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US Student Visa
Guide 2026 
Guide 2026
For international students, the US student visa is the only thing between you and that campus of your dreams. F-1 visa, the most popular visa to study in USA is associated with their own checklist, fees, and interview, and every detail matters. One step behind and your start date is bumped. Get it right and you are on that flight.
This is your one-stop guide to the student visa USA process including the very first document up to the very last stamp.
Why Study in the USA?
The US doesn't just open doors - it builds the ones worth walking through.
The US remains the #1 destination for international students, and for good reason. With over 1.17 million international students currently enrolled, the US continues to lead global higher education.
Why Study in France?
- World's largest economy = unmatched career opportunities.
- Home to Ivy League universities, MIT, Stanford, and 4,500+ accredited institutions.
- OPT and CPT programs let you work while you study or right after graduation.
- Diverse, multicultural campuses with a strong international student community.
- Globally recognized degrees that open doors on every continent.
- Cutting-edge research, innovation, and industry connections.
- Pathway to STEM OPT extension (up to 3 years of post-study work).
Why Understanding the US Student Visa Matters in 2026
The United States remains as the leading destination of international students. U.S. colleges and universities had a population of approximately 1.17 million students in the 2024-2025 academic year, which corresponded to consistent demand across the world.
At the same time, the F-1 visa process has become more competitive, making preparation and documentation more important than ever.
Key F-1 Visa Insights:
- 679,000 F-1 visa applications submitted
- 400,000 approvals granted
- 278,000 applications refused
- Approximate refusal rate: 41%
- Approval rate: roughly: 59%
Types of US Student Visas
Not all student visas are created equal, know which one is yours before you apply.
F-1 Visa
The Most Common For full-time academic study at universities, colleges, and language institutes. This is the visa to study in USA for most international students pursuing degrees.
M-1 Visa
Vocational Studies For non-academic or vocational/technical programs. Not applicable for degree-seeking students.
J-1 Visa
Exchange Programs For students on approved exchange or government-sponsored programs.
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How to Apply for Study Visa in USA - Step by Step
Here's how to get a student visa to study in USA, simplified:
01
Get Accepted to a SEVP
Apply to your chosen institution. Only SEVP-certified schools can issue the I-20. Once accepted, the university registers you in SEVIS.
02
Receive Your Form I-20
Your university's international office sends you the I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). This is your most critical document. Keep it safe.
03
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350) at fmjfee.com before submitting your visa application. Do this at least 3 business days before the interview.
04
Fill Out DS-160 Online
Complete the DS-160 non-immigrant visa application form on the US Department of State portal. Note your Application ID, you'll need it throughout.
05
Pay the Visa Application Fee
Pay the Visa Application Fee $185 (MRV fee) as required. Keep the receipt.
06
Schedule Your Visa Interview
Book your appointment at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Apply early, wait times vary significantly by country and season. You can apply up to 365 days before your program start date but can enter the US no earlier than 30 days before classes begin.
07
Attend the Interview
Arrive early, dress professionally, carry all documents, and be honest and concise. Most F-1 interviews last 5-10 minutes.
08
Receive Your Decision
Most decisions are given on the spot. If approved, your passport with the visa stamp is returned within a few days. If denied, you'll receive a written reason and can reapply (up to 3 times per year).
Documents Required for US Student Visa
Getting your paperwork right is half the battle. Here's the complete checklist on USA student visa requirements:
Mandatory Documents
- Valid passport (should include a validity of a minimum 6 months of your planned stay).
- Form I-20 (issued by your US university, which is approved by SEVP).
- DS-160 online visa application form (confirmation page).
- SEVIS fee payment receipt (Form I-901).
- Receipt of visa application fee.
- Recent passport size photo (according to the US visa photo specifications).
Financial Documents
- Bank statements (last 3-6 months).
- Scholarship or sponsorship letter (if applicable).
- Education loan approval letter.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) in case of being sponsored by the US-based person.
Indian Cosigner Option
- Letter of offer/acceptance by the US university.
- Previous academic transcripts and mark sheets.
- GRE/GMAT/SAT scores (as applicable).
- TOEFL/IELTS score report.
- Degree certificates.
US Cosigner Option
- Health insurance proof.
- Ties to home country (property documents, family proof, etc.).
