USA Student Visa Requirements

The USA has the world’s largest international student population, with more than 1,000,000 students choosing to broaden their education and life experience at a United States college or university. Nearly 5% of all students enrolled in higher-level education in the USA are international students, and the numbers are growing. From the mid-1950’s, when international student enrollment was only just reaching 35,000, international education in the USA has come a long way.

USA Study Visa Procedure

To apply for the F-1 USA student visa if you are a Pakistani student who wants to study in the US. As a Pakistani foreign student, you must first be admitted to a US college or university that is recognised by the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP) before you can apply for an F-1 visa. You may find out if your university or college qualifies for the F-1 visa by using School Search.

Do not worry if you are still unclear about which college and degree programmes are best for you. To discuss potential universities and majors that suit your long-term objectives, get in touch with a Global Connect advisor. Your institution or college will send you an I-20 form once you have confirmed your enrollment, which you will need for the duration of the application procedure for an F-1 visa.

Your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) ID, the beginning and ending dates of your academic programme, and your financial support sources are among the details included in this list. Prior to signing the I-20 form, it’s critical to double-check all the facts. Create a list of all the documents you must bring to the interview as the last step in the F-1 visa application process. This comprises:

  • Your ID card

  • Forms I-20 and DS-160, including the DS-160 confirmation page and I-20 payment receipt

  • A duplicate of your visa picture

  • Any supporting documentation demonstrating a desire to go back to Pakistan after graduating

Recall to practise answering sample interview questions with a Global Connect enrolment advisor before to the interview.

Let’s go on to a few F-1 visa-related topics that Pakistani students frequently ask. You must submit your information for the DS-160 application online using the application portal. (The U.S. Department of State website has further information on the DS-160.)Pay the visa fees ($160, or roughly Rs 24,700) after completing the DS-160 form to obtain a confirmation page with a barcode. To prepare for the interview, you must print this page.

You must pay the SEVIS fee ($350, or around Rs 54,000) before proceeding to the next stage of the F-1 visa application process. Printing a copy of your receipt is important because you’ll need it for the immigration interview. Locate the US embassy or consulate that is closest to you and schedule an appointment after you have completed and filed the I-20 and DS-160 papers.

Education Cost in USA

International students studying in the United States can tentatively expect a cost of between $25,000 and $45,000 per year tuition and living expenses. But one can rest assured that studying at the top universities in the USA is affordable despite the high average tuition that one must pay.

Accommodation Cost in USA

Student living cost in USA depends majorly on your personal choices. Living cost in USA for international students can be calculated roughly based on the city you reside in. The estimated living cost for the US is around $10,000 to $18,000 per year, which averages around $1000 to $1500 per month.

 

Some Important FAQs

Sadly, there is no appeals procedure if your application for an F-1 visa is rejected. You are still welcome to reapply, though!

You can ask for an accelerated appointment if your study programme begins in less than 60 days and there are no interview appointments available before it does. Your I-20 paperwork and the receipt for the SEVIS fee must be brought.

Students from Pakistan with an F-1 visa are allowed to travel both domestically and internationally once they enrol at their US college or university. To do this, a travel signature on page two of the I-20 form from the designated school official (DSO), who frequently works in the university’s office for international students, is necessary.

Additionally, I-20 paperwork need to be current and passports and visas need to be valid. Visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website for more details on the papers needed for reentry and the restrictions on travel.

On an F-1 visa, employment is only permitted in particular circumstances.

Work is normally restricted to jobs on-campus for students with F-1 visas. Students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. If your programme allows it, you can apply for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT) to find work outside of the institution.

Although not all colleges need it, travel insurance is frequently advised before going to the US because it might possibly save you a lot of time and money, especially in the event of unforeseen delays or medical crises.

The majority of US universities mandate medical insurance as a condition of enrollment. A university-sponsored health insurance programme is available to students and is frequently covered by tuition fees. Contact a Global Connect representative for additional details regarding travel and health insurance packages.

The F-1 visa application procedure may seem time-consuming and difficult for Pakistani students who want to study in the US, but with the correct amount of planning and preparation, you may increase your chances of success.

Study Visa to PR

To adjust your status from an F-1 USA student visa holder to a green card holder, you may receive the sponsorship of your employer, adjust your status to a dual-intent visa, become an investor, or marry your love interest who happens to be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

Structure of the American Academic Year

The American academic year typically adheres to a structure akin to that of English universities, consisting of three semesters. The academic year commences in September, with most universities offering a single start date annually. While specific dates may vary, the general pattern is as follows:

  • Fall Semester: Runs from September to December.
  • Spring Semester: Lasts from January to April.
  • Summer Semester: Extends from May until July.