Get Started with Your Education in the US by Applying for a Student Visa

Posted on: Dec 15, 2021 | | Written by:

Get Started with Your Education in the US by Applying for a Student Visa

Published on December 13, 2021. EST READ TIME: 4 minutes

As you move ahead in your education, your higher education goals will help you decide on the Universities you would want to apply to. The US still ranks high on choice for aspiring higher education candidates seeking admission in an array of courses. The concerns of travelling as a student, both medical and non-medical, can be addressed by opting for travel insurance for students among other important steps. However, you also need to know the specific ways in which you can make your visa application process smooth and hassle-free.

HDFC ERGO will take care of your emergency hospitalization, pre-existing diseases and other non-medical travel issues like loss of baggage and passport with its all-inclusive travel insurance for students.

1.Get accepted by a Recognized University and obtain your I-20-

The first thing that needs to be looked into is applying for and being accepted by a recognized University in the US. If you are opting for a full-time programme with more than 18 hours of study in a week, you will have to apply for an F1 visa. Once you have chosen the college or university where you wish to pursue the educational course, the former will send you an I-20 form. Do not tamper with the form and be sure that you keep it safe as this would be needed when you go for your visa interview.

2.Pay the SEVIS Fee-

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System charges a fee of $350 dollars which you need to clear before the completion of the Nonimmigrant Visa Application form DS-160.

3.Complete the Student Visa Application process along with a Recent Photograph-

The application process requires uploading a recent photograph of yourself along with certain documents which are mandatory such as your original marksheets, standardized test scores such as those with SAT, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE and any other certificates. You will also need all the letters that you have received from different Universities that have accepted your application.

4.Visa Application Fee-

The next step is to pay the Visa Application fee which is non-refundable and get your prepped up for the Visa Interview process.

5.Schedule an Interview Appointment-

There are two steps to this. The Biometric appointment is where you need to be present to get your photograph clicked and have your fingerprint scanned for authentication. The Personal Interview round encompasses your interaction with the interviewer who will probe into your choices of courses and your plans of returning.

Visa Validity

Once you have been handed a Visa, it will be valid for the term you have mentioned in your I-20 form or at times lesser. In case of the latter, you will be required to renew the same later.

Documents Required for Student Visa Application

•Certificate of Eligibility- This is the certificate that will be one of the foremost documents stating your acceptance by the University or college in the US and other eligibility criteria.

•Receipt from your SEVIS fee- The fee that you paid will be documented and should be furnished at the time of your interview.

•A similar receipt needs to be kept ready for the DS-160

•Passport that has a validity date that would go beyond at least six months from your intended staying period in the United States.

•In case you have any old passports you need to carry them as well.

•As reiterated earlier, documents which would be proof of your financial situation or support that you may be seeking during your educational endeavour.

•Coloured photos- one physical that you would be taking during the biometric and one digital photo that must also be in accordance with US Immigration image criteria.

•Your test scores in various standardized tests, mark sheets and all other necessary documents.

In case your Visa is denied, you can apply again. You might have to start all over again. Your visa may be declined on various grounds such as inappropriate or missing documents, insufficient financial proof, issues with background check, dearth of proof of intended return and other such factors.

It would be prudent to wait till you obtain your visa and then invest in purchasing your ticket or Travel Insurance for Students. Do remember to keep all the documents handy at the time of entry at the US port. Once you have everything by your side, you can gear up for a successful educational journey ahead.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

10 Things Students Must Pack While Going To Study Abroad

10 ways how travel insurance can help students studying in a foreign country

What You Need to Know About Student Travel Insurance ?