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US Student Visa - Application Process
The application process for a Student Visa varies depending on the type of Student Visa to be pursued and on the specific characteristics of each case. The general process can be "simplified" as follows:
- Choose the program and school you would like to attend. Please note that certain areas of study may bar you from entry on a student visa, depending on the planned course of study and its national security implications.
- Initiate the application process with the school you chose.
- Once the school has accepted you, it will issue you a certificate that you can use to continue with your immigration application.
- Pay the required fees.
- Schedule your Initial Entry Visa Interview with your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The policies and procedures vary depending on the specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate, so make sure you check which ones apply to you.
- Gather the documentation you need for your Initial Entry Visa Interview.
- Attend your Initial Entry Visa Interview.
- Closely monitor your application process to make sure that you comply with the deadlines and that you provide any additional information required by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service.
Most schools provide students with assistance and advice with the application process. At every government-approved school there is a person on the staff known as the designated school official (DSO). The DSO is recognized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the consulates as having primary responsibility for dealing with foreign students.
There are some situations that could complicate you student visa application process, among them:
- If you have had trouble getting visas in the past
- If have ever overstayed a visa
- Being a citizen from a country thought to sponsor terrorism
When deciding between hiring an immigration attorney to help you out with your student visa application process or doing it yourself, please bear on mind that after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. government has changed the visa procedures making the approval process more rigorous, and student visas are not an exception.
There are many factors involved in the US student visa application process. Our team of immigration attorneys offers in-depth knowledge about immigration matters and is dedicated to providing assistance to international students with all their immigration needs. We have helped thousands of clients cases in the past. Contact our office today when choosing your course of study and applying for a student visa.