If studying in the USA is one of your dreams and you have taken a step to make it true, you should learn which student visa types you should apply for. Managing your student visa application process correctly will bring you one step closer to your dreams.
TYPES OF AMERICA STUDENT VISA
The visa required varies depending on the type of education you choose. It is generally divided into three groups. Although the application process and required documents are mostly the same for each visa type, there may be cases where they differ. US student visa types;
- M-1 Student Visa
- F-1 Student Visa
- J-1 Student Visa
This type of student visa is available to students enrolled in occupational education programs. With the M-1 visa, you have the opportunity to do an internship in the field you studied, but you cannot work. After graduation, you have the right to do an internship for up to 6 months.
Occupational education programs include technical studies, mechanical studies, language programs, and cooking classes.
The M-1 visa is valid for 1 year. If necessary, it can be extended up to 3 years.
F-1 Student Visa
If you want to study at a full-time university or language in the USA, the type of visa you need to apply for is the F-1 student visa. University education includes undergraduate, graduate and doctoral education. Thanks to this visa, you have the right to work in the library, cafe or school on campus in the first year of your university education. You can also work 20 hours a week off campus in other years and 40 hours a week during academic holidays. If you have financial difficulties and you can document this condition, you can get a special work permit in the first year of your education.
The validity period of this visa type is 5 years.
J-1 Student Visa
If you are going to America with one of the exchange or internship programs, this is the type of visa you need to get. With a J-1 student visa, you can work 20 hours on campus during the academic year and up to 40 hours during academic holidays. At the same time, you have the opportunity to work as a research assistant or assistant at the university.
AMERICA STUDENT VISA APPLICATION PROCESS
Obtaining a student visa for the United States can be a difficult and troublesome process. There are many steps to be followed.
• If you have received an acceptance letter from any school to study in the USA, you must register in the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). You must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee to the consulate no later than 3 days before departure. After registration, you will be given a SEVIS number.
• You must complete the SEVIS-sourced I-20 form, which shows that you have been accepted by the educational institution.
• You must then complete the DS-160 form online. In the DS-160 form, you must enter your passport, your travel plans, family, employment and education details, medical health information, SEVIS ID, and the school you are enrolled in the United States. At the same time, you need to upload a suitable photo of yourself to the system.
• You should take a printout of the approved page and take it with you while you are going to the interview.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR A US STUDENT VISA
The documents required for a student visa are generally similar, but there may be differences in the required documents depending on the visa type and the situation the person is in.
• Photocopy of your identity card
• Your passport (It must be valid for at least 1 year.)
• Proof of birth certificate containing your address and family registration information.
• Two of your photos that were taken within the last 6 months. The background must be white.
• Your plane ticket you bought to go to the country
• If you have traveled to America or another country before, date and visit information
• The I-20 form you have completed
• Your diploma or temporary graduation certificate
• Your academic transcript
• Copy of your bank passbook and account mobility for at least 2 months
• Your resume showing your work experiences
• SEVIS-901 payment account document
• Document showing the results of exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE
• Document showing that your expenses can be covered
• Visa application fee
