Student Visa Basics

One of the most common types of visas requested is the student visa, which allows foreign nationals to pursue a course of study in the United States. Generally students apply for some type of F or M visa.

In order to be eligible for a student visa, you must first be accepted to attend an established school that is SEVP-certified, or approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is another concept with which you should become familiar as you will need a SEVIS generated Form I-20 from your school in order to be able to apply for a visa.

Who is eligible for a student visa?

In addition to the above requirements, you must also show that you have a residence abroad that you don’t intend to abandon, that you plan on leaving the United States when your course of study is finished, and that you have “sufficient funds to pursue the proposed course of study.”

When should I apply for a student visa?

You can apply for a student visa as soon as you have everything prepared to apply, but consulates and embassies cannot grant a visa more than 120 days before the beginning of registration for your course of study; if you apply before then, your application will be held until it can be processed.

When can I enter the United States with a student visa?

Student visa holders should enter the United States to begin a course of study no more than 30 days before the course’s start date.

Do I need a visa to take any kind of educational course in the United States?

No. If you are traveling to the United States for tourist purposes but are taking a course that is less than 18 hours per week and recreational, a tourist visa is all you will need. The State Department notes, though, that “[w]hen traveling to the U.S. to attend seminars or conferences for credit towards a degree, then you’ll need a student visa.”
For full instructions on applying for a student visa, including the most up-to-date information regarding the documents and fees required, be sure to check out the U.S. Department of State website. The U.S. Department of State also recommends another great resource for information on student visas and studying in the United States: EducationUSA. As with all visa issues, if you have any questions regarding your specific situation, you are advised to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer in your area.