USA Student Overview
To enter the United States to attend: you need the following visa category:
University or college F
High School, Private Elementary School, Seminary, Conservatory, Another academic institution, including a language training program, vocational or other recognized non academic institution, other than a language training program M
Students cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or Visitor Visas.
A student visa(F or M) is required to study in the United States. Foreign nationals may not study after entering on Visitor Visa(B), or through the Visitor Waiver Program(VWP), except to undertake recreational course of study(non credit) as a part of tourist visit.
For short periods of recreational study, a visitor visa(B) may be appropriate.
A visitor visa(B) permits enrollment in a short recreational course of study. Which is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate.
Study leading to a US conferred degree or certificate is never permitted on visitor visa(B), even if it is for short duration. For example, a student in a distance learning program that requires a period of time on institution’s US campus must obtain a student Visa(F or M) visa prior to entering the United States.
Students acceptance at a SEVP Approved School.
The first step is to apply to a SEVP-approved school in the United States. After the SEVP-approved school accepts your enrollment, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System(SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVP approved school will issue you form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.
If your spouse and/or children intend to live with you in the United States while you study, they must also enroll in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s from the SEVP approved school, and apply for a visa but do not pay the SEVIS Fee.
Visit the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program(SEVP) website to learn more about SEVIS and the SEVIS I-901 fee.
How to Apply
There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by US Embassy or consulate
Complete the Online Visa Application.
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS 160. You must complete the online visa application and print the application form confirmation page to bring to the interview.
You will upload your photo while completing the Online Form DS 160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the photograph requirements.
Schedule an interview.
Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited expectations below. Consular officers may require an interview of any Visa Applicant
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another US embassy or consulate but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season and visa category so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:
Appointment Wait Time
Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a US embassy or consulate.
Student Visa Overview
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for a permanent residence. You must have a student visa to study in the United States Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F visa or an M visa.
To enter the United States to attend: you need the following visa category:
University or College
High School
Private Elementary School
Seminary
Conservatory
Another academic institution, including a language training program
Vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution, other than a language training program (M students cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with visitor visas.
A student visa(F or M) is required to study in the United States. Foreign nationals may not study after entering on a visitor visa(B) or through the Visa Waiver Program(VWP), except to undertake recreational study as part of a tourist visit.
Waiver Program
For short periods of recreational study, a Visitor Visa(B) may be appropriate. A visitor visa(B) visa permits enrollment in a short recreational course of study, which is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate
Study leading to a US conferred degree or certificate is never permitted on a visitor visa(B), even if it is for a short duration. For example, a student in a distance learning program that requires a period of time on the institution's US campus must obtain a student visa(F or M) visa prior to entering the United States.
Student Acceptance at a SEVP Approved School
The first step is to apply to a SEVP approved school in the United States . After the SEVP approved school accepts your enrollment, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System(SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVP approved school will issue you form I-20. After you receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a US Embassy or Consulate for a student visa(F or M). You must present the Form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.
If your spouse and/or children intend to live with you in the united States while you study, they must also enroll in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s from the SEVP approved school, and apply for a visa but they do not pay the SEVIS fee.
Student Visas(F or M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date of a course study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.
Continuing students- Student visas(F or M) for continuing students may be issued at any time, as long as the student is currently enrolled at a SEVP approved school or institution and in SEVIS. Continuing students may enter the United States at any time before classes start.
Prepare for your Interview.
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