Those aspiring to pursue higher education in the USA are required to apply for an F-1 student visa, this visa lasts longer and can extend as per request. The candidates may apply for a US students visa soon once they are admitted to the university in the USA. It is advisable to apply for a visa as soon as possible or it may be rejected. Thus, all international applicants are advised to check the F1 Student visa timelines and apply accordingly to avoid rejection.
Let’s discuss the steps involved in the F 1 Visa timelines. Each step has its own importance that must not be missed by any candidates if they are willing to study in the USA.
Steps of F 1 Studenst Visa Timlines
Step 1: Receive Admission Offer From the US University
Apply to the university of your choice and keep a track of your application status whether it is approved or not. The university will issue the admission offer upon your acceptance along with the I-20 form.
Step 2: Get I-20 Form generated by SEVIS
SEVIS is basically the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System that generates the I-20 form, required while applying for a US student visa. Those willing to take their spouse or family members, then arrange I-20 form separately for every member of your family.
Step 3: File the F1 Student Visa
After receiving the admission offer and SEVIS generated I-20 form, the applicants may apply for F 1 students for the nearest embassy or consulate in their home country. However, the requirements and process math vary from embassy to embassy. Pay the non-refundable F-1 Visa application fee and schedule your visa interview after filling out the DS-160 form.
Step 4: Give the Visa Interview at the nearest US embassy
The F 1 Visa interview must be scheduled at least three months before the university orientation program. Though, the waiting time may differ depending on the visa category and what time of the year the applicant has applied. Hence, it is advised to for visa right after receiving the I-20 form.
Step 5: Wait For the Visa Approval
After the visa interview, gather all the documents required to complete further immigration and entry requirements in US.
Step 6: Attend the Orientation in University after admission
Soon after the visa approval, make travel arrangements and attend the university orientation in the US. On average, the students may require around one or two weeks for arrangements, thus make your travel plan accordingly. Try to arrive in the USA 30 days prior to the orientation program, in order to settle and arrangements for accommodations in USA.
All applicants must make sure, that there is no guarantee of visa approval even if they have received the admission offer from the university. The travel plans must be made only after the visa is approved. It is best recommended to apply for a visa earlier that will improve your chances of getting the visa approved. Always keep a track of the visa timeline before scheduling visa interviews and travel arrangements.
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