You can now apply for a US Student Visa 1 year ahead

Overseas aspirants seeking to get the US Student Visa can now file an application one year ahead of the beginning of their academic term. This initiative by the Biden administration offers a highly sought-after reprieve to overseas students. They are usually offered 2 types of US Visas M and F Visas.

The US Department of State said that US Study Visas can now be approved 1 year ahead of the commencement date of the study program. But they will not be permitted to arrive in the US on the Student Visas more than 1 month before the commencement date, added DOS.

For arriving in the US 1 month ahead of the commencement of their study program overseas students require the lawful Visitor or B Visa. US Consulates and Embassies offer Study Visas depending on the Form I-20 provided by their academic institution.

Registering on the SEVIS - the Student and Exchange Visitor System has been made mandatory for all students by the DOS. If the minor kids and spouses of the overseas students seeking to reside in the US along with them, each of them has to get an I-20 Form from the student’s academic institution as per the DOS.

The Department of State has further elaborated that overseas students in the US on the F-Visas have to exit the nation within 2 months of the conclusion date of the program. This is as specified on the I-20 Form and is inclusive of any approved practical training.

Previously, interviews for US Visas could be booked just 3 months in advance and Forms I-20 4 to 6 months prior to the commencement of the term.

The announcement follows the statement by Julie Stufft the Visa Services Deputy Assistant Secretary that the US is making 360-degree efforts for cutting lengthy wait times for US Visa in India. She said that India surpassed the record for maximum students in 2022 and is likely to repeat it in 2023. India is now the second highest source nation for overseas students to the US, she informed.

Julie Stufft elaborated that the US is making all feasible efforts on the Visitor Visa and those specifically that do not require the interview. These will not be required to wait for long periods for renewal and this is a part of our broader strategy said the Deputy Assistant Secretary.

The latest update must ease delays in US Visa processing and make advanced planning smooth for students and educational institutions in the US.

The F-1 Student Visa

The type of school and study course will decide if you require an M Visa or F Visa.

• Institution or University, Private Elementary School, Academy, High School, School of the Arts, Miscellaneous Educational Institute inclusive of a program for language teaching – F
• Vocational or other accepted non-academic institution, except a language training program- M

The F-1 Visa Application Process

Get accepted into a University/School

You must file an application and get accepted by an institution authorized by the SEVP before filing an application for an F-1 Study Visa.

Make a payment of the SEVIS fee and get the I-20 Form

After approval, you will be permitted to make a payment of the $350 I-901 SEVIS fee for getting enrolled in the SEVIS. You will then receive the I-20 Form from the US School. It will be shared with the Office of the US Consulate at the time of your interview for an F-1 Student Visa.

If your minor kids and spouse seek to reside in the US along with you, each of them has to get I-20 Form individually from your academic institution. However, they are not required to enroll themselves with the SEVIS.

Complete the form for the Visa application

You have to make payment of the fee for the DS-160 Visa application and it is not refundable. The online application process permits you to fill out the form and take a printout for the Visa interview.

Attend the interview for the Visa

The Visa interview can be held at the Consulate or Embassy of the US. The wait times are variable based on the season, location, and Visa category.

Approval for F-1 Visa

Your eligibility for the F-1 Visa will be decided by the Visa interview. If you have arranged all the documents and ensured compliance with the requirements for the F-1 Visa, the request will be granted at the discretion of the Officer at the Consulate.

Digital scans of fingerprints will be collected for records. Your Passport will be taken for affixing the Visa and you will be informed of the mode of delivery to you either by mail or pick-up.