Student Visa for the United States of America
If you wish to study in the United States, you will need an F-type student visa. The most important document required to apply for this visa is the I-20 form, which your university will send to you. The I-20 document contains information about your education and financial status. In order for the university to issue and send the I-20 form to you, you must have submitted all required documents during the application process and paid your tuition fees. The earliest you can apply for an F-type student visa is 120 days before your university registration date.
The process of applying for a student visa in the United States begins by filling out the DS-160 form online, which contains basic information that allows consular offices to identify you. After that, you will have an interview at the scheduled time and be asked to provide application documents. Below are the required documents for the F-type student visa application:
Documents Required for a U.S. Student Visa:
- A copy of your identification card or ID card
- A passport without any torn or damaged pages, valid for at least six months after your arrival in the U.S.
- Two recent passport-size photos.
- Birth certificate.
- DS-160 and I-20 forms – Okie Tamam will help you prepare them.
- Payment receipt for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- Your high school diploma and transcript.
- Personal visa application letter.
- Documents showing your scores in international language proficiency tests such as TOEFL, GMAT, or IELTS.
- Marriage certificate, if applicable.
- Military service documents for male applicants.
- Various documents that clarify the job and financial status of the person who will bear your education and living expenses in the U.S.
Notes to Consider When Preparing These Documents:
- You must pay the SEVIS fee no later than three days before your consular appointment. In some locations, the SEVIS payment receipt may appear as the I-901
- The documents you submit to the consulate and your responses during the interview must be consistent. Any discrepancies may raise suspicion and result in the quick denial of your application.
The U.S. consulate may schedule future appointments during certain busy periods. Therefore, we recommend starting the application process at least one month before your planned departure to the U.S. The earlier you apply, the less likely you are to encounter issues or delays, such as being asked for additional documents.
- The application process begins with online transactions, but it is crucial to appear at the consulate’s appointment center on the scheduled date for your application to be approved.