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Common Reasons for USA Student Visa Rejection
- Insufficient or unconvincing proof of financial support.
- Weak connections to home country, no obvious reason to come back.
- Vague or inconsistent responses at the time of the visa interview.
- Incomplete or mismatched documentation.
- I-20 information that does not correspond to the DS-160 application.
- Prior visa refusals or immigration violations not disclosed.
- Low or missing TOEFL/IELTS scores.
- Choosing a university not recognized or flagged by SEVP.
- Inability to clearly articulate study purpose and career goals.
- SEVIS fee not paid before the interview.
Tips to Get Your USA Student Visa Approved
- Be ready well in advance of the interview, be familiar with your program, university, and career aspirations.
- Make your answers brief, truthful and related to your documents.
- Show good connections with your country of origin, family, estate, future professional goals.
- Make sure that your I-20 and DS-160 information are exactly the same.
- Pay your SEVIS fee at least 3 business days prior to the interview.
- Carry all original documents, don't rely solely on photocopies.
- Choose a SEVP-certified institution with a strong track record.
- Apply early enough (at least 3-4 months before starting your program).
- If previously rejected, address the reason clearly before reapplying.
- Consider working with a trusted advisor if your case is complex.
USA Student Visa Cost - Full Breakdown (2026)
Applying for a US student visa? Here’s exactly what it’ll cost you, broken down, no surprises.
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) | $185 |
| SEVIS I-901 Fee | $350 (F-1), $220 (J-1) |
| New: Visa Integrity Fee (FY2025 onwards) | $250 |
| Total Visa Cost (approx.) | $785 |
Important 2025-26 Update: A new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” has been introduced for F-1 applicants starting FY2025. This fee is non-waivable and non-refundable.
US Student Visa Interview - What to Expect
The interview is where most students feel anxious. Don’t be. It’s a brief, focused conversation. Here’s what what type of questions are asked in US student visa interview looks like in practice:
| Category | Sample Questions |
|---|---|
| Why the US | Why do you want to study in the US visa interview question – Why not study in your home country? |
| Why this university | What is your university ranked? What makes it the right fit? |
| Program & Goals | What will you study? How does this connect to your career? |
| Financial | How are you funding your education? Who is sponsoring you? |
| Ties to Home Country | Do you have family/property back home? Will you return after studying? |
| Academic Background | What are your GRE/GMAT/TOEFL scores? What was your undergraduate GPA? |
Why Study in the USA - F1 Visa Answer Tips
In the why do you want to study in the US visa interview, make it specific, honest, and career oriented. Here’s what works:
- Name a particular program, professor or research lab at your university.
- Connect your degree to a clear career goal.
- Demonstrate that you have researched the US education system.
- Emphasize your intent to return home, this is critical.
Example answer: “I’ve been admitted to [University]’s MS in Computer Science program, which is ranked among the top 10 globally for AI research. My goal is to specialize in machine learning and return to [home country] to build in the tech sector. My family and future career are rooted there.”
US Visa Student Visa Types - Quick Comparison
From MS in USA to MBA in USA to a broad Masters in USA, every degree path leads to the same first checkpoint: the right visa. Understanding your options early keeps your USA admission process on track and your plans on schedule.
| Feature | F-1 Visa | J-1 Visa | M-1 Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Degree programs | Exchange programs | Vocational courses |
| Duration | Duration of studies + 60-day grace | Program duration + 30-day grace | Fixed + 30-day grace |
| Work Rights | On-campus 20 hrs/week; OPT/CPT | Limited work with DSO approval | No off-campus work |
| Most Common? | Yes | Sometimes | Rarely for degree seekers |
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Anusha Goel
Columbia Business School
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NYU Stern School of Business
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Stanford Graduate School of Business
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UCLA Anderson School of Management
Ganesh was my case manager at Nomad Credit. He helped me secure 2 student loans, 1 for each year of my MBA at UCLA Anderson. It is not always straight forward for international students to get student loans in the US, but Ganesh walked me through the whole process step by step, making it as stress free as possible. Highly recommended!
Abhishek Pasricha
University of Southern California
Nomad Team helped me get the best possible option for my financing needs. They made sure that I got the most updated and consistent information to make the right decision towards the most important aspect of my studies i.e. money management. They were always there to help me and have a great attitude towards helping others.
