Study Visa for Singapore

The United States, renowned as one of the most sought-after study destinations globally, provides exceptional education. Due to this, every year, millions of students from across the globe try hard to secure their future by getting USA student visas and applying to American universities. Even currently thousands of international students are pursuing their courses in diverse streams in the USA. Here are the top reasons why USA is the best place for study purposes:

• American universities have a flexible education system that offers a myriad of courses and programs, giving the freedom to students to structure and customize their education choices.

• It is a focal point of diverse environments as the students get exposed to numerous cultures, races and ethnicities. Studying in the USA helps in growing students in a diverse community, fostering acceptance and eliminating discrimination.

• USA has a bunch of the finest institutions. US universities rank highest globally for their high academic standards, rigorous education quality, and well-supported system. As per the research, 33 of the top 100 universities globally are from the USA.

• American universities provide comprehensive support services and resources to assist international students in various aspects of their academic and social life.

• USA student visa allows you to enjoy lively and vibrant campus life because it has a dynamic and engaging campus habitat, providing students with opportunities to explore new cultures, ideas, and connections.

• US universities excel in technology and research, offering state-of-the-art resources and opportunities to study and collaborate with leading scholars in various fields.

• The USA as a nation provides substantial funding and advanced facilities for research programs, creating vast opportunities for students interested in pioneering research.

• Studying in the best US universities enhances long-term career prospects by providing good international exposure, practical knowledge, and experiences sought after by employers worldwide.

Documents Required For USA Student Visa

Please ensure you have the following documents for your US study visa application:

• Valid passport with at least validity of six months beyond the intended stay in the US.

• Letter of Acceptance from an institution accredited by SEVP, along with Form I-20.

• SEVIS Application fee payment receipt.

• Confirmation page of Form DS-160 and Non-Immigrant Visa application.

– Financial proof demonstrating sufficient funds to cover living expenses throughout the stay in the US (e.g., bank statements, sponsorship undertaking, scholarship offer letter, etc.).

– Evidence of plans to leave the country upon completion of the study course.

– Recent photograph of the applicant in the specified format.

• Academic documents such as certificates, diplomas, or degrees.

When attending your US study visa interview, make sure to bring the following documents:

• Copies and originals of all the documents submitted during the visa application process, including a valid passport, exam scores, two colour photos in the required format, academic qualification certificates, SEVP University Acceptance Letter, proof of funds, birth/marriage certificate, etc.

• Copies of the visa application and interview appointment confirmation.

• Signed SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019.

• Receipts for the SEVIS and MRV fees.

• For J-1 Trainee & Intern Visa applicants, Form DS-7002 is required.

• Confirmation page of the DS-160 application, including the barcode and ID number.

Eligibility Criteria For USA Student Visa

The age limit for a USA Student Visa ranges from 14 to 79 years; above or below this age, only special cases are considered. The specific interview requirements are determined by the US Consulate.

To apply for a USA student visa, aspiring individuals have to go through the following six stages:

1. Achieve high scores in the general exam and language tests.
2. Apply and obtain an acceptance letter from an educational institution in the US approved by the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
3. Make payment for the fee of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
4. Successfully complete the visa application process.
5. Pay the visa application fees, collect the receipt, and obtain an applicant’s ID.
6. Schedule and successfully clear your visa interview.

 Types of USA Student Visa

F Visa

This type of USA student visa is for those international or Indian students who are planning to pursue an academic degree at a recognized college in the United States or who are interested in studying English at a university or intensive English language institute. There are three primary categories of the F visa:

1. F-1 visas are for students who want to enroll full-time in an academic program.
2. F-2 visas are for the dependents of F-1 visa holders, including spouses and unmarried individuals under the age of 21. It also applies to couples who are of the same gender.
3. F-3 visas are for “border commuters,” such as Mexican and Canadian students who live in their home country while attending school either part-time or full-time in the US colleges/institutions.

M Visa

 The M visa comes under the second category of the USA student visa, reserved for international students seeking to pursue non-academic or vocational study or training at an American institution. It has three different types:

1. M-1 visas are available for students who are involved in vocational or non-academic studies.
2. M-2 visas are granted to dependents of M-1 visa holders, similar to F-2 visas.
3. M-3 visas are specifically tailored for “border commuters” non-academic or pursuing vocational studies, similar to F-3 visas.

J Visa

The last comes the J visa, which is the third type of USA student visa, allotted to international exchange visitors participating in programs within the US that facilitate cultural exchange. To pursue medical, business, or other forms of training, applicants must satisfy all the eligibility requirements set by the respective program and must obtain sponsorship from either a government program or a private sector organization. Generally, individuals holding J visas stay relatively for a shorter period of time in the US, lasting one or two semesters. The J visa consists of two types of categories:

J-1 visas ( granted to exchange students enrolled in relevant exchange programs).

J-2 visas (issued for dependents of J-1 visa holders, similar to F-2 visas).

Cost Of Studying In USA

Tuition fees are one of the most significant and foremost expenses to study in the USA. On average, USA student visa holders studying in the USA must spend approximately $45,000 annually. The amount of money a student needs to spend on tuition fees is entirely driven by the chosen study program, qualification, and institution/college. Humanities, education, and arts courses have significantly lower fees as compared to subjects such as engineering, medicine,  and business management. Here is an overview to better understand the cost:

USA student visa applicants who are going through financial issues can apply for scholarships as the USA’s various universities and organizations offer a range of scholarship opportunities to international students. Depending on the eligibility criteria, students have the option to apply for the scholarship that best suits their needs. These scholarships typically include coverage for common expenses such as tuition fees, cost of living, and multiple other expenses.