How Much does a Student Visa Cost?
Every year, there are over 1 million international students who study in the U.S. across various colleges and universities. These students make a significant contribution to the economy, generating $42.4 billion in 2018 alone.
Many international students are drawn to the U.S to take advantage of the excellent education provided by many different institutions. From technology to business and from healthcare to social sciences, international students are able to expand their skillsets and become prepared for the global job market.
A common question that many students looking to come to the U.S ask themselves is: how much does a student visa cost? What is the process like and how long will it take? Let's take a look at the answers to help you understand more about the Visa application process and how you can begin your journey towards obtaining a U.S education.
How to Apply for a Student Visa
Any student who isn’t a citizen or permanent resident (Green Card Holder) of the United States is required to obtain a student visa. The visa application process typically begins with first applying for admission to an approved school and program of study. The process then ends with undergoing a Visa interview at the consulate in your country.
While details of the visa application process will vary widely from country to country, here are some of the most common steps you can expect to go through.
Determine the Type of Student Visa You Need
There are several different types of student visas that international students can apply for.
F Student Visa
The F student visa is issued to students who intend to study at an accredited college/university in the USA. This visa applies to undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate students (among other programs).
The F visa is typically awarded for the duration of your program, giving you enough time to complete your studies (you can also apply for an extension if necessary).
J Visa for Exchange Students
The J visa is for exchange students who intend to participate in an academic exchange program. It can be issued for both high school and college exchange programs, and typically has a shorter duration than F visas.
Applying for Admission to a Recognized University
The student visa application process starts with applying for admission to a recognized college or university in the United States. To ensure the quality of a U.S education, the government accredits institutions and programs that have been determined to meet various established guidelines. All accredited institutions are thereafter listed and approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
As an international student, it’s important to only apply to institutions that have been dully accredited by the U.S government. This is because a degree from an accredited institution is more likely to be recognized by employers, universities, and professional bodies around the world.
Paying the SEVIS Fee
After applying and being accepted into the program of your choice, the next step is to pay the SEVIS fee. SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a centralized system that was put in place to help support international students and their visa application process.
The SEVIS fee is $200-350 for F visas, and $180-220 for J visas.
Filling Out the Student Visa Application
After applying for and paying the SEVIS fee, you need to apply for a student visa. This application is what will be used to schedule your final visa interview. The actual student visa application process will vary from one country to another. However, all applications start by filling out an online form called a DS-160.
This form will request you to provide details such as your name, address, family, and other background information. It will also require you to submit a photo that will be used for your final visa issuing.
The Visa Application Fee
As part of the visa application process, you’ll also be required to pay a visa application fee. Also referred to as a Machine Readable Visa (MRV) Fee, the purpose is to facilitate your visa processing and interview process.
Visa application fees vary between $100-$200, depending on your country and the type of Visa. To get an example, many F visa application fees cost $160.
The Visa Interview
After paying your SEVIS fee, competing the visa application, and paying your visa application fee, you’ll be required to schedule and attend a visa interview. This interview is simply to ask you questions about your academic goals and the institution that you’ll be attending.
Upon successful completion of the interview, you’ll be issued with a US student visa. The visa will be embedded in your passport and you can use it to enter the US up to 30 days before your program is scheduled to begin.
ECPI University offers a welcoming environment for international students, along with a robust academic calendar. Our international student can pursue a wide range of programs, including technology, business, health sciences, and culinary arts. Contact one of our admissions counselors and get started on your US education journey today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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