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UVA Darden School of Business
Working with your team was an incredibly smooth and reassuring experience. A special shoutout to Karan and Deepesh, who truly went above and beyond at every stage and making sure everything was on track despite tight timelines. I’m genuinely grateful to have had such a supportive team by my side, I couldn’t have done it without you!
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Kellogg School of Management
Since, I was doing this for the first time, I had a lot of questions. The team very patiently answered all my queries and consistently supported me from filling-up my application to document verification until I had received my loan confirmation. Overall, I really appreciate Nomad’s help in navigating me through my loan application process.
Shakib Shaikh
Aston University
Your unwavering support, particularly in navigating the challenge of securing a loan without collateral, has been truly remarkable. Special thanks to Shweta ma’am. Your service and commitment to helping students like me achieve their dreams have made a profound impact, and for that, I am deeply thankful.
Akanksha Dilip Mhaisne
Kent State University
I’m incredibly grateful to Poonam and the entire Nomad Team for their outstanding support throughout. Their guidance was clear, timely, and tailored to my specific needs. I highly recommend them to anyone pursuing international education. They’re knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely invested in your success.
Jaspreet Kaur
University of Maryland
Thanks Sulekha & Nomad Credit for assisting me throughout. You also helped me boost my confidence personally in the entire process. I am grateful, you were there to resolve my every doubt regarding visa interview questions and any query I had. At the end, thanks once again for helping me achieve F-1 visa for the USA.
Arshan Bhanage
San Jose State University
Your exceptional guidance made my master’s application process smooth and stress-free. You were always available and willing to answer my queries with patience and clarity. I highly recommend Nomad to anyone seeking professional guidance for their higher education journey.
Why choose Nomad Credit for Study Abroad Journey?
Free Counselling
Country Selections
University & Course
Shortlisting
SOP, LOR & Documentation
End to End Assistance
Overseas Education Loans
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the US student visa take to process?
Most decisions are given at the interview itself. Passport delivery typically takes 3-5 business days post-approval. Apply at least 3 months in advance.
Can I apply for a US student visa without a GRE score?
Some programs and universities have waived GRE requirements, always check your specific program's policy.
What happens if my F-1 visa is rejected?
You'll receive a written reason. You can reapply up to 3 times per year. Address the rejection reason before reapplying.
What are the top universities in USA for MS?
Top schools in the case of MS programs are MIT, Stanford, Georgia Tech, University of Michigan, and Purdue, which boasts of solid STEM faculty, research capital, and OPT placement. Always verify the rankings according to your major area, and not to the general rankings of the university.
Which are the best universities in USA for international students?
The US hosts some of the most renowned institutions in the world, MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Carnegie Mellon and UC Berkeley have always topped global ranking. The most suitable one, however, will be based on your program, budget, and career aspirations and not the name on the diploma.
What is the cost of studying in USA?
Tuition for MS or MBA programs typically ranges from $20,000-$60,000 per year, plus $10,000-$20,000 for living expenses. State universities and scholarships can bring the cost of studying in USA down significantly.
Are there cheapest universities in USA that still offer quality education?
Absolutely. There are several state universities whose MS and Masters programs compete with University of the People, Texas A&M, Wayne State University, and many others that offer their programs at much reduced cost. Going cheap does not imply that there is compromise and this implies that it is strategic.
Will F-1 students get a green card?
F-1 visa is not a direct step towards a green card, though it may be a step. Most international students graduate with a F-1 to work visa (H-1B) under the OPT program and ultimately seek a green card with the help of an employer or some other immigration route. It is not automatic, it is a multi-step process, but it is totally possible with the proper career path.
Which visa gives 10 years in the USA?
The F-1 student visa USA itself doesn't have a fixed 10-year validity, it's typically issued for the duration of your studies (D/S status). However, the visa stamp in your passport can be valid for up to 5 years for some nationalities, and B-1/B-2 tourist visas are commonly issued for 10 years. For students, what matters more is your I-20 validity and maintaining active student status, not the visa stamp expiry date.
Is there an age limit for a US F1 visa?
No, there is no age restriction to the US student visa F-1. You can apply at any age provided you have a valid admission offer in a SEVP-certified institution, fulfill the financial requirements, and you can show that you have a real desire to study. At that, the applicants below 18 can be asked to provide some extra documents like parental consent.
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