How to get a Student Visa USA?
The United States is the world's most popular study-abroad destination. It provides exceptional opportunities for students from all disciplines to learn and flourish in their chosen subjects. When combined with an economy that demands fresh talent every year, it is the ideal location for those wishing to study and create a career after graduation.
The United States remains the top choice for students looking to study abroad. If you are among the few who aspire and have already been admitted to your desired university, applying for a Student Visa to the USA from Sri Lanka is the next critical step toward fulfilling your ambition of studying in the United States.
This Students Visa Guide briefly discusses the many types of visas and strives to provide a complete method for applying for the F1 Student Visa Srilanka USA, which is available to students wishing to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree in the United States.
If you are an aecc student who has received an offer letter from one of our US partner colleges, we can assist you with how to proceed with the application process. We'll keep you up to date on the most recent visa criteria and conditions, as well as assist you in preparing the necessary paperwork for the application.
Our professionals will lead you to official websites and authorised immigration representatives to guarantee that you get the most up-to-date application forms and information. We can also certify, translate, and courier your documents to save you time.
USA Student Visa Latest updates for Sri Lanka
- 7th April 2022: The US Embassy may modify the student visa application process beginning in the summer of 2023.
- The US waives in-person interviews for many visa applications in Sri Lanka on February 27th, 2023.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of the United States recently introduced 22 additional courses to the STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) programme for overseas students.
Types of USA Study Visa
Visa Type |
About |
F1 Student Visa |
Students applying to programmes that require more than 18 hours of study per week must get an F1 visa. All undergraduate and graduate programmes, such as MS and MBA, are included. |
F2 Student Dependent Visa |
The F2 visa describes the student-dependent visa. The F2 visa is a non-immigrant dependent visa that permits F1 student visa holders' immediate family members to enter the United States. Dependents include the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21. |
J1 Exchange Visitor Visa |
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is designed for students, visiting researchers, or lecturers participating in an exchange programme. For example, Fulbright scholars and many Sri Lankan students participating in short-term study abroad programmes will visit the United States on a J-1 visa. |
J-2 Visa |
The US Citizenship and Immigration Service issues the J2 visa (USCIS). It is a special visa for the spouses and dependents of J1 visa holders. These individuals may later accompany or accompany a J1 visa holder to the United States. |
M-1 Vocational/ Non-Academic Student Visa |
The M1 visa is a type of student visa given solely to students enrolled in vocational and technical schools. While the application process for the F1 visa and the M-1 visa is the same, M1 visas are time-stamped upon entrance, and students cannot overstay their visit. |
M-2 Visa |
The M-2 non-immigrant visa permits the dependent spouse and children under the age of 21 of a valid M-1 student visa holder to visit the United States. |
How much does it take Cost of USA Student Visa:
The cost of USA study visa in the United States is determined by a number of criteria. The kind of student visa, application cost, SEVIS fees, and the course for which you have applied. The SEVIS charge is now $350. The application cost is nonrefundable and has a one-year validity period. SEVIS payments are not required for G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-7 visa holders. The application fee for F, J, and M student visas in the United States is $160.
Here is an overview of the several types of USA Student Visas:
Type of Fee |
F1 Visa |
J1 Visa |
M1 Visa |
SEVIS Fee (in USD) |
350 |
220 |
350 |
MRV Application Fee/ Visa Application Fee (in USD) |
160 |
160 |
160 |
USA student visa requirements for Sri Lanka
Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, and certificates are examples of academic preparation documents.
Evidence proving you have enough money to cover your living expenses throughout your stay in the United States.
This might include:
- Account statements
- A sponsor's financial commitment to pay your lodging and living expenses
- A scholarship scheme
Evidence that you intend to depart the United States after your studies are done.
This can take the shape of a plane ticket from the United States to your native country.
You may also be required to attend a personal interview at a US embassy or consulate.
English Language Requirements for the USA Student Visa
Essential Documents Required for M and F Visa
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A valid passport
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SEVP approved Acceptance
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Form I-20
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SEVIS application fee receipt
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Form DS-160 confirmation page
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Non-Immigrant visa application
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Passport size photograph
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Official academic transcripts
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Bank Statements
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Scholarship Letter (If applicable)
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Pay/salary slips
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Score sheet of exams like TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, etc.
How to Apply for a US Student Visa?
- Your visa application procedure begins when you get Form I-20 from your college. Though the SEVIS cost can be paid at any point during the application process, it is strongly advised that you pay the SEVIS I-901 charge before beginning your US visa application.
