From applying to colleges to receiving your documentation, the visa application process is a long and winding road. EdAgree’s Guide to the Student Visa Application Process breaks down every step, alongside additional resources to ensure you’re prepared for every twist and turn.
Our guide includes detailed information for completing the following steps to applying for and using student visa documentation.
After being admitted to a U.S. university, you will be given a form called an I-20 which confirms your eligibility for a student visa. You will need this form for both the online visa application and the visa interview.
The DS-160 is an online application form that must be filled out before scheduling a visa interview. When completing this application, you will need the I-20 form given to you by your U.S. university, as well as other identifying documents. The DS-160 can be found on your country’s embassy or consulate website.
After completing the DS-160, the next step in the visa application process is to schedule and prepare for an interview, where an immigration official will decide if you meet the qualifications for a student visa. For this stage of the application, It’s important to bring the necessary documents and prepare answers for frequently asked questions.
After you have been issued your student visa, you can enter the U.S. beginning 30 days before the start of your studies. At the airport, you will present your visa to a Customs and Border Patrol officer who will make the final decision about your entry into the U.S. If you wish to extend your stay beyond the period of your visa, you may request an extension through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
To learn more about each of these steps and gain access to EdAgree’s comprehensive visa application guide, complete the survey linked below.
At EdAgree, we are here to help you identify your path to academic success at a U.S. university. We want to help you put your best foot forward during the admissions process, additional support throughout your study abroad journey and beyond!