Do you dream of studying in the USA, or have you already been admitted there? Now read this blog for quick guidelines before applying for Student Visa to the USA!

The USA is most-sought after country for students abroad. And surprisingly, India has been ranked the number 1 choice for primary Indian students. As per the data by the Open Doors Report 2022, Student VISAs of more than 82,000 Indian students have been issued from June 2022 to August 2022. And as per the stats, this number will rise higher and can surpass China as per estimation.

So if you are looking for admission to the USA, you must apply for a student VISA five to six months before. But the student visa application process is a little tiresome, and often the students fail to understand the loopholes in the application process for the IELTS. These minute details have to be worked upon before applying for the VISA.

Here in this blog, we will give you 5 must-follow steps if you are applying for a student VISA in the USA.

Apply for the US Student VISA

Step 1:- Apply for student acceptance at SEVP( Student and Exchange Visitor Program). But try to make this application 6-12 months before joining your US study program. You can make this application in online mode. This application is essential to register you in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System ). A web-based system SEVIS is used by the U.S DHS( Department of Homeland Security) that helps to systematically maintain and support the entry of international students to the US to pursue their education.

Step 2:- After successfully registering, you will receive an admission confirmation form I-20 from a SEVP-approved school. Then only you can apply for a student visa.

Step 3:- Apply for the online nonimmigrant visa application, Form DS-160, and take the print of the application form for the interview. Then upload your photo according to the format in the photograph requirements section.

Step 4:- The interview will be scheduled, and you will be asked relevant questions.

However, the interview is required only for people of a specific age bracket.

Step 5:- Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, which is $160. If you pay the fees after you clear the visa interview, you have to pay additional visa issuance fees. This fee may vary from country to country.

Must-Haves Documents to apply for USA VISA

1. Passport- This should be valid to travel to the USA.

2. Confirmation page of Nonimmigration Visa Application

3. Pay the application fee

4. Photo

5. Eligibility Certificate for Nonimmigration student status( M-1/F-1)

Mistakes made by the applicants.

1. Incomplete application
2. Data mismatch and wrong information
3. Violation of visa rules
4. Undone Travel Itinerary
5. Status of passport
6. Funds Shortage
7. Criminal records
8. The credibility of sponsors
9. Visa Interview Process
10. Intent to return to homeland after studies

Quick Tips to follow while applying for the USA Student VISA

1. Be an early bird while applying for Visa to avoid any hustle
2. Do your homework, and read the guidelines carefully given by the embassy.
3. Prepare all your documents and carry them in a single folder to avoid the rush.
4. Fill in the appropriate information in the application form.
5. Ensure to keep enough funds in the account
6. Be natural in the interview. Try to clearly explain your travel purpose.

VISA Interview

Next and one of the most crucial steps while applying for a visa application is the interview process. This step is essential as many students fail to clear this step.

But there is the requirement of some additional documents:

1. Academic records( transcripts, diplomas, degrees, certificates, score tests, or equivalent),
2. The documents show that you can afford the educational, living, and other expenses.
3. Intent to leave the US right after the completion of the purpose of visiting the country.

Questions Asked in the Visa Interview?

Many types of questions were asked in the interview for Visa confirmation. A standard set of questions is asked repeatedly, like- University Choice, Further study plans after graduation, Financial & Economic stability, and Academic background and details.

Some examples are:

• Have you ever been to this country before?
• Why are you traveling to the USA?
• Where will you reside in the USA?
• Are your tickets booked?
• What are your study plans?
• Do you have friends or relatives that are residing in the USA?
• Who is sponsoring your education?
• Have you taken any loans? How are you planning to repay it?
• Where did you complete your school?
• Why are you not pursuing this specific course in your country?

Many more questions like this can be asked in the interview. But there is nothing to worry about. The questions that are asked in the interview are simple. These are asked only to understand the purpose of the student traveling to the USA. And it helps create your impact as a legitimate and authentic student that will study in one of the prestigious universities or colleges.

Practice some commonly asked questions set before the actual interview. It helps you to be more confident while answering these Visa interview questions. So don’t wait anymore. If you have already applied to a university abroad, Congratulations! But if you are still planning and find yourself in a dilemma, you can visit the website of College Vidya Abroad; we can help you right from College and university selection to the Visa application. All the stuff at one single platform!