- You can apply for a DS-160 visa form after paying the SEVIS fee and receiving a receipt. It is a web-based application form.
- Bring the confirmation page from the application form to your interview.
- You must arrive in person for the Biometric appointment to have your photos taken for the visa, and your fingerprints scanned.
- During the personal interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about your choice, college, money, and plan to return. If he or she is persuaded, they will retain your passport with them until the visa is stamped. Here is a preparation guide for your F1 Visa Interview.
- Schedule both a biometric and an interview appointment.
- Take all relevant documents and double-check that they are all complete.
- Listen carefully to all of the questions before responding.
- Do not quarrel with the authorities if you disagree.
- Always dress neatly and formally.
- If you didn't understand the question the first time, you might ask the interviewee to repeat it.
- Put all of your papers in the proper order and format.
- Remember that while the interview process may be lengthy, it is not rocket science. You must be especially cautious with paperwork and avoid missing any stages. You will be needed to answer a variety of interview questions. Prepare for frequent interview questions for a US visa in advance.
- Carry a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States.
- Carry a printout of Form I-20 that has been signed by both you and the school to which you are applying.
How to Apply for a US Student Visa?
- Your visa application procedure begins when you get Form I-20 from your college. Though the SEVIS cost can be paid at any point during the application process, it is strongly advised that you pay the SEVIS I-901 charge before beginning your US visa application.
- You can apply for a DS-160 visa form after paying the SEVIS fee and receiving a receipt. It is a web-based application form.
- Bring the confirmation page from the application form to your interview.
- You must arrive in person for the Biometric appointment to have your photos taken for the visa, and your fingerprints scanned.
- During the personal interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about your choice, college, money, and plan to return. If he or she is persuaded, they will retain your passport with them until the visa is stamped. Here is a preparation guide for your F1 Visa Interview.
- Schedule both a biometric and an interview appointment.
- Take all relevant documents and double-check that they are all complete.
- Listen carefully to all of the questions before responding.
- Do not quarrel with the authorities if you disagree.
- Always dress neatly and formally.
- If you didn't understand the question the first time, you might ask the interviewee to repeat it.
- Put all of your papers in the proper order and format.
- Remember that while the interview process may be lengthy, it is not rocket science. You must be especially cautious with paperwork and avoid missing any stages. You will be needed to answer a variety of interview questions. Prepare for frequent interview questions for a US visa in advance.
- Carry a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States.
- Carry a printout of Form I-20 that has been signed by both you and the school to which you are applying.
What are the reasons for visa rejection for the USA
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You have not completed the Visa application completely.
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You have not submitted all of the required documentation.
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You failed to demonstrate eligibility for the Visa category.
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You were found guilty of a felony involving moral turpitude.
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You were convicted of a narcotics offence.
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You have two or more criminal convictions that might result in a cumulative sentence of five years in jail.
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You have not shown that you have sufficient funds to support your journey to the United States.
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You have distorted an important fact.
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You have stayed in the United States for a longer time than you intended.
Avoid Rejection of US Student Visa
What is dependent visa USA
- Complete your visa application. Even if you renew your visa, you must complete the online visa Form DS-160 and print the confirmation page.
- Schedule a meeting with the embassy or consulate. After that, you should schedule an appointment with your local embassy or consulate so that you may complete your visa interview as soon as possible. If you fulfil the exemption requirements, you may be eligible for a waiver of the interview requirement.
- Gather the necessary paperwork. You must prepare the original papers that were requested when you initially filed for your F-1 student visa, as well as obtain apostille stamps and translate them if necessary.
- Pay your visa application cost. If you are needed to pay a charge prior to your interview, make sure you do so since you will need to generate a fee receipt.
- Attend your visa interview. Finally, you can appear for your F-1 visa renewal interview. If you satisfy the same conditions as when you first filed for your F-1 student visa, you will most likely be granted a visa renewal.
Online Student Visa Application for USA
You must apply for your student visa online through the US Embassy and Consulates website. You can apply up to 120 days before the programme's commencement date. Remember that your application date is the date you pay your application fee.
If you are an aecc student who has received an offer letter from one of our US partner colleges, we can assist you with how to proceed with the application process. We'll keep you up to date on the most recent visa criteria and conditions, as well as assist you in preparing the necessary paperwork for the application.
Our professionals will lead you to official websites and authorised immigration representatives to guarantee that you get the most up-to-date application forms and information. We can also certify, translate, and courier your documents to save you time.