How to Apply for a US Study Visa – 2026-27 Updated Process

Studying in the United States is one of the most exciting opportunities for international students. Thousands of students seek a student visa for the USA every year in order to get higher education in the world-famous universities. For the 2026-27 intake year, the U.S. visa application procedure has been revised. It is advisable to be aware of the new requirements to avoid unnecessary delays.

Whether you want to know the USA student visa cost, the documents required for a US student visa, or exactly how to apply for a study visa in the USA, this guide will give you a clear, step-by-step explanation.

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Types of US Student Visas

The U.S. offers different types of student visas, and knowing which one applies to you is the first step.

• The F-1 visa is the most common, issued to students pursuing academic programs such as undergraduate, postgraduate, or language training.
• The M-1 visa is for vocational or technical courses, often shorter in duration.
• The J-1 visa is mainly for exchange students, research scholars, or visiting professionals.

Most international students who plan to study at U.S. universities will require an F-1 visa.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Apply for a Study Visa in the USA (2026-27)

The U.S. student visa process is straightforward if you follow the steps carefully.

First, you need to secure admission to a SEVP-approved U.S. institution. Once admitted, your university will issue a Form I-20, which serves as proof of enrollment and is required for your visa application. After this, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, which officially registers you in the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.

Next, complete the DS-160 form online and upload a recent passport-size photograph.

Your submission will provide a confirmation page that should be brought to the interview. The second one is to pay the USA student visa fee, which includes the visa fee of $185 and the SEVIS fee of $350. There may be additional fees based on your country of origin.

After payment, schedule your visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Slots are processed fast, particularly in times of peak admissions and therefore apply early enough. In your interview, they will inquire on matters concerning your future, finances, and what you mean to continue with academically. Approval depends on confidence, honesty, and well-prepared documentation.

Documents Required for US Student Visa

You must prepare and carry the following documents for your application and interview:

• A valid passport (at least six months beyond your intended stay)
• Form I-20 issued by your U.S. institution
• DS-160 confirmation page
• SEVIS fee payment receipt
• Visa application fee receipt
• Passport-size photographs as per U.S. visa requirements
• Evidence of financial aid (bank statements, education loan approval or scholarship letters)
• Academic transcripts and standard test results (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, GRE or GMAT)
• A Statement of Purpose (SOP), where visa officer requests.

USA Student Visa Cost in 2026-27

The total cost of a U.S. student visa includes different components. Here is a quick comparison:

New Fee Alert: Visa Integrity Fee (Effective FY 2025/2026)

Beginning possibly October 1, 2025, the U.S. government will levy a new set of Visa Integrity Fee of $250 on the majority of non-immigrant visas, such as the student visas. It can be refunded, provided that the visa requirements are followed to the letter, but not every applicant is eligible to avoid this fee.

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Tips for a Successful Visa Interview

Your visa interview is the most crucial stage of the process. Be clear and confident when answering questions, particularly about your academic goals and career plans. Ensure your financial documents are in order, as the visa officer must be convinced you can fund your studies through personal savings, scholarships, or an approved education loan.

Practice answering common interview questions, but avoid memorized responses. Instead, focus on being honest, concise, and showing genuine intent to study.

Conclusion

Submission of a student visa USA may be an overwhelming experience but with the right preparation, the whole process becomes very easy. Knowing the USA student visa cost to gathering the documents required for US student visa, being well organized and informed is the way to go.

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