US Student Visa Process: A step-by-step guide

The US Student Visa Process typically involves multiple steps accompanied by a substantial amount of paperwork. Understanding this process is crucial to avoid mistakes that can impact the result of your visa application.

US Student Visa Process Step by Step

Here are 7 important steps in the US student Visa process.

Step 1: Enroll in a University/College and Fill out the I-20 Form

1. • Once you have chosen a school, complete the university or college application process.
2. • Upon acceptance into a school, the designated school official will issue a Form I-20, which is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.

For your US student visa application, you need to have your documents translated and certified to ensure their legal validity.

Translations must maintain the original format while ensuring the utmost accuracy. Thao & Co.’s legal translation services simplify your entire application process.

We understand the critical importance of accuracy, which is why we offer precise and legally sound translations you can rely on. A professional translation can greatly boost your success in administrative procedures.

Our certified translation services ensure your documents meet the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) standards. We translate:

1. • High School Diplomas
2. • Academic Transcripts and School Reports
3. • Cover Letters
4. • Criminal Record Checks
5. • Birth Certificates
6. • And more

For more information, check out our Certified + Notarized Translation Services.

Step 2: Pay SEVIS Fee

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee for F1 visa applicants is $350. You can make a payment using a Visa card or Mastercard as follows:

1. • Access the official website of Department of Homeland Security: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html
2. • Choose I-901 Payment and fill out all the information requested in the form.
3. • Print out the I-901 SEVIS fee receipt after processing payment. Present proof of your I-901 SEVIS fee payment at your visa interview.

Step 3: Complete DS-160 Form

1. • Go to: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ and provide all the information requested in the form.
2. • Upload an ID photo according to the specified requirements.
3. • Print out the visa application confirmation page once complete.

Step 4: Pay Visa Fee

1. • Access the website: https://www.ustraveldocs.com. Choose your country as the location.
2. • Click on the New user option to create your profile. Then, fill in the form and press Submit.
3. • Click on the Schedule Appointment option. Then, specify the Visa Type, Post, Visa Category and Visa Class.
4. • Choose a payment method and print out your deposit slip.
5. • Visit the designated location to pay your visa fee and save the receipt.

Important Notice: While total values are shown in USD, fees should be paid in the equivalent local currency using the consular exchange rate.

Step 5: Schedule a Visa Interview Appointment

1. • Go back to the website: portal.ustraveldocs.com and log in to your account.
2. • Provide the following information: Passport Number and Visa Fee Receipt Number.
3. • Use the ten-digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.

Step 6: Visa Interview

1. • Ensure you bring all the necessary documentation to the US Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview. It is advisable to arrive 15 – 20 minutes early.
2. • Attend your interview with the consular officer.
3. • Provide the receiving address for your passport and visa before making a visa interview appointment.

Important notice: Bring the following documents to your interview:

1. • DS-160 confirmation page, appointment letter for the interview, ID photo, passport, visa application fee payment receipt.
2. • Documents that demonstrate strong financial and family ties to your home country, which will compel you to return after completing your study program in the US.
3. • Documents demonstrating your financial capability to fund all expenses for the first academic year and throughout your stay in the United States.
4. • Documents proving sponsorship: sponsor’s bankbooks, fixed deposit certificates, proof of your relationship to the sponsor, and more.
5. • Academic documents for educational preparation: school transcripts, certificates, and diplomas.

Make sure to get the documents you plan to present at your visa interviews professionally translated. It allows the consular officer to quickly understand your paperwork and creates a positive first impression.

Step 7: Track Approved Visa

You will know your result right after the interview. Once your visa has been approved, your passport containing the visa will be mailed back to you. Otherwise, the consular officer will return your passport after your interview.

How long does the US student visa process take?

On average, the whole US student visa application process may take 4 – 10 weeks. In particular,

1. • The time frame for receiving an acceptance letter varies from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the educational institution.
2. • Estimated time for completing your application and preparing for the US student visa interview: 2 to 4 weeks.

In some cases, it may take up to 1 year to complete the visa application. Some US universities or colleges require students to submit their application before November for the semester beginning next September.

Top tips to ace the US student visa application process

To ensure that your efforts and preparations are fruitful, we have compiled a list of priorities:

1. • Prepare all the necessary documents
2. • Provide authentic documents and correct information 
3. • Answer confidently and truthfully in the interview
4. • Ensure your documents are accurately translated into English by professional translators.

It is best to entrust your documents to reputable translation agencies. With extensive experience in translating visa application documents, they can guarantee high-quality and error-free translations.

At Thao & Co., we have a professional team of linguists ready to assist your US student visa application process. Boasting a wealth of experience in legal translation, our experts are adept at handling legal documents.

Beyond exceptional translation quality, Thao & Co. offers:

1. • 24-hour turnaround of final translations for standard documents.
2. • Our Certification of Translation Accuracy provided free of charge.
3. • Notarization or legalization services available at a reasonable fee.
4. • Client confidentiality guaranteed by stringent security.
5. • Streamlined progress tracking and file transfer enabled through Thao & Co.’s proprietary platform.

Navigating the US student visa process can be straightforward with the right information. Keep this US student visa process step-by-step guide handy for future reference!

Get your free consultation today. Leave your contact on our Get a Quote page. Thao & Co. will get back to you with top-tier solutions.