Navigating Visa Requirements for Master’s Degree Students in the USA

Despite having a fairly strict immigration system, every year, the USA welcomes over a million international students. It is the most popular international education destination. Therefore, you’ll need to understand the process for a visa for MS in the US thoroughly to pursue a master’s degree in the USA,.

There are different types of student visas available, and the type of student visa you need to study in the US will primarily depend on the degree that you want to study. Read on to learn more about the process for a visa for MS in the US.

USA Student Visa Types

Types of student visas authorized by the US government:

1.  F-1 Student Visa: For students who study at a US-accredited university or college or pursue an English course at an English language institute.
2. J-1 Exchange Visa: For students participating in an educational and cultural exchange program. It includes high school and university studies.
3. M-1 Student Visa: Applicable for students undertaking a vocational or non-academic study or training program.

Unless you’re an exchange student, you’ll need an F-1 Visa for MS in the US.

The F-1 Visa for MS in the US- An Overview

Students pursuing an academic degree in an accredited US educational institution need an F-1 visa, even if they’re staying in the US under a visa waiver program or they’ve got an existing visa (e.g., a visitor visa). For most students pursuing a full-time master’s degree, In normal circumstances, an F-1 visa for MS in the US is valid throughout your course duration, as designated by your education institution.

Documents Required for an F-1 Visa for MS in the US

1. Your passport (typically, it must be valid for at least six months more than your projected time of stay in the USA).
2. Acceptance letter from a Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP)-approved educational institution.
3. Application fee payment for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
4. Form I-20- You’ll obtain this from your university after you’ve paid the SEVIS I-901 registration fee. It serves as a record of proof of your acceptance as a student in the USA.
5. Non-immigrant visa application.
6. Form DS-160- Complete this online as the first part of your visa application. You’ll need to carry a printed copy of the confirmation page for your interview.
7. 2 photographs in the format requested.
8.  Fee payment receipts- Students who’ve paid their visa application fee before the interview need to bring the receipt.

During the interview process for F-1 Visa for MS in the US,  you might also need:

• Academic transcripts and certificates for degrees and diplomas.
• Proof of financial support to study for an MS Degree in the USA.

 Application Process for an F-1 Visa for MS in the US

Here’s a step-by-step guide for the visa process to study for an MS Degree in the USA:

·        Acceptance in an SEVP Approved Institution

 Before getting an F-1 Visa for MS in the US, you should first apply and be accepted in a master’s course at a higher education institution approved by the US Department of Homeland Security’s SEVP.

·        Enrol in the SEVIS

Once an SEVP-approved institution accepts you and you’ve paid the SEVIS I-901 fee,  you’re enrolled in the SEVIS. Your college or university must also give you a Form I-20 to confirm your acceptance and student status. You’ll have to present this during your interview.

·        Complete Your Online Non-immigrant Visa Application

For this, you’ll need to fill your Form DS-160 and print its confirmation page to be shown during your interview. You’ll also need to upload your photograph. Ensure that you upload a colored photo, less than six months old and has a complete, unobscured view of your face in front of a white background. Ensure that your photograph meets any other guidelines set by the US Department of State website to make sure it’ll be accepted.

·        Fix an Interview at a US Consulate/ Embassy in Your Country

All persons applying for a Visa for MS in the US need to pass the interview. Ensure that you’ve got your passport, Form I-20, and the confirmation page of your Form DS-160. Your interview determines whether you’re entitled to the F-1 visa and whether your travel and study intentions are valid. You might need to give copies of academic transcripts as proof of your existing qualifications and academic background.

·        Additional Fees Payement

Indian students applying for a Visa for MS in the US must pay a $185 additional fee before or during their interview and a visa issuance fee once their student visa is approved. Students who’ve already paid their visa application should bring the receipt to your interview.

·        Collect Your Visa

Your visa is generally issued within 2 months. Your visa documents will usually be delivered to you.  Else you’ll need to collect your visa documents at the embassy or consulate that interviewed you.

To resolve any doubts about the F-1 student visa process, browse the U.S. Department of State – Visa Information, U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India, or the SEVP website.

Confused about the process to get a Visa for MS in the US? Contact us at Imperial Education Overseas Consultants today for more details on getting a visa for an MS Degree in the US.

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