How to get a US student visa: UK student’s guide

Thinking of moving to the US to study from the UK? Before you make the trip, you’re going to need to get some paperwork sorted.

If you’ve set your heart on earning your qualifications in the US, but have no idea where to start with getting a visa, read on.

We’ve put together a guide to the US Student Visa, covering everything you need to know. This includes fees, required documents, processing times and a step-by-step guide to the application process.

And if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to manage your money as an international student, then a Wise account will be your best friend. You can manage multiple currencies at once, including US dollars.

Plus, you can get a Wise international debit card, to start spending like a local from the moment you arrive in the US.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

What is a student visa in the US?

Firstly, let’s have a rundown of exactly what a US Student Visa is.

The US Student Visa allows foreign nationals to pursue an education in the US at an accredited academic institution. It remains valid for the length of the course.

In order to be eligible for this visa, you must be enrolled in a program or course that results in a degree, diploma or certificate. Plus, your school must be authorised by the US government to accept international students.¹

Types of student visas in the US

The US Student Visa comes in two types, specifically for higher education students.

What is an F-1 Student visa?

The F-1 visa is tailored for academic students, allowing you to enter the US as a full-time student.

With this visa, you can study at your choice of accredited college or university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program.

The F-1 visa allows for free travel across the US and abroad without worry of losing your status. However, as it is a non-immigrant visa you’ll need to prove your intention to leave the US once it expires.

You can also work on this visa, if you have the time. You must be enrolled in education full-time, but the visa allows for up to 20 hours of work per week.²

What is an M-1 Student visa?

The M-1 visa is designed for vocational studies. In other words, studies that are not academic in nature.

M-1 visa holders cannot apply for academic courses, nor can they seek employment in the US. In most cases, the visa is valid for one year.

Some things you can do on this visa are open a US bank account, get a US driving licence, and access healthcare.

Things you cannot do are change schools or programs after six months of arriving in the US, enrol in degree-bearing education, or enrol in technical courses.³

What are the requirements for a student visa in the US?

In order to be eligible for either the F-1 or M-1, you’ll need to meet the following US student visa requirements:¹

• You must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program
• Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement
• You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution
• You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
• You must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study
• You must maintain a residence abroad which you have no intention of giving up.

The list of documentation required is slightly different between the two visas. Let’s take a look at each in turn.

F1 Visa documentation:²

• A copy of your valid passport
• A passport-size photograph
• Receipts proving that you paid the required fees
• I-120A-B Form
• Your academic transcript from previously attended institutions
• Bank statements proving that you have enough finances to live and study in the US.
• Standardised test scores from exams testing your knowledge of English, for example from TOEFL or IELTS
• Proof that you intend to leave the US after you finish your studies.

M1 Visa documentation:³

• A valid passport for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US
• Proof of your educational qualifications
• Proof of your proficiency in English
• Evidence of having enough funds to cover your stay in the US
• Evidence of having strong ties in your home country, for example, a job contract or a lease for an apartment
• A passport-size photograph.

The average processing time for US student visas

After the interview is complete and providing it was successful, the average US student visa processing time is between 7-10 working days.

At least a further 2-3 work days should be allowed for delivery.⁴

Are there any restrictions on working hours with a US student visa?

With the F1 student visa, working hours are restricted to no more than 20 hours per week. It only allows for work on campus. If you would like to do work off-campus you'll have to get the university’s permission.²

Student visa application fees for the US

Now it’s time to talk fees, and things get a bit pricey at this stage.

The DS-160 form comes with a $160 fee, and a separate SEVIS I-901 fee of $350. The full fee for the F1 visa application then is $510.⁵

The DS-160 fee is the same for the M1 visa, but with a slightly smaller fee of $330 for the SEVIS I-901. This brings the overall fee to $490.⁶

Need an easy, affordable way to pay visa fees in USD? Open a Wise account, and you can get a Wise card. It’s ideal for spending in multiple currencies, including online. So you can use it to pay your visa fee in USD for low fees and fair exchange rates.

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Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

How to apply for a US student visa?

If you’re ready to apply for your visa, here’s a step-by-step guide to the process.

It’s important to note that before you think about a US visa, you’ll need confirmation of enrolment from a SEVP-approved organisation. With that in hand, let’s continue:⁷

1. Check that you meet all eligibility requirements for the visa, and gather your supporting documents
2. Get your admissions documents from the SEVP institution, the most important of which is the Form I-20.
3. Once you have your Form I-20, you can start the usual application process online through the DS-160 form.
4. At this point you must pay all involved fees; the application fee and SEVIS I-901 fee.
5. With all of this done, it’s time to schedule and attend your interview which will mostly revolve around your reasons for going to the US and the institution you’re going to.
6. You’ll probably be approved or denied on the spot at the interview, or they may decide to consider. Either way, this is the application process complete.

Is the US study visa easy to get?

The process for earning a US student visa is not a difficult one. However, it can be a long-winded experience, requiring some patience.

As it starts with earning your place at the university (which is already a lengthy process) and requires a lot of forms after that, there are a lot of steps to consider.⁸

How long can you stay in the US after your student visa expires?

The student visa expires when the course ends. International students are allowed to remain in the US for 60 days after the graduation date, so they can wrap up affairs in their American lives before returning home.⁹

How to extend your US student visa?

You’ll only need to renew your visa if you plan on returning home and then returning to the States.

You’ll need to renew your visa from your home country by scheduling an appointment with the embassy or consulate.¹⁰

Can you change a student visa to a work visa in the US?

You can’t necessarily change a student visa into a work visa, as you must have a job lined up before you can apply for the work visa.

This must be done within the 60 days after graduation, so it’s recommended to job hunt before graduation.

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And with that, all the bases have been covered. For any further help needed for life in the land of liberty, check out how to manage the cost of living in the USA and how to get an American SIM card.

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Sources used:

1. USCIS - Students and Exchange Visitors
2. IAS Services - F1 Student Visa
3. IAS Services - M1 Student Visa
4. US Embassy - Study and Exchange Visas
5. Shortlight - DS-160 Form
6. Boundless - M1 Student Visa
7. Visa Guide - F1 Student Visa
8. University Compare - F1 Visa
9. IDP - Stay in the USA after graduation
10. Visa Guide - F1 Visa Renewal

Sources last checked on date: 22-May-2023