US student visa fee and 5 money-saving tips

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As a leading economic power with a world-renowned education system, the United States naturally attracts ambitious students seeking high-quality academic experiences. This esteemed academic landscape provides students with the opportunity to explore a wide variety of disciplines.

Considering studying abroad in the US? Thao & Co. can help you navigate the enrollment process, including US student visa fee, paving the way to achieve your academic dreams.

US student visa fee requirements

Studying in the US can be a wise investment in your future, but it’s important to understand the financial requirements involved in this educational journey.

Beyond tuition costs, there are various fees associated with obtaining a US student visa. Those include the application fee, the SEVIS fee, and potential charges for document preparation, translation services, and courier delivery. Paying all the necessary fees is an essential step in the process of applying for a US student visa.

Visa fees

Visa fees are mandatory for all US visas, including the student visa. For the non-immigrant US student visa, you must pay 185 USD. Payment methods may vary based on your location.

In some countries, such as Vietnam, the US student visa fee may be paid at designated local post offices. In other countries, the US Consulate or Embassy may accept online payment or bank transfer. It’s best to check the website of your local US Consulate or Embassy to find out about specific payment methods.

The registration and payment processes are similar when you apply for types of US tourist visas. If you have experience or have relatives who have traveled to the US, it will be an advantage in the procedure process.

SEVIS fees

SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The SEVIS fee is charged to administer and maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which is an automated system designed to provide the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with crucial information about international students and exchange visitors. SEVIS helps to keep track of these students and visitors, ensuring that they maintain their status while staying in the United States.

The SEVIS fee payment is a mandatory step in the application process for a US student visa. A receipt for the SEVIS fee must be obtained before the US visa interview.

The SEVIS fee is typically collected by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), with the current fee set at 350 USD. Payment can be made at the official USCIS homepage before you attend your visa interview. Make sure you pay at least 3 business days prior to your US visa interview date so that the payment can be received and verified.

Steps to pay the SEVIS fee:

  1. ● Access the official USCIS website
  2. ● Create a personal account
  3. ● Click on “Pay SEVIS Fees”
  4. ● Complete all personal information: type of student visa, information about your study program, etc.
  5. ● Choose a payment method and click on “Pay Now”

Enrolment fees

In addition to the abovementioned fees, you will also be required to pay your enrollment fee in order to obtain a US student visa. International students are typically required to pay from 30 USD to approximately 100 USD for enrollment. Nevertheless, depending on the school regulations, international students can be eligible for financial support or have their application expenses for enrollment waived.

Visa application translation costs

In addition to the aforementioned fees, you may need to pay additional expenses for the certified translations of your visa application. To ensure a smooth visa application process, choose a reputable translation company well-versed in US visa application translation requirements.

US student visa documents include personal documents, diplomas, and other papers. Typically, translation rates for US visa documents may vary, depending on each translation agency.

Visa delivery fees

Additionally, you also need to cover the visa delivery fees. The postal delivery fees vary depending on your location.

In addition to the mandatory estimated costs, you should also budget for extra expenses, including insurance costs, fees for obtaining an invitation letter from a school in the US, or fees for scheduling an interview appointment.

5 Money-saving tips for US student visa application

Thao & Co. - US Student Visa fee

To save money during your US student visa application, consider these tips:

Be thorough with your document preparation

Carefully prepare the mandatory documents needed for the US visa application process. Ensure that your US student visa application documents are complete and accurate on the first submission.

Inaccurate information or incomplete preparation can cause delays and increased costs when applying for a US student visa.

Do your homework on US student visa fees

The associated fees should be fully understood before beginning the US student visa application process. This will enable applicants to effectively plan their finances.

Understanding the details of different US student visa fees enables applicants to choose and utilize insurance effectively. Hence, international students can tailor their financial plans to meet their specific requirements, avoiding unnecessary fees.

Explore scholarships or financial aid programs

The cost of attending a school in the US can vary depending on several factors, including the educational level and programs. The costs associated with studying in the US and maintaining a long-term stay can be quite expensive. Therefore, many international students with strong academic performance choose to pursue scholarships.

Many organizations offer comprehensive support to international students, including booking plane tickets and arranging accommodations. You may consider these programs to reduce financial pressure.

Save money on flight tickets

International students are advised to book their flight tickets in advance, ideally between 2 and 3 months before departure. However, as unexpected issues can arise, it is unnecessary to book flight tickets too early. Planning to book tickets early? Don’t forget to add travel insurance for added peace of mind. It can protect you from financial losses.

Save money on translating US student visa documents

During the visa application, English translations are typically needed for any non-English documents. However, in order to avoid translating unnecessary documents, you should carefully review the US Consulate’s specific document requirements for student visa application.

In addition, in order to reduce translation problems that can interfere with your visa application and enrollment process, you should also do your research and choose a reliable, professional translation agency.

Where to find a reputable translation agency for your visa application?

Thao & Co. is a leading translation agency specializing in legal documents, including those required for U.S. student visa applications. Thao & Co. is committed to providing our clients with exceptional notarized and certified translation services, recognized for our professionalism and reliability.

Translation Services - Thao & Co.

In order to provide clients with accurate translations, increasing their chances of obtaining a US student visa, our team of seasoned linguists constantly stays updated on USCIS requirements regarding the translation of non-English documents and other related US visa documents.

Thao & Co. provides high-quality translations, catering to all your requirements:

  1. ● Get translations for standard documents in just 24 hours
  2. ● Receive our Certificate of Translation Accuracy for all certified translations at no additional cost
  3. ● Expert-backed accuracy, peace of mind guaranteed: Our team of experienced linguists ensures meticulous translations that meet U.S. visa requirements, giving you confidence in your application.
  4. Translate school transcripts into English and convert grades to grade point average (GPA) system, meeting the specific requirements of your chosen institutions
  5. ● Reasonable, transparent costs for a wide range of services
  6. ● Thao & Co.’s proprietary platform helps you keep track of all project progress

Need help with your US student visa application? Thao & Co. can simplify the process. Get translations of your documents by our expert linguists.

Get a free quote today and see how our professional translations can streamline your application process and boost your confidence for visa success!

Source: Thao & Company
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