1. Get Accepted to a U.S. School and Obtain an I-20 Form
First, you must be accepted by a U.S. school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Once accepted, the school will issue you a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”
2.Pay the SEVIS Fee
You’ll need to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee, which is separate from the visa application fee.
You can pay this online and will need the receipt for your visa application.
3.Complete the DS-160 Form (Online Visa Application)
Fill out the DS-160 form, which is the online application for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa.
You’ll need to upload a recent passport-sized photo and print the confirmation page with the barcode for your visa interview.
4.Pay the Visa Application Fee
Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, often called the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee, through an approved bank or online.
5.Schedule Your Visa Interview
Once the DS-160 is submitted and fees are paid, schedule an appointment for a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Wait times vary, so book early. Ensure your interview date allows enough time for visa processing before your program start date.
6.Prepare for the Visa Interview
Bring all required documents:
Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your stay)
Form I-20
DS-160 confirmation page
Visa application fee receipt
SEVIS fee receipt
Financial documents proving funds to cover expenses
Academic transcripts and test scores
Any other documents that demonstrate ties to your home country
Prepare to answer questions about your choice of study, career goals, financial support, and plans after your studies.
7.Attend the Interview
At the interview, a consular officer will ask questions to verify your intentions to study and your ties to your home country. Be prepared to answer questions confidently and clearly.
8.Visa Approval and Processing
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa. Processing can take a few days to a few weeks.
If denied, the consular officer should provide a reason, and you may reapply or address any identified issues.
9.Travel to the U.S.
You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date on your Form I-20.
10.Arrival in the U.S.
On arrival, you’ll go through immigration. Have your documents ready (passport, visa, Form I-20).
After admission, report to your school as required, as it will help maintain your SEVIS status.
Additional Tips
Start the process early, as it may take several months.
Check the U.S. embassy or consulate website for specific instructions in your country.
Be aware of policies around work authorization if you plan to work on or off-campus.