So you have decided to study higher education in the US? Studying in America can be a life-changing experience & opens up countless opportunities. Before you start your new journey in the USA, you must meet specific requirements to get a student visa. As a Pakistani student, the visa application process may seem complicated, but don't worry - we've got you covered. In this guide, we will discuss all the important steps to get your USA student visa from choosing the right university & completing the relevant paperwork to preparing for your interview at the Islamabad USA embassy. With some advance planning and patience, you'll be well on your way to achieving your dreams of studying in the US.
USA Study Visa Requirements Without IELTS
With the proper documentation and a successful interview, you'll be granted a US student visa without needing to take the IELTS exam. Make your studies & cultural experience in America! Just be sure to follow the rules to maintain your legal student status.
To get a student visa for the US without taking the IELTS, here are the key requirements:
Apply for the F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant student visa. The F-1 visa is for academic studies, while the M-1 is for vocational or technical schools. Meet with your school’s designated school official (DSO) to get the necessary forms.
Prove your intent to study. Be ready to show that you plan to study full-time, that you're proficient in English, and that you intend to return home after your studies. Provide a statement of purpose, proof of admission to an accredited US school, and evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee is $350. Pay it at least 3 business days before your interview.
Schedule an interview and submit the required documents. Make an appointment for a nonimmigrant visa interview at the US embassy or consulate nearest you. Bring the required paperwork like your I-20/DS-2019 form, SEVIS fee receipt, passport, photo, financial evidence, and admission letter.
Attend your visa interview. Be prepared for questions about your program of study, sponsor details, future plans, and finances. Gives honest & concise answers. Assuming all goes well, your passport with the F-1 or M-1 visa should be returned to you within a week.
Types Of USA Student Visas
To study in the US, you'll need the right student visa. There are two main types:
F-1 Visa
The F-1 student visa is the most common. It's for those enrolled in an academic or language program. To qualify, you must:
Be accepted into a SEVP-approved school. The school will provide an I-20 form confirming your acceptance and enrollment details.
Show you have enough funds to cover tuition & living expenses during your studies. Usually, you need to show bank statements as proof.
Prove you intend to return home after your studies. This could include proving you have strong ties to Pakistan like family, property, a job offer, etc.
Pay the required SEVIS and visa application fees. Fees are nonrefundable so make sure you understand the requirements before applying.
M-1 Visa
The M-1 student visa is for those enrolled in vocational or technical programs. The requirements are similar to the F-1 visa but for non-academic programs.
Some examples include:
Beauty schools, mechanical schools, or flight schools.
The key is the program leads to a specific career or job.
With the right preparation and documentation, you can get your student visa to study in America.
The opportunity to live and learn in the US can be life-changing.
How To Apply For US
To apply for a study visa to the USA, several steps are required. As a Pakistani student, the process begins by determining your field of study and finding suitable universities that offer programs you're interested in.
Step 1. Once you've decided on schools, thoroughly research their admission requirements to ensure you meet the criteria. Most universities will require submitting an admission application, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, an essay or personal statement, and in some cases scores from standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT.
Step 2. After being accepted to a university, you must obtain an I-20 form, which is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. This is issued by the school you will attend. You will need this form to schedule an interview for your student visa.
Step 3. Schedule a visa interview appointment at the USA Islamabad Embassy or the Consulate General in City Karachi. At your interview, be prepared to provide evidence that you meet the requirements for the specific student visa. This includes proof of acceptance to an approved school, evidence of financial support during your studies, strong ties to your home country & a valid passport.
USA Study Visa Interview
Once you have submitted all the required documents, it’s time for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. This face-to-face interview is an important part of your student visa application process. The interviewer will evaluate your intentions to study in the U.S. and determine if you plan to return to Pakistan after completing your studies.
To be ready for the interview do extensive research on the university and program you plan to attend. Be ready to explain in detail your study plans and career goals. Have copies of your admission letter, transcripts, test scores, and financial documents to show you have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during your stay.
USA Study Visa Fees For Pakistani Students
The total cost for a study visa, including all required and optional fees, can range from $510 to $600 for most Pakistani students. To apply for a study visa to the USA, you will have to pay certain fees. As a Pakistani student, here are the main fees you can expect:
1. SEVIS Fee
The SEVIS fee, or Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fee, is $350. This is a one-time fee that is required for all students coming to the USA to study. You will pay this fee after you submit the initial I-901 form.
2. Visa Application Fee
The fee of visa application also known as the fee of MRV is about $160. This is the fee for your actual F-1 student visa interview. You will pay this fee when you schedule your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad or the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi.
3. Optional Fees
There are some optional fees you may have to pay depending on your situation:
Expedite Fee: If you need to expedite your visa interview the expedite fee is $60. This will allow you to get an interview within 3 business days.
Return of Passport Fee: If you need your passport back urgently after your visa interview, you can pay a $30 return passport fee. This will allow you to pick up your passport within 3 business days.
FAQs: About USA Study Visa
Q1: Is IELTS required for usa visa?
Ans: Yes, to study in the US, you must prove English proficiency. The IELTS or TOEFL scores are accepted. For undergraduate study, you’ll need a minimum IELTS score of 5.5. For graduate study, the minimum is 6.5.
Q2: What are the requirements for a US Student Visa?
Ans: To get a US student visa, you need to:
Get accepted: Secure admission from a US college and get the I-20 form.
Show funds: Prove you have good money for tuition & living expenses (around $20,000-$30,000 for undergraduates & $30,000-$40,000 for graduates) from different sources.
Complete forms: Fill out Form DS-160, schedule an interview, and attend it.
Provide documents: Bring necessary documents like financial proof, transcripts, and your I-20 to the interview.
Pay fee: Pay the non-refundable $160 visa application fee (Form I-901).
Comply: Have a clean record, with no past violations of US immigration law.
Q3: How much bank balance is required for usa student visa from Pakistan?
Ans: There is no strict cut-off amount, but as a general rule, you should have at least the amount required to cover your first year of study. The US embassy wants to see that you have "sufficient and dependable" financial resources to complete your program. It's best to provide official bank statements for the past year showing regular deposits to support the amount you claim to have access to.
Q4: How can I get a student visa from Pakistan to usa?
Ans: To get a student visa from Pakistan to the USA, follow these steps: research the application process, gather required documents, apply online, schedule an interview, attend the interview, and wait for a decision.
Q5: How to apply for a student visa to the USA?
Ans: To apply for a student visa to study in the USA from Pakistan, here are the key steps to follow:
Gather the Required Documentation: You will need to provide several documents to support your student visa application, including:
A valid passport
Form I-20 issued by your school in the US
Proof of funding for tuition and living expenses
Bank statements showing your financial history
Educational documents like transcripts, test scores, and diplomas
Conclusion:
The key requirements and step-by-step process for applying for a US student visa as a Pakistani student. While the process can seem lengthy and complex, if you prepare well by gathering the necessary documents, planning your study program details, and practicing for your interview, you'll increase your chances of success.
