English-speaking countries. Check with your intended institution to see the situation in your case.

Other requirements for your US student visa application

Photograph

You will need to upload a photo of yourself taken in the last six months when completing your online application. Check the US Department of State website for photo requirements.

Ties to your home country

You must show that you intend to return home when your visa expires. Acceptable ties can include relationships with friends and family, residence, and employment.

Travel history

You must provide details of your last five visits to the USA when filling in your online application. You may also be asked for details of any other international travel in the past five years.

Social media profiles

You must list any social media profiles you have used in the last five years and make them public. This is so that they can be checked for any content that may breach Department of State guidelines on the character of applicants. Checks may not take place until after your interview, and are not likely to lead to refusal.

Other documents

Depending on the country from which you apply, you may need to submit other supporting documents, such as evidence of health or character. You can find out more about this from your local US Embassy or Consulate.

Completing your US student visa application

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form (DS-160)

When you are ready, you must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form (DS-160). You can access this through the Consular Electronic Application Centre website.

As part of the application, you will need to select a US Embassy or Consulate from a list. This must be where you intend to attend your visa interview.

Schedule a visa interview appointment

After submitting the DS-160 form, you must make an appointment for an interview with your chosen US Embassy or Consulate. You can do this via their website.

You must bring the following documents to your visa interview:

• Passport
• Original Form I-20
• Your Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Application fee payment receipt
• Passport photo taken within the last six months

You may also be asked to provide additional documents, such as:

• Academic transcripts
• Evidence of your intent to depart the US after finishing your studies
• Proof of funds to support yourself
• A letter from your doctor, if you have a health condition that could affect your eligibility

During your interview, a consular officer will ask you some questions about yourself, and your application and documents will be verified. Digital scans of your fingerprints are also likely to be taken, although this does not happen in some locations.

After you apply

Your consular officer may give you their decision immediately after your interview, but could require more time to look at your application. If this period of administrative processing is necessary, the officer will tell you.

The length of time processing takes is different for every application. In many cases, it will only take a few days. However, you are advised to wait 180 days before enquiring about it.

Final considerations

Check the conditions and dates of your visa when you receive it. These will tell you what you can and cannot do when you are in the USA, and for how long. If you think there has been a mistake, you should inform your DSO as soon as possible. They are your first point of contact for any visa issues you may have.

Now you know how to apply for a US student visa, it might be time to explore further. You can start with our guides to the top universities in the USA and how to apply to study in the USA. Alternatively, you can find your ideal course with our simple search tool.