USA Student Visa Requirements
Explore student visa requirements, types, fees, application process and eligibility for studying abroad
Explore student visa requirements, types, fees, application process and eligibility for studying abroad
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Global education hubs like Canada, the UK, and Australia are placing caps on the number of international students as competition for study-abroad opportunities is growing. In this chaos, the USA has emerged as the top choice with quality education and promising career paths. In fact, the country is making strides to welcome more Indian students, with a projected 35% increase in visa applications in 2024. If you’re planning to apply for a student visa, here’s the checklist of the required documents and USA study visa fees before you actually start applying for the student visa.
Correct documents are crucial in proving your eligibility and any kind of mistake can lead to a Student visa rejection therefore, here is a checklist of essential documents for a U.S. student visa:
A valid passport is the first requirement for a student visa. If you don’t have one, apply immediately, and if you have one then ensure that your visa validity is longer than your course duration.
Not every checkpoint has a biometric thus, photographs become a crucial factor in the immigration process. They ensure that photos are clear and meet the required size specifications.
Form I-20 visa USA is an official acceptance letter from a SEVP-approved university. During visa application, it is used to verify your admission. You cannot apply without SEVP USA for a visa.
International students are required to pay a one-year tuition fee. Upon payment, you’ll receive a SEVIS fee receipt mentioning transaction details.
You’re required to submit proof of funds for a US student visa confirming that your sponsor can support your study abroad. The funds will undergo careful evaluation, and any doubts could lead to a rejection. You’re required to submit the following documents:
| Document | Description | Amount Needed |
|---|---|---|
|
Bank Statement |
Bank statements must be recent (usually within the last 6 months) and issued by a recognized financial institution. Digital statements are accepted if certified. |
Around $20,000 to $50,000 are required for the program, university, and living costs. |
|
Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) |
An affidavit of financial support for student visa affirms their ability to financially support the applicant during their study in the USA. |
The financial support letter for a student visa should cover funds for tuition and living expenses, generally around $20,000 to $50,000. |
|
Loan Approval Letter |
This letter confirms that a recognized financial institution is going to support the student's education by covering tuition and living expenses. |
The loan amount typically ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the student’s financial need and tuition costs. |
|
Scholarship or Grant Letter |
The letter must be from a recognized institution or organization, detailing the amount and duration of the award. |
The amount of scholarship can provide $1,000 to full coverage of tuition and living expenses. |
|
Proof of Income (Payslips/Tax Returns) |
Payslips or tax returns of the applicant or their sponsor to prove ongoing income and financial stability to support the student's education. |
Enough to cover the tuition fee of the student for the next 3-4 years. |
|
Fixed Deposit Certificate |
This shows long-term savings intended to support the student’s education and is often used as supplemental proof. |
The amount of fixed deposit can vary and there can be no fixed amount for this. |
The interviewer will thoroughly review your academic records during the visa application. A strong academic record will increase your chances of visa approval.
English is the first language in the USA, so proving your communication skills is essential. Submit your scores and be prepared to get evaluated during the interview. Practice your accent and try to score high.
After completing the online visa application, you’ll receive a DS-160 with a barcode and reference number. This verifies that you’ve already applied through the official portal and also summarizes your information.
After paying the visa application fee, you’ll receive an email acknowledgment along with a receipt. Print a color copy of this receipt and bring it with you to your interview.
Now, that you've prepared all the documents give them a final review to avoid any kind of issues. Here are some key checks before you start your USA Student visa application:
Review the dates and information on all documents and ensure that they are valid longer than the visa processing time. Expired or near-expiry documents can cause significant delays or rejection.
The application process starts digitally thus, you’re required to upload documents in digital format. The size should not exceed 1.5MB and also pay close attention to resolution.
Consistency is required across all documents and any kind of discrepancies can mark the document as invalid. Cross-check every detail and get any errors corrected immediately to avoid setbacks.
You can’t decide the application date on your own, therefore, ensure to go through the timeline before applying for the visa.
The increasing USA study visa fees and stricter regulations have added to the challenges students face. The correct documents are the first step one takes to get closer to the student visa. However, the real challenge is when you have to present yourself during the interview. Confidence, preparation, and attention to detail can help you make a strong impression. Thus, take your time and ensure that everything is in order. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your academic goals in the USA.
The student visa USA cost is INR 15,390 which doesn’t include other expenses.
The minimum financial requirement for a U.S. student visa ranges from INR 9 to 25 Lakhs, depending on the program and institution.
Yes, obtaining a U.S. study visa without IELTS is possible, but you must provide alternative proof of English proficiency.
Yes, a one-year gap is generally accepted if you provide valid reasons. However, gaps beyond one year could potentially lead to rejection.
Students enrolling in vocational or non-academic programs in the U.S. must apply for an M visa.
A minimum of 2.5 GPA is required for a USA student visa. You can convert your CGPA to GPA using GyanDhan’s converter tool.
International students in the U.S. typically earn an average annual salary of $49,075.
Yes, the U.S. is a safe and welcoming country for Indian students, with a rapidly growing number of Indian students pursuing education there.
