Student Visa USA: Requirements, Types, Process, Success Rates And More

Studying in elite universities in the US is a dream for many international students. In order to live this dream you are required to have a USA study visa, since without this visa you shall not be permitted to study in the finest of institutions in the US.

It is quite evident that the US government is always warm and welcoming towards the international students who aspire to study here and make a worthwhile contribution for the community. However, to make the most out of the best institutions and the most advanced technology resources of the US, you are required to fight for a student visa for USA first.

In this blog The Student Helpline Study Abroad Consultants, will help you understand better as in what the USA study visa types are, what are the student visa USA cost for applying and what are the standard USA study visa requirements.

Student Visa USA Types: The F-1, M-1 And J-1 Visas

The type of the USA student visa that you shall receive depends on the course you've applied for and whether you're a full-time student, distance learning student or an exchange student. The student visa type in USA are generally categorized into three, F-1, M-1 and J-1 visas.

However, if you seek to enroll to a short-duration recreational study program in the US that doesn't involves any certification or credit system, you might be able to undertake such programs using a visitor (B) visa. But make, sure that you are not permitted to study a degree-based or a certificate-based course under a visitor (B) visa, for that you must obtain a USA student visa.

Take a look at the listed below student visa types in USA:

• F-1 USA Study Visa: This student visa for USA is for those international students who wish to pursue full-time academic studies in one of the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certified colleges and courses.
• M-1 USA Study Visa: This USA study visa is for those international students who wish to pursue a full-time vocational studies or training in the US. Similar to F-1 visa, the students are required to enroll to a non-academic SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certified colleges and courses to be eligible to hold this visa.
• J-1 USA Study Visa: This student visa USA is for those scholars, research assistants and laureates who have been permitted by the US government to participate in the foreign exchange program.

Please Note: If you're a distance learning student for whom it is mandatory to attend a US college on-campus event, you have to apply for an F-1 or M-1 student visa for USA.

Image 1: Difference between F-1 and M-1 visas

US Student Visa Success Rates And Rejection Rates

The US government however hasn't yet released the latest information regarding the USA student visa success rate and the rejection rate, it is still possible to deduce the student visa success rate for USA from India. The last recorded, USA student visa success rate for the year 2023 is 63.54 % and the respective rejection rate is 36.46 %.

This by far has been the lowest success rate for the student visa for USA in over a decade. The majority of the student visa applicants even though if found eligible fail to receive the student visa USA as they are unable to express clearly their goals and the reasons to return back to their native country.

You can always take help of the study abroad consultants such as The Student Helpline. They can guide you and inform you in detail as in what works and what doesn't work when it comes to applying for a student visa for USA.

Figure 2: Number of Non-immigrant visas issued from 2019-2023

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Know Everything About How To Apply For A US Student Visa

Wondering how to get student visa for USA? The Student Helpline will help you understand the USA student visa process in detail. Applying for a student visa type in USA could prove to be a very tedious task, if you're not well informed about it.

Listed below is a step-by-step USA study visa process to follow for anyone who is looking to apply for a student visa for USA from India:

• To start with, you need to apply to a SEVP-certified college/university. If the SEVP-certified college/university allows you to study your desired course with them, you will then have to register for SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
• Pay a SEVIS I-901 student visa USA cost of 350 USD.
• After that fill out a Form I-20 from your SEVP-certified college/university.
• Next, you will have to fill out the online DS-160 form. You will be required to upload your recent photo, details regarding your academic scores, family background and other personal details and also submit a USA study visa fees of 160 USD.
• Lastly, you will have to schedule your interview at the US embassy in your resident country. Make sure to take all the respective fee receipts you've paid along with the entire student visa for USA applications process.

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Documents Required For Student Visa USA

If everything goes well in your student visa for USA applications process? You will then be asked to appear for an interview. In the interview you are required to carry some documents with you that will be thoroughly inspected by the interviewer.

Listed below are some of the USA study visa requirements regarding the documents that you need to take with you for your interview:

• A valid passport whose validity exceeds your stay in the US by at least 6 months.
• In case you failed to upload your study visa for USA digital photograph due to some technical issue, you must carry your passport size photographs (minimum 6).
• A signed copy of your SEVIS Form I-20 (signed by you and your college official).
• A printed copy of the confirmation page of your DS-160 study visa USA application form.
• The receipts of your USA study visa fees.
• Your previous year academic and excellent extra-curricular activities records.
• English language proficiency test scores:
  • Minimum IELTS exam score for USA student visa: 6.5
  • Minimum TOEFL exam score for USA student visa: 80+
• Financial proofs
• Letter of intent with a strong reason to return back to your country post your study.

