USA Study Visa Immigration

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USA Study Visa Immigration

The USA continues to be the top choice for students planning to study abroad. If you are among the few who have aspired and have been admitted into your aspired university, applying for a Student Visa is the next important step to realizing your dream of studying in the USA. This USA study visa from Pakistan and all over the world Guide examines briefly the various types of visa and attempts to give a detailed process of applying for the F1 Student Visa – applicable to students planning to take up their bachelor’s as well as master’s in the USA.

Types Of Visa

There are three types of student visas to the US:

F1 Student Visa

  • Students applying for a program which requires more than 18 hours of study in a week require an F1 visa. This includes all undergraduate programs as well as graduate programs like MS, MBA, etc.
  • Spouses or children accompanying F-1 visa recipients will travel on an F-2 visa. Please note that spouses are not able to work but may accompany and/or apply for their own visa to the U.S. to work or study.

J1 Exchange Visitor Visa

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is for students, visiting scholars or lecturers pursuing an exchange program. For example, Fulbright scholars and many students on short-term study abroad programs from Indian universities will travel to the U.S. on a J-1 visa.

J1 visa is usually sought by working professional who goes to America on an exchange program, hence the name Exchange Visitor Visa. These may include a 10-month vocational training or some research fellowship, etc. Whichever be the case, the applicants would be notified for the same by the respective institutions.

Spouses or children accompanying J-1 Visa recipients will travel on a J-2 Visa. Please note that spouses are able to work when permission is obtained in advance.

M-1 Vocational/ Non-Academic Student Visa

The M1 visa is a type of student visa reserved for vocational and technical schools. While the process remains similar to an F1 visa, the difference is that on entering, the M1 visas are time stamped and students cannot overstay their visit.

Working on Student Visa

During the first year of studies, students cannot accept off-campus employment. Students cannot work more than 20 hours per week. During holidays and breaks, the student may work up to 40 hours per week. The student can work for a commercial firm that provides services to the college, such as a bookstore or cafeteria.
There are two fees associated with an F1 USA study visa from Pakistan and all over the world

  • SEVIS fee which is at present at $200
  • Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) which is at present $160

Here is the breakdown of different types of Student Visas

 Type of Visa
 Type of FeeF1J1M1
SEVIS Fee*
Amount$200$180$200
Accepted modes of PaymentCredit Card
Money Order/ Demand Draft
Payable inDollars at the applicable exchange rate as determined by the bank
MRV Application Fee/ Visa Application Fee
Amount$160$160$160
Accepted modes of PaymentNEFT Online Transfer
Instant Money Transfer by Mobile – IMPS
By Cash at counters of Axis Bank/ Citibank

*Spouses and dependents do not need to pay the SEVIS fee if they are going to the U.S. on F-2 or J-2 visas.

Documents Required for F1 Student Visa

USA study visa from Pakistan and all over the world requires you to carry a lot more documents than you would for a tourist visa, by comparison. You need the mandatory documents along with supporting documents of financial and academic records. Make sure you refer to this checklist before going to the consulate for the visa interview.

  • Valid Passport
  • Printed copy of DS-160, the online application form
  • Interview appointment letter (original and copy)
  • Form I-20 sent by the college
  • Visa fees payment confirmation receipt
  • Bank statement for at least three years showing that you have enough assets to pay for the first year (could be of parent or guardian)
  • Pay slips
  • Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
  • Score sheet of exams like TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, etc.

Supporting Financial Documents required for F1 Visa

For the USA, students need to show proof of the amount of funds they need to cover the first year’s total expenses. It includes tuition fees, living expenses, and other expenses (like books). They also need to show proof of the readily available funds for the rest of the tenure of education.

Evidence of Financial Resources required for F1 Visa

  • Tax returns for the past 3 years (Form 16)
  • Bank statements/passbook for the past 3 years
  • Original pay/salary slips and letters of employment
  • Statement from certified CA
  • Scholarship letter (If the applicant has received it)
  • The loan approval letter by the bank or the concerned authority

Dependents

  • F2 or M2 Visas for Dependents: Spouses and children under 21 can accompany the primary visa holder in the U.S. for the duration of their stay.
  • Study Restrictions for Spouses: Spouses on F2 status cannot enroll in a full-time course but may take vocational or recreational classes (e.g., cooking or tennis).
  • Education for Children: Children on F2 status are permitted to attend elementary, middle, or high school full-time. However, they cannot enroll in full-time college or university programs.
  • Employment Restrictions: Spouses and children on F2 status are not allowed to work during their stay in the U.S.

Additional Information

F1 visa holders are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT (optional practical training) on completion of graduation. That means you can work for a year after you finish your studies. It is a temporary employment permission allowing students the opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study. After that, you’ll be required to apply for a work visa if you have to continue working in the US. You can remain in the US up to 60 days after the completion of your course even if you don’t have a job offer or haven’t applied for OPT.

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