USA Student Visas How Do I Apply

How long does it take to process applications?
Processing time varies between Embassies. The waiting time for interview appointments is usually 25 to 30 days, and visa processing time is usually five to seven working days from interview. Applications lodged during the peak travel season may take longer and some applications may take up to 60 days. Final travel plans should not be made until the Visa has been issued so ensure you allow sufficient time for processing the visa.

How do I apply?
Contact your nearest US Embassy or consulate to receive further details.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa?
There are different types of visa available. Most common are Tourist, Business, Transit and Student. The visa application fee is $100, regardless of whether the visa is issued or denied, the duration of the visa or number of entries required. The Embassy will provide a paying-in slip with the application form DS-156. The fee must be paid in at a bank prior to submitting a visa application to the US Embassy, and the bank will issue a receipt of payment, which must be attached to the application form. The fee receipt, once paid, is valid for up to one year. Residents of some countries may also have to pay a reciprocal visa issuance fee.

How long is the visa valid for?
The visa will be valid for use as per the terms detailed on it but can usually be used for 10 years. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry, but is generally 6 months.
For extensions and further information, apply to the US Immigration & Naturalization Service

On entering the US with a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. This means that you may stay for as long as you are in full time education, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in America. Students who have completed their course of studies shown on the I-20, and any approved practical training, the student is allowed the following additional time in the USA before departure:

F-1 students – An extra 60 days to prepare for departure from the US or to transfer to another school.

M-1 students – An extra 30 days to depart the US. The 30 days to prepare for departure is permitted as long as the student maintained a full course of study and continued to be a student throughout. An M student may receive extensions up to three years for the total program.

For example, if you have a student visa that is valid for four years that will expire on 5^th July 2004, and you are admitted into the USA for the duration of your studies (abbreviated as "D/S"), you are allowed to stay in the US while you continue to be a full time student. Even if 5^th July 2004 passes and your visa expires whilst you are in America, you will still be a legal student. However, if you leave US with an expired visa, you will need to obtain a new one before you can return to America and continue your studies. Student visas cannot be renewed or re-issued in the United States; it must be done at an Embassy or Consulate abroad.

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USA Student Visas

Visas are required by everyone except the following:
1. citizens of countries under the Visa Waiver Program.
2. Bermudan and Canadian nationals, provided they are holding valid passports;
3. Mexican nationals provided they are holding a valid passport and a US Border Crossing Card.

Note: (a) Immigrants who have landed in Canada and British residents in Bermuda who have valid passports from Commonwealth countries or Ireland are no longer eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) As of 2nd August 2003 Transit Without Visa (TWOV) and International-to-International (ITI) transit systems have been suspended until further notice. It is now necessary for all passengers transferring in US airports to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect persons traveling under the Visa Waiver Program (see below).

Who will not be allowed to enter?
The following will not be able to obtain a USA entry visa:
1. anyone who has certain serious disorders or infectious diseases deemed threatening to the property, safety or welfare of others;
2. people who have been arrested (except for very minor driving offences) or who have a criminal record;
3. addicts or abusers of narcotics and drug traffickers;
4. anyone who has been deported from or denied admission to the USA. Note: Disqualified people may be suitable candidates for a waiver of ineligibility.

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Required documents
Suggested documents to prove eligibility for those not requiring a visa are as follows:

1. a letter of acceptance from place of study;

2. details of accommodation (if not provided by college/university);

3. evidence that you will not need access to public funds (government benefits)

Please contact your nearest embassy for further information.

Documents for visa applications are as follows:

1. Valid passport
2. Completed application form VAF1 – Non-settlement

3. the appropriate fee
4. a recent passport sized color photo (4.5 x 3.5cm)
5. Letter of acceptance from place of study
6. Evidence of funds or financial support (bank statements, payslips etc) or private/ government sponsorship

7. Evidence of accommodation arrangements for the duration of trip
8. Letter of intent for after the course (presentable to an Immigration Officer upon arrival)

UK Visas Required Documents

UK Student Visas Faq3

UK Student Visas Faq2

UK Student Visas Faq

UK Student Visas

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Can I work in UK on a student visa?

You do not have to have a work permit or seek permission from the local Job Centre for part-time (less than 20 hours per week) or holiday-time work if you are admitted into the UK for a course lasting more than 6 months. However, you must not:

• complete more than 20 hours work per week during term time unless your employment is part of your studies, has the agreement of the education institution, and leads to a degree or qualification awarded by a nationally recognised examining body
• do business, be self-employed or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
• work full-time in a permanent job

If you are admitted for a course lasting 6 months or less, permission to work is granted at the entry clearance or immigration officer’s discretion.

Contact information:
Please contact the nearest UK Embassy for information on documentation you may require to enter the UK.

UK Visas Required Documents

UK Student Visas Faq3

UK Student Visas Faq2

UK Student Visas Faq

UK Student Visas

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Can I extend my stay as a student?
If you enter the UK with a student visa and wish to extend your stay for further studies you can apply to do so at the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND).

You can only stay in the UK on as a student visa if you entered the UK with a student or prospective student visa.

Instead you may be able to switch to an employment visa if you meet the following requirements:

• you have completed a recognised degree course at either a UK publicly funded further or higher education institution or bona fide private education institution which maintains satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance
• you hold a valid work permit for employment
• If sponsored by your government or international scholarship agency you have their written consent
• you do not have an adverse immigration history

Can I bring my husband or wife and children with me?
If you can support and accommodate your family during your studies without access to public funds you may bring your husband or wife and any of your children under 18 years with you to the UK.

Will my husband or wife be allowed to work?
If you are given permission to stay in the country for 12 months or more then your husband or wife will be allowed to work in the UK.

Can I go to the UK to arrange my studies?
You may enter the UK for up to six months as a prospective student to arrange your studies. You will need to provide evidence that:

• you intend to enrol on a course of study within six months of arriving in the UK
• you can pay for your course and support and accommodate yourself and any dependants without working or help from public funds
• you plan to leave the UK when you finish your studies or when your permission to stay ends if you are not able to qualify to stay in the UK as a student

Note: It is recommended not to buy a ticket, or pay anything towards the cost of a course of studies, as delay or refusal of your application will result in financial loss. The Entry Clearance Officer may ask you for other documents: production of those listed above does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.

You can get further advice and guidance about visas from:

UK Visas

General enquiries: (+44) (0)20 7008 8438
Application forms: (+44) (0)20 7008 8308
E-mail: \n Visas.ForUK@fco.gov.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Who Needs Visa?
Required Documents
Documents For Visa Applications
How long does it take to process the application?
How do I apply?
How much will it cost to apply?
How long will the visa be valid for?
Where can I travel in the UK?
What happens once I make my application?
Can I extend my stay as a student?
Can I bring my husband or wife and children with me?
Will my husband or wife be allowed to work?
Can I go to the UK to arrange my studies?
Can I work in UK on a student visa?

UK Visas Required Documents

UK Student Visas Faq3

UK Student Visas Faq2

UK Student Visas Faq

UK Student Visas

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