What are the initial steps for US Study Visa (Post Graduation)?

I know applying for a visa can look like a tough task and there is also this fear of getting rejected. Don’t worry, I have created a step by step process for you to apply for your USA Study Visa. Since you mentioned you are opting for post-graduation, the type of visa that you would be enrolling for is F1 Visa.

1. Get your I-20 from your university

The HIO generally takes up to 10 days to issue an I-20 after receipt of a request from the school.

2. Pay the SEVIS fee

Go to www.fmjfee.com. You can find the SEVIS number in the upper left corner of Form I-20. 

SEVIS fee proof of payment is a required document in your visa application interview at a US Embassy.

3. Complete the DS-160

DS-160 is an online visa application form that you must complete before applying.

Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page. Schedule a visa interview appointment. Pay the visa application processing fee.

4. Apply for your F1 visa

 You must bring your passport, form I-20, SEVIS fee receipt, DS-160 confirmation, proof of funding, and any additional documentation required by the individual US Embassy or Consulate

5. Visa appointment interview and processing times

Be prepared to answer questions regarding the length of your intended stay in the US and how you will use your academic experience gained in the US when you return to your country of origin.

6. Wait for your Visa to be processed & Arrive in the US

Visa processing time vary widely, particularly if you are put through administrative processing, a form of security check, which could delay the entire process.

These are the visa requirements:

Fees for F1 Visa - $160

A valid passport in good condition

Passport size photographs for your visa

Printed copies of your fee receipts 

University application

Offer of acceptance from an American university or academic institution

Bank statements as proof of financial soundness

Some of the most commonly asked visa interview questions include:

Why do you want to study in the US?

Why can’t you continue your education in your home country?

What are you planning to study?

Have you been to the United States before?

Why did you choose this university?

If you still need any guidance, I suggest you directly get in touch with Study Abroad Experts here. They have been assisting students with the loan application process from quite a long time now. I am sure it will save you some time and hassle.

Embarking on the journey to obtain a US study visa for post-graduation requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are the initial steps you should take to kickstart the process:

Receive Admission Offer: Secure admission to a US institution for your post-graduation program. Ensure that the institution is SEVP-certified, as this is a prerequisite for obtaining a student visa.
Pay SEVIS Fee: After receiving your admission offer, pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee online. This fee is mandatory for all F and M visa applicants and helps fund the administration of the SEVIS program.
Complete DS-160 Form: Fill out the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application form online. This comprehensive form collects information about your background, intended stay in the US, and other relevant details.
Schedule Visa Interview: Once you've completed the DS-160 form, schedule a visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate in your country. Visa interview appointments can book up quickly, so it's advisable to schedule yours well in advance.
Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents for your visa interview, including your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, SEVIS fee receipt, admission letter from the US institution, financial documentation demonstrating your ability to cover tuition and living expenses, and any other supporting documents requested by the embassy or consulate.
Attend Visa Interview: On the day of your interview, arrive early and bring all required documents. Be prepared to answer questions about your academic background, intended course of study, and plans after graduation. Remain calm and composed throughout the interview process.
Await Visa Decision: Following your interview, await a decision on your visa application. If approved, your passport will be returned to you with the visa affixed inside. If denied, you'll receive a letter explaining the grounds for denial.
Throughout the visa application process, it's essential to stay organized, adhere to instructions provided by the embassy or consulate, and seek guidance from your university's international student office or a knowledgeable immigration advisor if needed.