Studying abroad offers the opportunity to explore new cultures, broaden your academic experience, and build a global network. For many students, the United States is a top destination, with over 1.1 million international students studying in the country in 2024.
Before you start your journey, it’s essential to understand and follow the US student visa process. Each country has specific student visa requirements, and ensuring completion of every step correctly can make arrival smoother and prevent delays. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get a US student visa, what to expect during the process, and how to stay compliant once you arrive.
What is an F-1 Visa?
The F-1 visa is the most common type of student visa for international students coming to the US. If you’re planning to attend a university, high school, or language training program, this is the visa you’ll likely need. It allows you to stay in the US for the duration of your academic program, provided you meet all the student visa requirements for maintaining legal student status.
How to get a US student visa
Navigating the US student visa process can be overwhelming, so here’s a clear overview of how to get a student visa so you can confidently move forward on your study abroad journey.
1. Apply to a SEVP-certified school
Before applying for an F-1 visa, you must first apply to and be accepted by a SEVP-certified school. Once you receive an offer, you can begin the visa process, but keep in mind that the earliest you can receive your visa is 120 days before your program’s official start date.
2. Receive form I-20
Once admitted, your school will issue a Form I-20, which is your official certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant student status. To receive this form, you’ll need to provide financial documentation and an affidavit of support.
The information on your I-20 is reported to the government through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You’ll need this document for every step that follows, so keep it in a safe place.
3. Pay the SEVIS fee
The next step is to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee by creating an account through the SEVP portal. After making the payment, save the confirmation receipt, as you’ll need it for your visa interview and travel records.
4. Schedule a visa interview
Next, schedule your interview at the closest US Embassy or Consulate to you. Wait times can vary depending on the country, so it’s good to book as early as possible. However, F-1 visas cannot be issued more than 365 days before your program’s start date.
5. Prepare necessary documents
When you attend your visa interview, you’ll need several essential documents, including:
- A valid passport
- Form I-20
- I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
- DS-160 confirmation page (online visa application form)
- MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee payment receipt
- Appointment confirmation
- US visa-sized photograph
Additional documents you may be asked to present:
- Financial documents proving your ability to pay tuition, living, and travel expenses
- Transcripts and diplomas
- Standardized test scores
- Admission letter from your US school
- Documents proving strong ties to your home country
6. What to expect during the interview
During your visa interview, a consular officer will ask you questions to understand your intentions. Common questions include:
- Why did you choose this university and program?
- Why do you want to study in the US instead of your home country?
- Who is your sponsor, and what is your relationship to them?
- Do you have relatives living in the US?
- What are your plans after completing your program in the US?
The more detailed answers you give, the better. The goal of the interview is to show that you’re a serious student who intends to return home after your program ends.
Transfer to UB and thrive! Apply today and start your journey with us.
Tips for a successful visa process
Now we’ve outlined the basic process of how to get a student visa, these tips will help you stay organized, confident, and ready to make a good impression during your visa process.
Apply early
It’s essential to apply early so you have plenty of time for each step. However, be mindful of application windows. You can start the process once a SEVP-certified school has accepted you, but your visa cannot be issued too far in advance.
Organize documents
Keep all your documents organized and easily accessible, especially those needed for your application and interview. Having everything ready can help reduce stress and ensure your appointment goes smoothly.
Show strong ties to your home country
Through the VISA process, it’s essential to demonstrate that you have strong ties to your home country and a compelling reason to return after completing your studies. Demonstrating strong ties to your home country, such as a job, family, or property ownership, can strengthen your application. These ties should be stronger than any reason you might have to stay in the US.
After your visa is approved
To ensure a smooth transition to life in the US, it’s essential to understand the steps to take after your visa is approved and student visa regulations so you can maintain your student status throughout your stay.
Visa validity
Once your visa is approved, it will have specific entry and expiration dates. It’s important to follow all the steps correctly to ensure your visa remains valid during your trip. These steps include:
- Arrive no more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20
- Contact your Designated School Official (DSO) as soon as you arrive in the US
- Stay enrolled full-time and maintain a good academic standing by attending classes and having a good GPA.
- Speak with your DSO if you need to extend your program or adjust your course load.
If you fail to follow these guidelines, you could risk losing your legal student status.
Maintain legal status
A visa allows you to enter the US, but maintaining your status requires ongoing compliance with specific student visa regulations. If your plans change, such as marrying a US citizen or transferring to a new school, you’ll need to contact US Citizenship and Immigration Services to request a change of status. You can stay in the US while your status changes, but you’ll need to apply for a new visa if you leave and re-enter the US.
International student opportunities at University of Bridgeport
University of Bridgeport is proud to welcome students from around the world. In Fall 2024, more than 30% of UB’s student population was international. One of the top four leading institutions in Connecticut for international admissions, UB offers a supportive, globally-focused campus environment.
Located just two hours from New York City and Boston, UB offers students easy access to a range of cultural, academic, and professional opportunities. Plus, the application process is free and straightforward, making it easier than ever to get started.
Whether you’re interested in business, health sciences, engineering, or the arts, there’s a program for you.