ASPIRING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE US? YOU MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION!

A group of cheerful students studying IELTS at Miracle Institute, Pokhara, Nepal. Photo: LB Thapa

By LB THAPA

Applying for visas is always a careful procedure. It needs utmost precision and technical knowledge par excellence. Thus, this job should only be done under the supervision of a qualified education counselor. These counselors guide students through their application process and help them to get their dreams to come true.    

The US government does issue three types of study visas  

F Student Visa: This visa is granted to those students who want to study at an accredited US college or university or to study the English language at an English language institute.  

J Exchange Visa: This type of visa is offered to students who want to participate in an exchange program that includes high school and university study.  

M Student Visa: This category of visa is offered to students who want a non-academic or vocational study or training in the US.  

All photos by LB Thapa

 

Those students who dream of studying in the US should apply to a US institution that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). If the application of the student is accepted by the institution in the US, the student will receive a Form I-20. This form is issued by the institution’s international student office. This paper is a record that the student’s record is properly stored in the database called Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). 

 

Before you apply for a student visa, you need to prepare the following documents as stated below

First thing first, you must have a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US. You must have been accepted by a SEVP approved school and your Form I-20. You should also attach a document of application fee payment for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.     

Duly secure a document of Non-immigrant visa application and the Form DS-160 confirmation page. Let me explain a bit more about this document. The completed DS-160 application form generates an alpha-numeric barcode confirmation page. You need to print this page. The printed confirmation page is required for the appointment at the Visa Application Center and for the interview at the Embassy or Consulate. The last one is that you need to submit your latest photographs in the requested format.  

 

Well, this is not enough. You need to procure a few more documents as per requirement. You should make available your academic documents for examples transcripts, diplomas, degrees, and other educational certificates.  

 

Perhaps the most important document is the evidence to assure that you have sufficient funds to maintain your living expenses throughout the period of your stay in the US. This may include bank statements, a financial undertaking by a sponsor to cover your accommodation and living costs, or a scholarship program.  

 

Generally, you need to show a return air ticket from the US to your home country. This rule is applied only for short-term courses. After completing all the above mentioned documents then you can apply at the US embassy or consulate of your country for a visa interview date. On the given date, you should be able to present at the US embassy or consulate with necessary documents.  

You might still be in trouble if you are not aware of these rules prior to flying to the US. 

 

Do not enter the US more than 30 days before your study program begins. You need to contact your designated school/college/university officials when you first enter the US. You need to contact them again no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20. 

Make sure you are attending the college on regular basis. If you have any queries related to the course then you need to contact your designated school official (DSO). Never drop a course of study without consulting with your DSO.  

LB Thapa is a Pokhara-based freelance writer and author.

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