Approval for international student visas may be easier than some other types of visas. Providing the required documentation, being prepared before starting the visa application process and having a clearly defined course of study will make the process less difficult.
Required Documentation
There are many important documents needed in order to apply for international student visas. A valid passport is the most important. Visas are not issued for individuals who do not possess valid passports. Transcripts from all school the student has attended are also required. The school that the student will be attending might request test scores from the student including but not limited to GMAT, GRE, SAT and TOEFL. Prior to applying for a student visa proof of financial responsibility must be provided. If the student is sponsored by an employer, family or is self-funded, financial records, tuition payments, bank statements and business records should be in hand. A two by two-inch passport type photo as well as a copy of the student’s medical records will also be needed.
Type of Student Visas
There are a few types of international student visas. The F1 student visa is specifically for foreign residents who have ties to their country of origin and plan to return there after they have completed their academic studies. This visa does not permit the student to change schools after arrival in the United States. Proof of financial stability is required. This visa can be modified to a temporary work visa after the student completes their education.
F2 visa applications allow the spouses and minor children of adult students to accompany them to the United States. The F2 visa cannot be changed to a temporary work visa. M1 visas are intended for students enrolled in a technical or vocational educational facility. Students are not permitted to work while studying in the country. M1 visas require proof of financial responsibility for the cost of the training, housing and return passage to their country of origin after completing their studies.
Student Visa Applications
All visa application forms can be downloaded from the internet. Approval of some international student forms is required prior to submitting the standard visa application form. The SEVIS I-20 form must be completed, submitted and the payment made before a visa application will be accepted. Form I-20A-B must also be completed. Form I-20M-N and the M-1 Vocational Student application may also be required. All of these forms and instructions can be viewed, downloaded and printed from the US State Departments website.
Fees
In addition to the fees of additional forms required to obtain international student visas the standard cost for a US visa must be paid prior to submission. The current non-immigrant fee for a visa application is $140.00 US dollars. The State Department requires that all application fees be paid when the visa application is submitted. If the student is electronically filing, payments can be made electronically. If submitting a visa application in person major credit cards including American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa are acceptable. Cashiers and certified checks, money orders and electronic banks transfers are permitted provided that the bank is a United States institution.
Obtaining an international student visa is a lengthy process requiring additional documentation. Once obtained students from all over the world can study and train at an educational facility of their choice.
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