United States student visa: the complete guide

What Is a US Student Visa?

A student visa lets international students come to the United States to study full-time at an accredited school. The most common type is the F-1 visa, which covers academic programs at universities, colleges, and language schools. There's also the M-1 visa for vocational and technical programs. Both visas require you to maintain your student status throughout your time in the country.

Who Can Apply for a US Student Visa?

To qualify, you'll need:

• An acceptance letter from a US school approved by the government
• Proof that you can afford tuition, housing, and living expenses (usually from a bank statement or sponsor letter)
• A valid passport from your home country
• Clean criminal and immigration records
• Strong ties to your home country (like family, property, or a job) to show you plan to return after graduation
• Proof of English language ability (some schools may waive this)

The Application Process

The basic steps are:

1. Get accepted to a US school

2. Your school will issue an I-20 form, which confirms your enrollment and estimated costs

3. Pay the SEVIS fee (a government processing fee for international students)

4. Schedule an appointment at the nearest US embassy or consulate in your home country

5. Prepare documents including your passport, I-20, proof of funds, and completed visa application forms

6. Attend your visa interview and answer questions about your plans

7. Wait for a decision (approval or denial)

Important Things to Know

Costs vary widely. Tuition ranges from affordable at community colleges to expensive at top universities. Add housing, food, and insurance on top of that. Your school will estimate total costs on your I-20 form.

Work restrictions apply. On-campus work is usually allowed up to 20 hours per week during school terms. Off-campus work generally isn't permitted unless your school approves it for specific reasons.

Your visa has an expiration date. You can stay in the US as long as you maintain your student status—not just until your visa expires. However, leaving the country means you'll need a valid visa to re-enter.

After graduation, you may have options. Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows you to work in your field for a limited time after graduation. This is separate from your student visa status.

Next Steps

Start by researching schools that fit your major and budget. Check their international student requirements. Once you're accepted, your school's international office will guide you through the visa process. Visit the official US State Department website and your nearest embassy's website for the most current requirements, forms, and processing times.

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.