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Student Applicants (for F1 or M1 Visas)

If you are going to the U.S. primarily for tourism, but want to take a short course of study of less than 18 hours per week, you may be able to do so do so on a tourist visa. You should inquire at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If your course of study is more than 18 hours a week, you will need a student visa. Following is general information on how to apply for an F1 or M1 student visa.

In most countries, first time student visa applicants are required to appear for an in-person interview. However, each embassy and consulate sets its own interview policies and procedures regarding student visas. Students should consult Embassy web sites or call for specific application instructions. Keep in mind that June, July, and August are the busiest months in most consular sections, and interview appointments are the most difficult to get during that period.

When Do I Need to Apply for My Student Visa?

• Students should apply for their visa early to provide ample time for visa processing.
  
• The consular officer may need to get special clearances depending on the course of study and nationality of the student. This can take some additional time.
  
• Students should note that Embassies and Consulates are able to issue your student visa 90 days or less, in advance of the course of study registration date. If you apply for your visa more than 90 days prior to your start date or registration date as provided on the Form I-20, the Embassy or Consulate will hold your application until it is able to issue the visa. Consular officials will use that extra time to accomplish any of the necessary special clearances or other processes that may be required.
  
• A student who wants an earlier entry in the U.S. (more than 30 days prior to the study course start date), must qualify for, and obtain a visitor visa.

What is Needed to Apply for a Student Visa?

While each student's personal and academic situation is different, all applicants for a student visa must provide:

• A Form I-20 obtained from a U.S. college, school or university. The form must be signed by the applicant and by a school official in the appropriate places;
  
• An application Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157. A separate form is needed for children, even if they are included in a parent's passport.
  
• A passport valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the United States;
  
• One (1) 2x2 photograph.
• A receipt for visa processing fee. A receipt showing payment of the visa application fee for each applicant, including each child listed in a parent's passport who is also applying for a U.S. visa, is needed;

All applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended;
  
• Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.;
  
• Financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If you or your sponsor own a business, please bring business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements.

Applicants with dependents must also provide:

• Proof of the student's relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g., marriage and birth certificates.)
  
• It is preferred that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa, along with all other required documents.
  

What Items Does a Returning Student Need?

All applicants applying for renewals must submit:

• A passport valid for at least six months;
  
• An application Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157.
  
• A receipt for visa processing fee. A receipt showing payment of the visa application fee for each applicant, including each child listed in a parent's passport who is also applying for a U.S. visa, is needed;
  
• A new I-20 or an I-20 that has been endorsed on the back by a school official within the past 12 months;
  

All applicants applying for renewals should be prepared to submit:

• A certified copy of your grades from the school in which you are enrolled;
  
• Financial documents from you or your sponsor, showing your ability to cover the cost of your schooling.
  

How Long May I Stay on My F-1 Student Visa?

When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in America. For a student who has completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorized practical training, the student is allowed the following additional time in the U.S. before departure:

• F-1 student - An additional 60 days, to prepare for departure from the U.S. or to transfer to another school.
  
• M-1 student - An additional 30 days to depart the U.S. (Fixed time period, in total not to exceed one year). The 30 days to prepare for departure is permitted as long as the student maintained a full course of study and maintained status. An M student may receive extensions up to three years for the total program.

From the U.S. Department of State