Wondering how to apply for U.S. student visa?

Summary

This video, presented by EducationUSA in partnership with the U.S. Mission in Pakistan, provides crucial information about student visas for Pakistani students aspiring to study in the U.S. Senior EducationUSA advisor Shiza and U.S. Consular Officer Denise discuss various student visa types (F, J, M), application procedures, required documents, interview tips, and common misconceptions. They also emphasize honesty in the interview process, early visa applications, and using official sources for guidance. The session encourages prospective students to pursue U.S. education and offers tips for a successful visa application experience.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Education USA provides free advising services for students in Pakistan interested in studying in the U.S., with centers in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
• 🎓 There are three main types of U.S. student visas: F (for most academic programs), J (for exchange programs), and M (for vocational programs).
• 📄 Students receive an I-20 form (F and M visas) or a DS-2019 form (J visa) from their academic institution or sponsor once accepted.
• 💻 To apply for a visa, students must fill out the DS-160 form online, pay the visa fee, and schedule an interview. They also need to pay the SEVIS fee.
• 📅 F and M visas can now be issued up to 365 days before the program start date, giving students more time to prepare.
• 🗂 For the visa interview, students should bring their passport, a recent photo, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and receipts for visa application and SEVIS fees.
• 🗣 During the visa interview, the Consular officer wants to learn about the student's academic goals, financial ability, and plans after completing their studies.
• 🚨 Honesty is key during the visa application process, as providing false information can lead to serious consequences, including visa denial.
• 🔄 If a visa is refused, students can reapply if significant circumstances have changed, or they can provide new information.
• 🎯 Some Pakistani students may be eligible for the interview waiver program, allowing them to renew their visas without an interview if they meet specific criteria.

Q & A

What services does Education USA provide to students interested in studying in the United States?

Education USA provides free advising services to students considering pursuing their bachelor's, master's, or PhD in the U.S. They help students find a U.S. academic program that best fits their needs by offering accurate, comprehensive, and current information through one-on-one appointments, emails, phone calls, and online sessions.

What are the different types of U.S. student visas, and which one should students apply for?

There are three categories of U.S. student visas: F, J, and M visas. Most students apply for the F visa, which covers academic and language programs. The J visa is for specific exchange programs, while the M visa is for vocational or non-academic programs. Students should apply for the visa that matches the program they are accepted into (F or M for academic programs and J for exchange programs).

How do students obtain the I-20 or DS-2019 form necessary for their visa application?

Students receive the I-20 (for F or M visas) or DS-2019 (for J visas) from their U.S. academic institution or program sponsor after being accepted into a program. These forms are necessary to apply for a U.S. student visa.

What is the process for applying for a U.S. student visa after receiving the I-20 or DS-2019 form?

Students should start by filling out the DS-160 form on the Consular Electronic Application Center website (ciac.state.gov), pay the application fee, and schedule an interview. They also need to pay the SEVIS fee at fmjfee.com. During the interview, students must select the appropriate student visa category.

What documents are required for the U.S. student visa interview?

The required documents include a valid passport, a recent photo taken within the last six months, the I-20 or DS-2019 form, and receipts for the visa application fee and SEVIS fee payment. Students are also advised to bring financial and academic documents, though the consular officer may not ask to review all of them.

What is the consular officer looking for during the student visa interview?

The consular officer wants to learn about the applicant’s academic interests and future plans. They may ask about the student’s chosen field of study, reasons for selecting the program, how they plan to fund their education, and their plans after completing their studies in the U.S. The officer focuses on the applicant's story rather than reviewing extensive paperwork.

How early should students apply for a U.S. student visa?

Students should apply as early as possible to avoid missing their program's start date. F and M visas can now be issued up to 365 days before the program's start date. It's advisable to schedule the visa interview as soon as the I-20 form is received.

What should students avoid when preparing for the visa interview?

Students should avoid providing false information or fake documents, as this could have serious consequences, including affecting future visa eligibility. It's essential to be honest and genuine during the interview.

Can a student reapply for a visa if it is refused?

Yes, students can reapply if their visa was refused for reasons such as immigrant intent, but only if their circumstances have changed or they have new information. However, if the refusal was due to administrative processing, students should wait until the processing is complete before reapplying.

Is there a misconception that only students applying to well-known U.S. universities are granted visas?

Yes, there is a misconception that students only get visas if they apply to top or well-known universities. This is not true, as both public and private institutions of all sizes in the U.S. are approved to admit international students. The student's choice of university is not grounds for visa refusal.