Many students every year aspire to acquire a student visa that will allow them to study in the USA. Some find the whole process too confusing while others are intimidated by the thought of visa interviews. If you were to ask us, the process can be lengthy, but there are lots of students who successfully get their visa and are able to study in the USA. We have a few visa application tips for studying in the USA that can be useful for you.
Table of Contents
1. Filling the Forms
The school or university in which you will be studying in the USA will send you a form known as the I-20 form which will allow them to enroll non-immigrant students. If you are taking part in a student exchange, then you will have to fill the DS-2019 form instead of the I-20. Make sure you read the form properly and then fill it clearly, accurately and completely.
2. Knowing the Fees
Be prepared to pay the fees required for you to acquire the visa. A $200 fee is applied for student visa applicants. An exchange visitor will be paying $180. This fee supports the cost of the computer on which your stay is recorded. It is known as SEVIS. It must be paid at least three days before your visa interview.
The second fee of $160 must also be paid. It is the visa application fee. You can find out details about paying this fee on the website of the US embassy.
3. Prepare For Delays
Via application is a lengthy process. This is why you must apply for the visa at least three months ahead of time. This will give you time to handle delays and help you join the school or university on time.
Once you fill the I-20 or DS-2019 form, it is sent for security clearance. Sometimes, additional screenings are requested for students who have chosen specific subjects. By giving the visa application process adequate time, you will be able to minimize unwanted delays in joining your school or university in the USA.
4. Pick the right clothes for your interview
Your visa interview should be treated very seriously. Choose formal clothes and treat it like a formal meeting. By making a good first impression, you can ensure that the visa officer does not hesitate to clear you.
5. Prepare for your interview
The success of your visa application depends a lot on your preparation for the interview. It is the job of the visa officers to figure out if a person has plans other than education once they enter the USA. Be prepared to answer the following:
6. About your education plans
Your educational roadmap should be very clear. You should be able to answer exactly why you have chosen the subjects and how it will be useful for your future. Also, be prepared to answer what you plan to do after the completion of your studies.
7. Explanation of low grades
Low grades will have to be backed with appropriate explanation.
8. Reason for choosing a particular university
Be prepared to explain why you chose the university or school. You should be able to answer why they stand out from the rest.
9. Reason for choosing the USA for studies
Also have a ready answer for why the USA was better than all other countries, including your own when it comes to studying or for taking a particular educational course.
If you are well-prepared and you apply for your student visa well in advance, then you will find the entire process to be easier and it will cause less anxiety to you and your family.
Best Scholarships in USA for International Students
100 Fully Funded Knight Hennessy Scholars Program for International Students at Stanford University in USA, 2020
Stanford University is offering fully-funded opportunity to study any graduate degree in the USA. With the goal of developing a new generation of global leaders, Knight Hennessy Scholars Program is open to all international students.
Award: Fully-Funded 100 awards
Application Deadline: October 9, 2019
Apply Now
Simons Foundation IMU-Simons African Fellowship Program in USA, 2019
Applications are open for the IMU-Simons African Fellowship Program. The Simons Foundation is offering this opportunity for Africans who hold a valid doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in mathematics. The African applicant must be based (place of work) in an African developing country.
Award: USD 5,000, Travel costs, Visa fees, Travel insurance charges, Basic living costs, Accommodation cost, etc.
Application Deadline: July 15th, 2019 and October 1st, 2019
Apply Now
International Excellence Award at Northern Arizona University, USA
Northern Arizona University is accepting applications for the International Excellence Award. The merit-based tuition waiver program is open to high-achieving underrepresented international students to attend NAU.
Award: $10,000 – $13,000 per year
Application Deadline: March 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester
Apply Now
KSU Undergraduate Merit-Based Scholarship for International Students in USA, 2019
Kent State University is given the opportunity for international freshmen students to join its undergraduate merit-based funding program. The call is open to applicants from any nationality going to take admission in an undergraduate program offered by the KSU.
Award: $2,000 to $15,000
Application Deadline: October 1, 2019
Apply Now
50 Facebook Grace Hopper Women in Computing Scholarships for International Applicants in USA, 2019
Facebook Grace Hopper Women in Computing Scholarships is open for international female students. Funded by Facebook, the funding opportunity is designed to advancing women in technology. The purpose of the program is to provide financial help to international students to study Computer Science.
Award: Varies
Application Deadline: June 28th, 2019
Apply Now
Fondation Hoffmann Scholarship for International Students in the USA
The University of the People is pleased to offer an opportunity to apply for the Foundation Hoffman Funding program. The program is open to International students who want to get an associate’s degree in the US.
Award: Tuition Fee Fund
Application Deadline: Open for 2019 Entry
Apply Now
Best Online Courses in USA
| Course | Provider | Duration | Cost | Deadline |
| 1.Computer Vision and Image Analysis | Microsoft | 4 weeks | Free | Self-Paced |
| 2.Digital Analytics for Marketing Professionals: Marketing Analytics in Theory | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 4 weeks | Free | Open |
| 3. Mastering Design Thinking (online) | Management Executive Educaion | 3 months | $3,300 | Open |
| 4. CS50’s Web Programming with Python and JavaScript | Harvard University | 12 weeks | Free | December 31, 2020 |
| 5. Digital Transformation Strategy | Booston University | 6 weeks | Free | Open |
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