Educational migration is one of the most popular ways for people to migrate to other countries. Because certain countries are renowned for their superb educational systems, they see a large influx of immigrants yearly.
The United States is the world’s largest economy, with the second-largest purchasing power globally, and home to the top universities. Students who study in the US have an easier time in the job market, as the skills they learn set them apart from others. Immigrants looking to elevate their careers by schooling in the US can apply for an F1 study visa.
An F1 visa is issued to international students who want to attend educational institutions in the United States. The holder of this visa is granted freedom to study in the United States elementary or university. An F1 visa allows its holder to attend school in any Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) accepted institution. This type of visa is easy to apply for, and you can apply even in your home country.
Eligibility criteria
- Admission into a SEVP accepted institution: The SEVP has a list of universities and other educational institutions that accept international students; it’s recommended that you check that your university of choice is listed here before you proceed with the application.
- Enrollment in educational institutions as a full-time student.
- Have strong ties to your home country: As most students are expected to leave the country after completing their education, they are expected to show proof that they have strong ties to their home country, either through a spouse, property, or job.
- Proof of Funds: Prove that you have sufficient funds to cover the expenses of studying and living in the US.
- Speak English Fluently: Students must prove that they can speak and understand English by taking English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Required Documents
- A valid passport
- A nonimmigrant visa application form (Form DS-160)
- Proof of paid visa fee
- Proof of funds (Form I-20)
- Two photographs
- Documents showing educational qualification (transcripts, standardized test scores, previous degrees)
- Proof of purchased health insurance for international students
How to Apply
- Apply to a SEVP-approved institution: After your application has been approved and you’re granted admission, the school will complete the procedures to allow you to apply for the F1 visa. A Form I-20 (certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant student status) will be given to you; this form will allow you to apply for the visa and attend the F1 interview, so keep it safe.
- Complete the online application: Fill the DS-160 form online with the required information.
- Pay the application fee and the SEVIS I-901 fee: The application fee for a student visa is $185, although you may have to pay additional charges based on your country of origin. The SEVIS I-901 fee costs $200.
- Schedule your visa interview and attend the interview: A mandatory interview is scheduled before you can be issued a visa. Make sure to schedule it early to avoid delays because of the heavy workload in the US embassy. Before you go to attend your interview, you should prepare your file with the required documents for students. Most of the interview questions will revolve around your reasons for wanting to migrate to the US, and the interviewer will assess if you’ll return home after completing your degree.
Processing Time
Responses for this kind of visa are usually immediate, so you might either be congratulated on obtaining your visa or given a document listing the reason you were denied one.