You can take the help of the professional study abroad consultants, The Student Helpline. The experts here will help you arrange, organize your documents and draft compelling SOP/essays that will leave a good impression during your student visa USA interview.

USA Student Visa Intakes 2025 a Complete Guide

USA study visa intakes 2025 can be categorized into three major intake periods, the fall intake, the summer intake and the spring intake. Students are advised to apply for a student visa for USA at least 120-150 days before their respective intake commencement date.

The exact dates haven't been released yet. However, you can contact The Student Helpline consultants to know more about the USA student visa intake 2025 dates.

See Also: MBA in USA for Indian Students

USA Study Visa Employment Options

After fulfilling the USA study visa requirements and obtaining your student visa in USA, you become eligible to study in the elite universities of the US. However, students obtaining an F-1 or M-1 student visa for USA aren't allowed to work off-campus, there are some special scenarios where the students can work off-campus as well. For instance, in case someone is in grave economic peril, in such cases students will be allowed to work off-campus.

Any student who holds a valid student visa in USA is not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic term. For F-1 student visa type in USA holders, they can take part in CPT, OPT and STEM OPT off-campus work. For M-1 student type visa in USA holders, they are allowed to participate in off-campus trainings after the completion of their studies.

However, for J-1 student visa type in USA holders, they need to ask their immediate senior to work off-campus.

Who Is The Best Student Visa USA Service Provider In India?

Asking for help does no harm, especially when you need to file your abroad student visa for USA. USA is one of the most competitive study abroad destinations, competitive in the sense a lot of people are fighting to claim a spot at the best universities in the US. Even though the USA student visa success rate is pretty good, a lot many applicants get rejected due to some lacking from their side.

This is where we, The Student Helpline can be of your help. Our USA study visa consultants are well-equipped with the USA study visa requirements, USA study visa process, student visa USA cost and what to expect during the interviews. Moreover, we can help you arrange and organize your documents, write your student visa in USA SOPs/essays and guide you in selecting the best SEVP certified colleges and courses.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Student Visa USA

How Long Does It Take to Get Student Visa for USA From India?

1 week to a few months. The student visa for USA from India might take up a few days, it depends on the USA student visa application you've filed. To learn more about the USA study visa requirements for Indian students, contact The Student Helpline consultants, the best USA study visa consultants in Chandigarh.

Is It Easy to Get Student Visa for USA?

Not really, although the USA student visa success rate is 63.54 % it can be difficult to obtain a USA student visa. Get the best advice from The Student Helpline consultants, the experts here are proficient enough to help you do better in your interviews and make sure that your chances of getting a USA study visa are high.

Is IELTS Mandatory for USA Student Visa?

Yes, IELTS exam is usually mandatory to get a USA student visa. The minimum IELTS score for USA student visa 6.5. Securing high test scores in IELTS will help you get your student visa more efficiently. To prepare for the IELTS exam and get personalized training from the best IELTS experts, contact The Student Helpline.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Student Visa for USA?

510 USD is the student visa USA cost. This amount covers all the major costs of USA student visa registration process. Get in touch with The Student Helpline consultants to know more about USA study visa process, USA study visa fees and USA student visa success rate.

What is the Age Limit for Student Visa in USA?

There is no age limit for student visa in USA per se. As long as you are eligible to study at one of the SEVP-approved colleges/universities, you are welcome to obtain the USA student visa. Contact The Student Helpline consultants for more information regarding USA student visa fee.

When Can I Start Applying for Student Visa USA?

At least 120 days prior to your course term commencement date you should start applying for your USA student visa. As soon as you receive your conditional offer letter, it is advisable to apply for the visa. To learn more about USA student visa requirements, contact The Student Helpline.

What is the Minimum Bank Balance Required for Student Visa in USA?

10,000 USD is the minimum bank balance required for USA student visa. Your bank details will be validated and inspected during your interview. Get the best USA student visa tips on how to crack your interview with The Student Helpline consultants.

What is the USA Student Fees in Indian Rupees?

INR 43,029 is the approximate USA student visa fees in Indian rupees. This fee amount covers your registration to SEVIS and DS-160 student visa USA cost. To know more information about how to get student visa for USA, contact The Student Helpline.

Which Exam is Required for Usa Student Visa?

IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, ACT, GRE or GMAT are some of the exams you can study for. Securing high marks in these tests can increase your chances to obtain your USA student visa. To get personalized help regarding the standardized examination tests, contact The Student Helpline consultants.

Which Student Visa for Usa is Valid for 5 Years?

The F-1 student visa USA is valid for 5 years. However the term of your stay depends on your Form I-20. This form is given to you by your SEVP certified college/university depending on your course. To learn more about the 5 year student visa USA cost, contact The Student Helpline.